Assurance, benchmarking & stakeholder engagement

UK energy supplier RWE npower has asked us to act as independent assurance providers for its corporate responsibility report since 2006. This work has involved interviews with senior management and members of the company’s CR committee, visits to operating sites and detailed data checking.

Most recently, we assured npower's 2008 report using the new AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA100AS) released late last year. This involved examining the report against the three core principles of inclusivity, materiality and responsiveness. 

Our assurance statement in the npower 2008 corporate responsibility report

Green tariff verification

In 2009, we advised on and reviewed npower's application to the UK's Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme through our green tariff verification service. The application was successful and the company is now able to use the 'Green Energy Certified' label to promote Juice and National Trust Green Energy tariffs.

Benchmarking

Before our assurance work with npower began, in 2006 we used our Accountability Rating methodology to assess npower's reporting approach. We evaluated its strengths and areas for improvement in a range of areas including governance, management systems, assurance processes, and stakeholder engagement. We reported our findings alongside recommendations for improvement.

Stakeholder engagement

At the same time, we were asked by npower to identify stakeholders’ expectations and concerns on key corporate responsibility issues. This review involved research on stakeholder expectations, including interviews with regulators, NGOs, business customers, trade associations and local community bodies. The review was used to inform npower’s CR priorities and strategy.