Governance and responsible business

We're integrating sustainability and responsible business conduct into all our processes and decision-making

At Ørsted, strong governance is the foundation of our long-term success. It ensures that sustainability and integrity guide our decisions, shape our partnerships, and strengthen trust with stakeholders around the world.

We integrate sustainability across all aspects of our governance – from ethical conduct and responsible value chains to secure and resilient operations. Clear accountability at every level of our organisation supports transparency, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Ethical and responsible conduct

At Ørsted, we act with integrity in everything we do – from how we conduct business to how we manage tax and partnerships.

Good business conduct We operate with transparency and accountability, ensuring ethical decision-making and compliance across all markets.

Sustainable finance

We issue green and sustainability-linked financing to support our renewable energy build-out, ensuring that investors can contribute directly to positive environmental impact.

Learn more about sustainable finance

Human rights and responsible value chains

We’re committed to respecting human rights and promoting responsible practices throughout our global supply chain.

Responsible business partners

We expect the same high standards from our suppliers and partners as we do from ourselves – fostering trust and integrity across our value chain

Human rights

We integrate human rights due diligence into our business operations, ensuring that people are respected and protected wherever we operate.

Our salient human rights

We’ve identified key human rights areas most relevant to Ørsted’s activities, helping us manage risk and strengthen our global impact.

Sourcing metals and minerals responsibly

We work with suppliers to ensure that the materials used in renewable energy are sourced ethically and sustainably.

Secure and resilient operations

As a global energy company, we work to ensure reliable, secure, and sustainable operations that protect people, assets, and data.

Health and safety

We promote a safe, healthy, and supportive workplace by combining high safety standards with a holistic approach to physical, mental, and social well-being.

Reliable and secure renewable energy

We safeguard our systems through strong cybersecurity and resilient design – protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring reliable, stable power delivery.

Water management

We minimise our water footprint by improving efficiency, reusing water, and safeguarding local ecosystems, with a focus on areas where freshwater is limited.

People management

For information on Ørsted’s people management, DEI, and related policies, visit our Careers page.

ESG ratings and reporting

At Ørsted, we report transparently on our environmental, social, and governance performance through a wide range of annual disclosures. We also undergo independent ESG assessments, where we consistently rank among the world’s most sustainable energy companies. Explore and download relevant information here.

Policies and positions

Our policies provide a clear framework for how we operate as a responsible business – from human rights and labour practices to biodiversity, tax, and ethical conduct. They set out the standards we follow as well as the expectations we place on our partners and suppliers. Read and download our policies and positions here.

Decarbonisation

We met our target of reducing the intensity of our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 98% from 2006 to 2025 – and are now tackling scope 3 emissions from sales of gas and our supply chain. All this will help us meet our 2040 net-zero target for greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more here.

Biodiversity

We are integrating biodiversity protection and restoration into every project we develop – aiming for a net-positive impact on nature from 2030. Through pioneering frameworks, partnerships, and pilot projects, we’re developing practical ways to restore ecosystems on land and at sea. Learn more about Ørsted and biodiversity.

Three technicians in front of the building

Community impact

It is our position that Ørsted projects should benefit the communities where we operate. We want to be a positive force, and we depend on good relations and trust to succeed with our projects. Discover how we’re living up to this responsibility in communities around the world.