Ameren outlines ESG, diversity achievements in sustainability report

Ameren Corp. published its annual sustainability report, which outlined the firm’s performance related to its environmental, social, governance (ESG) and sustainable growth commitments.

The report, called Powering a Smart, Sustainable Tomorrow, detailed the company’s progress toward achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions by 2045 across all company operations in Missouri and Illinois. It also discussed progress on interim greenhouse gas reduction targets of 60 percent and 85 percent (below 2005 levels) by 2030 and 2040. In addition, the report highlights achievements, including retiring its oldest and least efficient coal-fired plant and receiving approval to build a 200-megawatt solar facility.

“I’m proud that Ameren is taking steps every day to execute our strategy, optimizing our operations and safely completing billions of dollars of value-adding projects that are delivering strong results for our customers and shareholders today while also laying a solid foundation for the future,” Marty Lyons, president and CEO of Ameren, said.

In conjunction with the sustainability report, Ameren released its annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) report. This takes a deep dive deeper into Ameren’s programs and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, including work, home, and in the community. Among the highlights, Ameren spent approximately $1.1 billion with diverse suppliers in 2022, a 22 percent increase over 2021. It also invested $183 million in monetary and in-kind contributions to a variety of organizations.

“This past year, Ameren continued to take purposeful steps toward our sustainability goals because we are committed to delivering on the needs for all our stakeholders – our customers, communities, shareholders and environment,” Gwen Mizell, Ameren’s senior vice president, chief sustainability, diversity and philanthropy officer, said. “For example, by more fully integrating and aligning Sustainability with DEI, we maximize the positive social impact that Ameren can have today and in the future for all we serve. Looking forward, we look to fulfill our vision – Leading the Way to a Sustainable Energy Future – and facilitate the transition to cleaner energy, support environmental justice, and believe that everyone has a right to a clean, healthy environment and the many benefits that accompany a decarbonized economy.”

St. Louis-based Ameren provides energy for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in Missouri and Illinois.