With the motto “No source of pollution is insignificant,” Elin’s comprehensive Corporate Responsibility program “Push” significantly contributes to combating marine pollution. With a strong presence in the energy sector both in Greece and internationally for 70 years (since its inception in 1954), Elin demonstrates notable responsibility regarding the impact of its activities on the natural environment. The initiatives it implements to reduce its environmental footprint extend to every stage of its business operations. This activity has expanded as part of the company’s energy transition.
As the oldest company in its sector in Greece, Elin has evolved from a traditional fuel company into a modern, integrated energy group constantly seeking new paths for the future. Recognizing the real demands of the times, Elin has shifted towards milder forms of energy, adopting environmentally friendly practices in its internal operations and products, and implementing initiatives to strengthen the communities in which it operates.
A year ago, the company began implementing its comprehensive Corporate Responsibility program “Push,” which applies practices fully aligned with the ESG philosophy, supporting initiatives and actions contributing to sustainable development.
As part of the program and as a company closely linked to the sea—with a dynamic presence in Greece’s largest marinas—Elin recognizes the significant problem of marine water pollution and the dangers that fuels and lubricants can cause if leaks occur. For this reason, it implements an innovative program to raise awareness and educate the local communities of the Greek islands about marine water pollution in collaboration with the organization Aegean Rebreath and the Blue Municipalities Network.
With the core message “No source of pollution is insignificant,” Elin’s staff visit islands of the Blue Municipalities Network (a coalition of 19 island and coastal municipalities), along with experts from Aegean Rebreath, to educate local fishermen and port authorities on effectively addressing marine pollution. Aiming not only to provide theoretical knowledge but also the practical ability to apply it when needed, Elin also donates anti-pollution equipment, including all the necessary tools to enable local communities to become guardians and managers of the marine ecosystem.
The company has already visited six islands: Santorini, Lefkada, Alonissos, Poros, Paros, and Antiparos. The value of the program was quickly demonstrated in practice: a few days after the delivery of the relevant equipment, a pollution incident occurred at the port of Vlychada in Santorini. The knowledge and equipment available to the local community proved crucial for the timely containment of the pollution and the prevention of greater harm to the marine ecosystem before the coast guard arrived.
This year, the initiative is being expanded and upgraded with the introduction of the Marine Census program for collecting and analyzing data on marine pollution in the country’s ports, acknowledging the lack of systematic recording and understanding of the impact of marine pollution on the islands. Data collection is conducted using an underwater remotely operated vehicle (RoV), which can also assist in retrieving nets from the seabed. The Hellenic Center for Marine Research then analyzes and evaluates the samples, offering valuable insights to local communities about pollution sources and the development of specialized policies to address them.
Therefore, the program “No source of pollution is insignificant” comprehensively and integrally supports the islands of the Blue Municipalities Network, significantly contributing to addressing pollution and protecting the marine ecosystem. Elin once again proves that it continues to operate with the responsibility and reliability that have characterized it for seven decades.
