Our Sustainability Plan and Goals
This sustainability plan reflects Duke Energy’s commitment to operate in a way that is good for people, the planet and profits.
It is aligned with the company’s business strategy and values, and requires us to strike the right long-term balance among the interests of our diverse stakeholders. This plan was updated in early 2013, based on feedback from stakeholders and in light of our merger with Progress Energy. We received feedback from stakeholders representing customer, community, environmental, investment and academic organizations.
Stakeholder input
While stakeholders felt that the five focus areas were still sound, they challenged us to develop additional goals, particularly in our fourth and fifth focus areas. To address this feedback, we have developed new community, governance and transparency goals. Most other goals have been updated to reflect the expanded footprint of the merged company.
What it includes
The “What it includes” section is new to this plan. It was added to address stakeholder requests for better clarity on key activities and programs within our five focus areas. This section does not endeavor to include every sustainability initiative under way at Duke Energy — and there are many. This plan will continue to evolve to reflect stakeholder feedback and our changing business environment.
We will report on our progress against these goals in future sustainability reports.


Provide affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy.
Why it matters: Our customers expect us to provide the essentials, while innovating for the future.
What it includes:
- Affordable rates despite rising costs in today’s electric utility industry
- Energy efficiency options that help customers control their energy use and save money
- Power grid modernization
- Reliable energy supply and delivery
- Storm/emergency preparedness and response
- Renewable power, energy storage and transmission investments
- Readiness for increased adoption of plug-in electric vehicles


Reduce our environmental footprint.
Why it matters: As an energy company, we have a large impact on the environment and depend on natural resources for our fuel.
What it includes:
- Generation fleet modernization
- Retirements of older coal plants
- Preserving the option to add new, carbon-free nuclear capacity
- Research and development of clean energy technologies
- Air, water and natural resource protection
- Waste reduction and recycling
- Greener buildings and vehicles to support our operations


Attract, develop and retain a diverse, high-quality workforce.
Why it matters: Our future success largely depends on the quality, creativity and engagement of our workforce.
What it includes:
- Worker health and safety as a core value and a daily priority
- A diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can reach their full potential
- Strategic workforce planning, recruiting and hiring to preserve our talent advantage
- Community college and university partnerships that help build a pipeline of energy workers
- Employee development and training
- Performance management and rewards


Help build strong and resilient communities.
Why it matters: In good and bad economic times, our success depends on the strength of the communities we serve.
What it includes:
- Economic development to attract companies to our service territories
- Strategic charitable giving that creates measurable results
- Low-income energy assistance programs
- Employee and retiree volunteerism that makes a real difference
- Innovative public/private partnerships to improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, workforce skills and quality of life
- Public safety education and awareness


Deliver industry-leading shareholder value, governance and transparency.
Why it matters: Being profitable and earning the trust and confidence of our many stakeholders keeps us in business.
What it includes:
- Financial and risk management to keep our bottom line strong
- Corporate governance practices that protect our shareholders and our reputation
- Ethics and compliance programs that hold us to high standards of conduct
- Supply chain management practices that save money, help the environment and build relationships with diverse suppliers
- Participation in the political process to help shape sound public policy
- Clear and timely communication with our stakeholders