HELLENiQ ENERGY

HELLENiQ ENERGY is at the forefront of the collective effort to reduce the impacts of climate change, placing particular emphasis on actions and initiatives that strengthen resilience against natural disasters, which have been intensifying in recent years. In this context, the company is developing a holistic Disaster Management Support Program aimed at safeguarding local communities, protecting the environment and critical infrastructure, promoting the natural regeneration of forests, and preserving social cohesion. The goal of the program is to address all aspects of natural disaster management, including prevention, response, and recovery, while maximizing its positive impact on society and the environment.

The program is addressed to:

- Government (relevant Ministries)
- Local Authorities
- Public Services (Civil Protection, Forestry Services)
- Fire Brigade and EMAK (Special Disaster Response Units)
- Volunteer fire protection groups
- Affected communities
- Citizens and local communities in high-risk areas (Attica, Macedonia, Thessaly, Corinthia) that are impacted by natural disasters
- Members of EKO Smile

2021 – present. The program has a long-term nature with prevention, immediate intervention, and restoration actions implemented gradually from 2021 to the present and continuing into 2025.

HELLENiQ ENERGY has developed the Support Program for the Holistic Management of Natural Disasters as part of its strategic planning to address the impacts of climate change and related actions to reduce them. Through the implementation of the Program, it aims to strengthen society’s resilience to the increasingly severe consequences of climate change, contributing with targeted initiatives and a comprehensive plan across the pillars of PREVENTION, RESPONSE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT, RECOVERY. The Program is long-term in nature with truly measurable results, integrating actions for technological and operational support, reinforcement of state and volunteer agencies, as well as social solidarity for those affected.

Specifically, the most important actions implemented under each pillar are listed below.

Under the "Prevention" pillar, HELLENiQ ENERGY supported the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in 2024 by covering the operating costs of the emergency operation centers in Attica and Central Macedonia, as well as the leasing costs of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for aerial surveillance in 10 high-risk forest areas in Attica and Central Macedonia. The drones provided 24-hour surveillance over peri-urban forest areas, including Parnitha, Penteli, Hymettus, Oreokastro, and Seich Sou, with the aim of timely detection, immediate mobilization, and prompt response to fire outbreaks; providing information to the responsible services for coordination of ground forces; mapping inaccessible areas; and covering other operational needs.
 Since 2021, the Group has supported the 2nd EMAK with a surveillance drone, and in the same direction, it consistently supports Volunteer Fire Protection Groups in Attica and Central Macedonia, with around 560 volunteers, providing fuel for patrols and rapid interventions, as well as protective equipment and the necessary gear.

Under the "Immediate Response and Social Support" pillar, HELLENiQ ENERGY has adopted the principle of immediate and substantial mobilization during natural disasters or times of crisis. During wildfires, the Group operationally supports the Fire Brigade with specialized equipment and fuel. At the same time, EKO tankers, a subsidiary of HELLENiQ ENERGY, contribute to the refueling of both ground and aerial firefighting means.

In 2023, in response to the devastating floods in Thessaly, the Group acted immediately and, in collaboration with the Hellenic Red Cross, provided essential supplies—41,000 packages of food, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items—to those affected, through EKO and bp service stations in Thessalian cities including Volos, Larissa, Trikala, and Karditsa.

Under the "Recovery" pillar, the Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, has undertaken large-scale restoration projects following devastating wildfires. From 2022 to the present, anti-erosion works have been carried out in four areas: Varybobi, Schinos in Corinthia, Western Attica, and Rapentosa in Marathon. These works aim at the immediate mitigation of soil erosion, the acceleration of natural regeneration, and the protection of nearby settlements from severe flooding events. These projects cover a total area of over 32,000 stremmas (approx. 2,900 hectares), part of which lies within NATURA areas. ASPROFOS, a subsidiary of the Group, was responsible for technical supervision, while Forest Cooperatives from various regions of Greece were involved in the implementation. The works were carried out using ecological materials, relying exclusively on burned trees and branches from the affected areas.

In 2023, the Group undertook a reforestation project in the area of Karakanta Spring in Penteli, planting 12,000 trees. This environmental project aimed at restoring a forest ecosystem over an area of 170 stremmas (17 hectares), and included soil preparation, planting of forestry species, maintenance, irrigation, and plant care for two years to ensure the success of the reforestation effort.

Furthermore, through the EKO Smile loyalty program, members had the opportunity to contribute to the Group’s reforestation initiative by converting their Smile points into trees, which EKO, a subsidiary of the Group, then doubled in number.

HELLENiQ ENERGY continues its restoration efforts with a new reforestation project on Mount Penteli in the fall of 2025. In the same spirit, EKO is launching a 2025 awareness campaign through the EKO Smile app, through which members and the general public can participate by simply clicking in the app—each click corresponding to the planting of one tree.

At the same time, in 2024, the Group supported the relevant Ministries by covering the cost of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) used to map and assess the damage caused by the devastating summer wildfires, providing critical data for planning interventions, supporting affected individuals, and contributing overall to the efforts of the responsible authorities.

Through these three pillars, the Support Program for the Holistic Management of Natural Disasters by HELLENiQ ENERGY acts as a catalyst for the prevention, response, and recovery from the effects of natural disasters. Through technological and social support, reinforcement of state and volunteer agencies, and substantial contributions to affected communities, the Group achieves a full intervention cycle, highlighting its role as a reliable partner to both society and the State.

As part of the Support Program for the Holistic Management of Natural Disasters, HELLENiQ ENERGY has developed partnerships with institutional, operational, and local stakeholders. Specifically, the Program is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministries of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, as well as Environment and Energy, effectively strengthening public-private cooperation and contributing to enhancing the effectiveness of state interventions for the benefit of citizens overall—especially those affected by the impacts of the climate crisis, as well as vulnerable groups.

HELLENiQ ENERGY also works with Forestry Services, the Fire Brigade, and EMAK units to carry out technical interventions in the natural environment, provide technological equipment and fuel, and reinforce the operational readiness of the relevant agencies. In addition, the Group joins forces with the Hellenic Red Cross, contributing to the rapid distribution of essential supplies to those affected from the very first hours.

At the same time, the Program supports Volunteer Fire Protection Groups, which play a vital role in fire vigilance and protection during the fire season. In collaboration with Local Authorities, local needs are mapped and interventions are implemented to support affected population groups.

This multi-level support creates a dynamic and effective network of protection and resilience for local communities.

The Program includes the support of local Volunteer Fire Protection Groups, primarily in Attica and Central Macedonia. Approximately 560 active volunteers were supported during the fire season with fuel and operational resources, enabling them to conduct patrols and respond immediately in emergency situations.

Their participation represents a vital link in the chain of prevention and rapid response, strengthening the collective sense of responsibility toward the natural environment and local communities.

Attica (Parnitha, Penteli, Hymettus, Marathonas in Eastern Attica, Western Attica/Thriasio Plain)

Central Macedonia (Oreokastro, Seich Sou, Thermi)

Thessaly

Corinthia (Schinos)

The Support Program for the Holistic Management of Natural Disasters had an immediate, multifaceted, and measurable impact on local communities, volunteer organizations, and public infrastructure during periods of natural disasters. The results of the Program reflect the core of its intervention: prevention, reinforcement, and recovery.

More specifically, within the framework of prevention, ten critical forest areas in Attica and Central Macedonia were monitored for four months, from June to September 2024, using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The surveillance was supported by operational centers, the functioning of which was funded by HELLENiQ ENERGY. At the same time, local Volunteer Fire Protection Groups in Attica and Central Macedonia were strengthened, involving 560 volunteers. Thanks to this effort, early detection of fire outbreaks and immediate response before their spread became possible.

In terms of emergency response and social support, the Group mobilized promptly during the 2023 floods in Thessaly, distributing nearly 41,000 packages of food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items to those affected. Distribution took place through EKO and bp service stations in six cities across Thessaly. Additionally, HELLENiQ ENERGY provided operational support to the Fire Brigade with equipment, fuel, and tankers for refueling aerial firefighting units during wildfire events.

In the area of recovery, HELLENiQ ENERGY undertook large-scale environmental restoration projects. Anti-erosion works were carried out in three areas of Attica (Varybobi, Western Attica, Rapentosa in Marathon), and in Schinos, Corinthia, covering a total area of over 32,000 stremmas (approx. 2,900 hectares). In addition, in 2023, a reforestation project was implemented in Penteli, with 12,000 trees planted across 170 stremmas, and further reforestation is planned for fall 2025.

This comprehensive intervention strengthens preparedness, resilience, and environmental recovery in critical areas, leaving a tangible mark of social and operational responsibility.

HELLENiQ ENERGY, as part of its Corporate Responsibility Programs and as a responsible social partner, implements actions that play a substantial role in strengthening the resilience of local communities and protecting the natural environment. Through the Support Program for the Holistic Management of Natural Disasters, which combines prevention, immediate intervention, and recovery, the Group actively contributes to addressing critical challenges related to natural disasters and the consequences of climate change.

HELLENiQ ENERGY’s contribution to both the prevention and restoration of natural disasters has been recognized by the State with the awarding of honorary distinctions. As part of its funding for the leasing of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), the company was honored by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on December 10, 2024, and was also awarded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy on March 21, 2025, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, for its participation in the “Restoration and Reforestation Sponsors” initiative.

The Program is fully aligned with the principles of Sustainable Development and the Group’s broader ESG strategy, aligning its actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13 – Climate Action

SDG 15 – Life on Land

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

At the same time, the Program strengthens the Group’s relationship with the regions where it operates, reinforcing the social fabric, supporting both volunteer and institutional organizations, and contributing to a collective culture of responsibility and preparedness.

The overall implementation of the Program reaffirms HELLENiQ ENERGY’s commitment to sustainable development with a positive impact on society and the environment.