Impact Annual Report 2018 by IGS Energy

Impact Giving with Purpose

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Dear Friends, In 2014, we published our very first Impact report. While we were excited to share the amazing things that IGS was doing in the community through philanthropy and volunteerism, we recognized that the report didn’t quite capture the entirety of the positive impact that the company was having on our employees, our customers, the community, or the environment. At the time, we referred to that report – and the team responsible for the activities we were reporting on – as our community investment report and our Community Investment team. But since then, the work of the team has evolved. And this year, in response to that fact, we changed the team name from Community Investment to the Social Impact team. Today, the work of the Social Impact team is broader than just investing dollars and time into the community. It’s paying attention to the entirety of our impact. We see ourselves as internal champions for growth and change that lead to a better world.

Making an Impact

And you’ll begin to see that reflected within this report, too. Here are some examples: • We’re getting serious about Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion – we call it DEBI – and we’ve made an organizational commitment to get better. We’re starting by listening to our employees through interviews and focus groups and educating leadership on what inclusivity really means. • We’re studying IGS’ impact on the environment. We want to reduce our employees’ workplace-related environmental impact and create products that contribute to a clean, smart, and efficient energy future. • We are looking to the tenets of Conscious Capitalism to drive and inspire our business decisions (Higher Purpose, Stakeholder Orientation, Conscious Leadership, and Conscious Culture). We’re proud of this work and we’re excited to share a snapshot of it within this report. With gratitude,

Jen Bowden Director, Social Impact

Impact Annual Report 2018

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided By a Bigger Purpose

Leadership Grant Program

Discover IGS’ journey to define our purpose and how it’s

Read about several nonprofits supported by IGS employees

being embraced across the company.

who share their time and talents in a variety of leadership positions.

On the Grid

Time, Talent & Dollars

Learn more about IGS’ multi-year partnership with

Find out how IGS supported the communities

GRID Alternatives, the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer.

we serve in 2018.

Organizations We Support

What’s Next

Explore the organizations IGS is proud to support

Check out what’s in store for Social Impact at IGS

across the country.

over the next 12 months.

Impact

Giving with Purpose

THE IGS PURPOSE:

To build a meaningful energy future together

Impact

Giving with Purpose

Guided By a Bigger Purpose

urpose over profits. President &

intentional and authentic as we approached

Chief Executive Officer of the IGS

this effort, which led us to Storyforge,”

family of companies, Scott White,

said Scott of the brand strategy firm IGS

said that while this philosophy has always

enlisted. Over the course of nine months,

been a central focus for the multi-brand en-

employees and customers were surveyed to

ergy company, a definitive purpose state-

describe the what and why IGS is here. The

ment had not yet been articulated as of

agency was instrumental in helping IGS to

2018. “At that point, it was more of a high-

begin the process of framing up the things

er-level acknowledgement that we are not

that really mattered most.

just bottom-line driven,” said Scott. Without question, the path to creating meaningful change is paved by a clear sense of purpose. This is definitely true of businesses (like IGS) that align themselves with the Conscious Capitalism movement, which is led by four guiding principles, including higher purpose, stakeholder orientation, conscious leadership, and conscious culture. Scott discovered the notion of Conscious Capitalism after reading Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business, written by Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey and economist Raj Sisodia. He discovered that it put words to his passion for ‘purpose over profits’ and helped to jumpstart the process of creating IGS’ purpose statement.

Shared motivations

Connecting the past and present When IGS began in 1989, deregulation was opening up the natural gas market in Ohio, thanks to the efforts of IGS’ co-founder (and Scott’s father, Marv). This was an important shift, as gas consumers were now able to purchase from sources beyond just the utility. “In the decades that followed, many customers who chose IGS were actually choosing a supplier for the very first time,” said Scott. This change represented an important opportunity to help educate people on their energy options, which became the cornerstone of IGS’ approach to serving commercial and residential customers alike. “An educated customer is our best customer,” IGS’ EVP & chief sales officer

The desire to define IGS’ purpose was also

of commercial & industrial sales, Doug

shared by members of IGS’ Empower Your

Austin, often says. The more informed

Career class, an internal, high-intensity

customers are, the greater the opportunity

leadership training program for high-

for innovation and positive change in the

potential employees. “We knew we had to be

market.

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Giving with Purpose

“If we’re successful in educating our customers on what they’re paying and what they’re purchasing, we’ve made it easier for them to create their own power,” explained Scott. Together with the valuable insights of employees and Storyforge’s work, IGS crafted a purpose statement to lead the company into the future (that also remained true to the past). To build a meaningful energy future together.

The next generation of energy Without question, the energy landscape is complicated, but IGS’ leadership views it as an opportunity to identify ways to work together to introduce products, services, and technologies to solve a need in the market. “When we’re talking about our purpose, it’s truly going to be about how energy looks different in the future,” said Jenni Kovach, IGS’ chief people officer. This includes putting the sustainability of the planet first, along with finding ways to integrate products and services to consumers that reduce environmental impact. At the heart of meeting the energy needs of tomorrow is the importance IGS places on investing in innovation. “We try to hire and bring in the people who are continually looking at the ways in which we can do things better,” said Jenni. She pointed to the creation of IGS Labs—an internal research & development team focused on innovation—as a prime example of the company’s purpose in action. This culture of cultivating innovative thinking is ingrained throughout the organization, as well, with ample opportunities for learning and development to help employees think outside the box, such as the Innovation Champions program and an internal hackathon planned for the fall of 2019.

“When we’re talking about our purpose, it’s truly going to be about how energy looks different in the future.” — Jenni Kovach Chief People Officer, IGS

Prioritizing the communities IGS serves IGS recognizes that people are at the core of everything the company does. “We all have the opportunity to execute on our purpose, every single day. By working together with our customers and our communities, we’ll inspire positive change,” said Jenni. “It’s all about reaching out and connecting with them not only through education, but by simply showing we care. It’s about giving back to the places in which we live and work. We want our employees, customers, and the

Impact Annual Report 2018

“If we’re successful in educating our customers on what they’re paying and what they’re purchasing, we’ve made it easier for them to create their own power.” — Scott White President and CEO , IGS

community to know that we’re connected and we’re in this together,” added Jenni.

Keeping a keen eye on the big picture “By continually evaluating what we can do better and in a more efficient and effective way, we’re living out our purpose. It takes all of us here, working together, to help make things happen,” said Scott. To do this, IGS recognizes that there’s a necessity to be well-versed in the regulatory and financial landscapes, while also ensuring there’s a robust and passionate team of employees committed to taking care of customers directly. Together, this allows for innovative products and services to be woven into IGS’ offering, whether it’s battery storage or solar energy solutions. “As we go about every second of our work day, we must leverage our purpose statement in order to be effective as an employee, a business, and as a member of our community,” explained Scott. “I think the future looks very bright.”

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Giving with Purpose

What Does IGS’ Purpose Mean to You? We asked three IGS employees to share how they’re embracing the IGS purpose.

“I am a partner in building a meaningful energy future, and in order to be an effective partner, I need to be involved. I feel a sense of purpose and duty to help our consumers think about the environment and what we can all do, together, to build our future. Whether it’s through green energy initiatives or getting involved in Nest and residential energy efficiency programs using water heaters, I always try to learn how it all connects to IGS’ purpose and what I can do to promote and activate that purpose.” Brian Panwala Lead Residential Account Manager Home Services

Impact Annual Report 2018

“To me, the word ‘together’ means that we are bringing the customer along on the journey. I consider it my job to do two things: 1) Provide value to the customer from a ‘feel-good perspective,’ and 2) consider the programs and services we—as a team—can design and implement in order to leverage renewable energy in the future. In order to do both of these things, my team and I need to make sure we’re connecting with the other lines of business across IGS and that we are working together to provide value and create the programs and services our customers deserve. And, as we do all of this, it’s also our job to make our customers feel as though they are a part of the IGS family and that they ultimately trust that we are providing them with the right energy options.”

Reagan Mamer Senior Manager, Products and Pricing Home Services

“For me, the IGS purpose means that building a meaningful energy future together starts with me being a contributor by making changes to my energy consumption habits. Presently, my family utilizes Nest learning thermostats, and smart LED bulbs to monitor and control our energy costs. In the summer of 2020, we are planning to install an EV Level 2 charger in anticipation of purchasing an electric vehicle in the near future. Also, when the economics of solar finally make sense in Ohio, I believe my family will be in the market for solar panels!” Kulu Moyo Risk Analyst Finance and Accounting

Impact

Giving with Purpose

Measuring Our Impact As a leader in the energy industry, we continue to advocate for an engaged society, seeking positive changes in the way we manage and consume our energy resources. But there’s a larger purpose that guides our work at IGS every day. In 2018, we introduced our purpose statement to articulate our intent: To build a meaningful energy future together. Over the past year, as we thought about our social impact work through the lens of our purpose statement, we realized we needed to be more specific about what it was that we were trying to achieve through our charitable giving and philanthropic relationships. “We weren’t quite sure how to capture the impact of the work we were already doing and didn’t have a concise, specific answer to the question, ‘How has the world changed because of the time and dollars we’ve invested philanthropically?’” said Jen Bowden, director of social impact with IGS. That’s why IGS Impact started work with Mission Measurement—an organization whose work helps identify what philanthropic investments are actually working. So how are we evaluating what social return on investment we’re getting from the dollars we invest? “We’re creating a strategy that translates our social impact activities to outcomes,” said Jen. Rather than asking, ‘What did we do?’ we’re asking, ‘What changed in the world because of our involvement?’ Outcomes reflect changes that we can credibly claim contributed to long-term impact. And impact helps us truly build a meaningful energy future together.

How to Make Social Impact In order to measure impact, it’s beneficial to align program activities with clearly defined outcomes.

Impact Long-term changes at a community level that result from multiple interventions over time. Examples: poverty rates, climate change, etc.

Outcomes The desired changes in status, condition, or behavior that result from a discrete programmatic intervention. Outcomes can occur at the individual or organizational level. Examples: reduced unwanted teen pregnancy, STEM interest, etc.

Program Activities The discrete program strategies or interventions used by nonprofit/social programs to achieve outcomes. Examples: mentoring, science fair competitions, projectbased learning, etc.

The Face of IGS ENSURING EVERYONE FEELS INCLUDED AND HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AT IGS

ur employees, through informal feedback and engagement surveys, have shared that the company could do better when it comes to diversity. The surveys also revealed that doing so would lead to a better workplace and would align with our focus on truly being a “best place to work.”

“When we started the company 30 years ago, we hired mainly through referrals. And while this approach has served us well with very talented people, we now want to cast a wider net to ensure we’re bringing in a more diverse candidate pool with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives,” reflects Scott.

“We want everyone who walks through our door to feel free to be themselves,” says Jenni Kovach, chief people officer. “And in order to get to that level of comfort, we had to take a look at ourselves, starting from the inside out.”

“We don’t want anyone ever feeling like, ‘Why doesn’t anyone look like me?’ here. We are focused on putting dedicated time and resources into creating a work environment where employees say, ‘We have a really great, inclusive culture, here,’ and really mean it,” says Jenni.

Scott White, president and CEO, and Jenni began to have serious conversations around diversity, belonging, and inclusion. By examining data about the diversity of our employees and our leadership, they realized that the company didn’t reflect the type of inclusive culture that employees wanted. In January, Scott introduced DEBI to IGS employees: Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion. It’s both an acronym for the pillars that IGS will be focused on and a name for the effort that Jenni hopes employees will embrace.

These changes will take time, but Scott and Jenni are committed to these efforts. “After all, when a business has broader representation across their employees, it’s going to help the way in which business decisions are made because there is more perspective,” says Jenni. And that’s exactly what the plan is: To shift toward a broader, more inclusive and diverse culture that will only help IGS continue being a great place to work.

Scott recognizes that IGS has not achieved the inclusive culture that he knows is possible. He and the other leaders at IGS feel that DEBI is critical to ensuring that employees experience a sense of belonging, that the company will be as innovative as possible and that we’re attracting and retaining the very best talent from as wide and diverse a pool as possible.

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Giving with Purpose

Over a of families in the U.S. report that they feel they are just getting by, and over report that they could not pay a $400 emergency expense without borrowing or selling something. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Aspen Institute & Commonwealth Report April 2019

Impact Annual Report 2018

Planning for the Unplanned WHEN HARD TIMES AFFECT OUR EMPLOYEES, IGS IS HERE TO HELP

I fell two months ago and had to have surgery. My medical bills are piling up and I’m starting to really worry.” — IGS EMPLOYEE

Facing the unplanned is a part of life. No one can really be fully prepared when a natural disaster or personal tragedy strikes. In these instances, IGS is here to lend a helping hand. That’s why IGS has created the Employee Hardship Fund; a program to help support our employees when life events affect their ability to cover their essential expenses like rent or utility payments, or food or gas costs. Whether it’s personal tragedy, a natural disaster, or a medical condition, there is hope on the other side of these situations. As a business, it’s important that we support our employees while they are at work, but also, that we do what we can to help them outside of work.

Our Employee Hardship Fund is administered by the Salvation Army, so employees can apply directly to them and maintain complete anonymity. And, given that Salvation Army has locations nationwide, our IGS employees can connect with their local office, anywhere and at any time. Once their application has been received, the Salvation Army contacts the applicant and works to connect them with the resources they may need to get back on their feet.

It’s IGS’ way of helping our employees plan for the unplanned. Our Employee Hardship Fund has been in place since 2015 and between 2015 and 2017, we have successfully distributed $60,000 to support employees who are facing uncertain life events that have left them financially stressed. Employees may also donate to the fund to help their co-workers in need, too. The support is full-circle and that’s precisely the culture we continue to create here at IGS.

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Giving with Purpose

Using Our Skills to End Homelessness

n 2018, IGS partnered with the Community Shelter Board, a nonprofit driving strategy and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for anyone facing homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County. “We had started doing skills-based pro bono partnerships with several businesses within the community,” says Melissa Garver, development director, Community Shelter Board. “IGS came onto our radar through meeting with Jen Bowden, IGS’ director of Social Impact. She’s helped us to develop a great rapport with IGS and, in turn, they’ve become a supporter of our programs and services,” she explains. Garver explains that—as a nonprofit—the Community Shelter Board doesn’t always have access to as many employees, resources and funds that they would like. And, at the time of the conversation between Bowden and Garver, the Shelter Board was about to embark on a new campaign to engage more citizens and businesses within the community, so they may support efforts to

decrease homelessness in Columbus. This campaign would require a brand, a logo, and many design and messaging deliverables. “Only, it costs a lot of money to engage an outside resource for this effort,” says Garver. Bowden thought of IGS’ Creative Team and wondered if they might be interested in contributing some of their time and skills to a project focused on ending homelessness. Over time, IGS’ creative leads and graphic designers were pulled into discussions with Garver and her team around this campaign. The goals became two-fold: 1. Engage more citizens in the Community Shelter Board’s mission, and 2. Compel the community to make a gift to the shelter to help those who are facing homelessness. Together, they began to build an engaging, captivating “look and feel” to this effort to end homelessness. A comprehensive toolkit was built for the Community Shelter Board to use, complete with a campaign name, logo,

tag line, imagery/visuals, communication tools and a social media strategy. Launching in 2019, the campaign will come to be known as “Homeless.” Taking on a skills-based nonprofit project is about increasing nonprofit capacity and also leveraging the expertise of IGS employees. Through this campaign, which aligned so well with IGS Impact, we were able to share resources, time, and talent to help a fellow “friend” in our community step forward in a meaningful and impactful way. IGS engages in several skills-based volunteer projects each year – saving nonprofit organizations tens of thousands of dollars. In 2018, our employees built apps for Down syndrome walks, created a database for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, facilitated Human Resources audits for a senior living facility, performed an IT audit for St. Vincent’s Family Center, helped brainstorm ways to make IT workforce development training more meaningful, and created IT security for a halfway house for young women.

Impact Annual Report 2018

Examples of IGS’ Work on Community Shelter Board’s “Homeless” Campaign The campaign, which includes a variety of creative facets such as visuals, communication tools, and a social media strategy, were all created by IGS employees.

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Giving with Purpose

employee leadership

IGS Employee Leadership Grant Program Turning Community Passion into a Reality

ot only is it our job to build a meaningful energy future together, but it’s also our job to do meaningful and impactful work in—and for—the communities where we live, work, and play. Here at IGS, we feel that our employees are our best asset and we want them to share their knowledge, skills, and interests not only within the walls of our offices, but also within the communities we serve. That’s why we have the Employee Leadership Grant Program – a grant that we provide to nonprofits who have employees serving in a leadership capacity – a board or a committee where they get to support the organization’s work while serving in a leadership role. We hope that by increasing nonprofits’ access to specialized skills, we can increase our employees’ overall sense of purpose. Here are a few ways in which our very own IGS employees have leveraged an Employee Leadership Grant to support nonprofits that are near and dear to them.

Impact Annual Report 2018

“

This organization has become a passion of mine and I’m doing what I can to help destigmatize mental illness and those conversations around mental illness.

“

KRISTIN CHEK-McCHESNEY

Mental Health America of Franklin County

For Kristin Chek-McChesney, assistant general counsel, getting involved with Mental Health America of Franklin County all started because she has a friend that works there. Kristin joined the organization’s board two years ago simply to help donate her time. She knew it was important to give back to the community and her friend suggested she volunteer as part of Mental Health America’s board. Two years later, Kristin is still passionate about her involvement. “This organization has become a passion of mine and I’m doing what I can to help destigmatize mental illness and those conversations around mental illness,” says Kristin. Kristin goes on to explain that there are many people who are impacted by mental health issues and/or know of someone who is impacted. In fact, mental health issues affect one in five people—a sobering statistic. Kristin leveraged the Employee Leadership Grant to do her part in helping those with mental illness to seek and receive the treatment they need and deserve. Specifically, the Employee Leadership Grant went toward the sponsorship of two signature Mental Health America events.

pro-bono counseling and peer support groups.” The other is a spring event, Give Mom the Mic—a benefit event that supports moms who have suffered from postpartum depression. The money raised from this event goes toward increasing perinatal outreach and maternal health programs for moms. Kristin says that because of her involvement with the organization, her sensitivity to new moms who are returning to work is extremely heightened. “Before my involvement with Mental Health America, I would not have thought that through or perhaps made the connection for our new moms. Now, I do.” Kristin says that there are a couple of ways in which your passion for volunteering will find—and fulfill—you. “For me, it was more of the organization finding me – I happen to be lucky!” But, she explains, use your personal network to find ways in which you, too, can get involved. “Through your network, you’re more likely to be encouraged to continue on.”

“One is the fall event, Laughing Away the Blues, where we bring in comedians into a fun, light-hearted night. The money raised from this event goes toward helping to support

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employee leadership

Become involved. Find your passion. JASON RICHARDS

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Jason Richards, operations manager, says that his purpose in getting involved with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board is to make a positive impact with the people around him. He donates his time, skills and effort to help out with the hospital’s events and charities.

“The Slice of Columbus is one of six events that the hospital’s development board puts on,” explains Jason. “It’s typically held at the Columbus Commons and all kinds of pizza shops around Columbus sell pizza and all proceeds raised and donated go toward the hospital. What better way to raise money – eat pizza!” Jason also explains that as part of his three years on the board, he’s also been a part of the Great Columbus Duck Race where they “release” rubber ducks into the Scioto River during the city’s annual Food Truck Festival. “Participants can enter to race their ducks and prizes can get up to $5,000 for winning ducks!” In 2018, Jason not only led the board’s sponsorship committee for the duck race, but he also leveraged IGS’ Employee Leadership Grant to help sponsor the event and he used the grant to help pay for the sponsor packaging materials that are distributed prior to the event. “My purpose in getting involved with Nationwide Children Hospital’s development

board is to make a positive impact with the people around me that share the same passion for helping out,” says Jason. “Plus,” he says, “I have four children so obviously I want to do what I can to help out children who need help with their health, here, too. Knock on wood, you just never know if you’re going to need it yourself, some day.” For those looking to get involved in their community, Jason advises that you should, “just try to get involved at any level. Don’t feel pressure to see how you can lend a hand, because every little bit helps. Give it a try. Learn about it. Become involved. Find your passion. All of these things will make an impact.”

MAHA KASHANI

The Dayton Arab American Forum

Maha Kashani, regional sales manager, got to Arab people within the community who involved with The Dayton Arab American have made significant contributions by mitForum—an advocacy group for Arab Ameri- igating bigotry and advocating for tolerance,” cans—because her mom is from Iraq and her Maha says. dad is from Iran. When she moved to Dayton, “It really means a lot to me that my employer OH, Maha noticed that there were not many supports not only me and my passion, but Arab American or Arab immigrants and that also this organization and our Hafla fundmost people in Dayton didn’t “look like me.” Growing up in Dayton, Maha realized she felt detached from her Arab culture and she wanted to find more people like her. She wanted to reconnect to her roots and to who she was as a person. She felt the stares, at times, and the feeling of negativity toward Middle Easterners and wanted to do what she could to erase and mitigate that negativity. “I wanted to enrich our culture,” she says. So, she followed her mother to The Dayton Arab American Forum and 10 years later, she is now the president of the organization. “We are a 100 percent volunteer organization, and we host a handful of events each year as well as sponsor a speaker series at Wright State University and Sinclair Community College,” she says. But the one that means most to Maha is the Forum’s annual fundraiser, Hafla. It is this event in which she has chosen to leverage the Employee Leadership Grant. “Hafla is a dinner party with Middle Eastern entertainment. At the event, we give awards

“

It really means a lot to me that my employer supports not only me and my passion, but also this organization…

“

Impact Annual Report 2018

employee leadership

raiser. It’s really hard to ask for money to help pull off this event and being able to help provide a financial donation on behalf of IGS makes me double-down as an employee of IGS and to my commitment to the Forum.” For Maha, she says that it’s really important that IGS employees find that connection to what they choose to support, because then it’s not work, “it’s fun.”

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Giving with Purpose

employee leadership

LAUREL ODRONIC

And so, when Laurel signed up to learn how to row with the Greater Columbus Rowing Association in 2009, she had no idea what kind of impact the experience was going to have on her down the road.

I’m a Fish! I just want to be in the water!

Greater Columbus Rowing Association

“I’m a fish,” exclaims Laurel Odronic, senior quality analyst, “I just want to be in the water!”

“Rowing is a sport where everyone must rely on one another,” she says. “You must leverage your analytical, logistical, and teamwork abilities at all times.” Since Laurel was already leveraging all of these things at work, every day, she felt she could bring her skills to this team. As it turns out, she learned just as much from them, as they did from her.

IGS paid for Laurel to attend SCRUM Master Training in order to help serve as a stronger project manager; moving projects along more efficiently and effectively.

“I’ve taken this practice to the rowing association and we’re now using a SCRUM board there, too!”

She was encouraged to serve as secretary for the association, and today, Laurel is the chair for the board of trustees. Her participation within these roles was increasing over time, and so was her confidence. She was learning how to be a leader. But, she still wanted to learn more. She wanted to help the association become more efficient with their planning and forecasting.

Additionally, as part of Laurel’s role as chair for the board of trustees, she’s also the “Equipment Chair,” where she oversees and organizes all of the association’s equipment needs and repairs. She tapped into an IGS Employee Leadership Grant and was able to secure funds to replace their worn rowing oars. Not only did the grant provide new oars, but a beautiful banner was created for the association on behalf of IGS.

“In fact,” Laurel explains, “here in IT, at IGS, we have what’s called a SCRUM board. It’s a planning board that shows our evolving tasks and the progress and accountability for each task.”

“This significantly helped our club to get on the water with our new oars! We are so proud of the way we look when we’re out there, and beyond that, we are all so grateful to IGS for our new and beautiful oars,” she says.

employee leadership

MELISSA SUTHERLAND

Columbus Pittie Committee When Melissa Sutherland, operations analyst, sees pit bull dogs, she sees potential for love. In May 2018, Melissa, along with four others who are passionate about pit bulls, started the Columbus Pittie Committee. “There’s a need for bully breeds to be placed in homes,” says Melissa. “They’re the most misunderstood and stigmatized breed and the goal of our organization is to change that perception.” As part of her organization’s work, Melissa works to deploy “Good Pit Citizens” in the community and encourages them to be ambassadors for this breed. She’s also working to provide resources for not only this breed through spay and neuter clinics, but also for potential owners, providing them with education, training for the pets, vet care, crates, and more. When Melissa learned about IGS’ Employee Leadership Grant, she asked for IGS to provide money to fund a vaccine clinic, as well as a spay and neuter clinic. At first she was nervous and then when she went through the online application process, she learned how comfortable IGS made her feel

about asking for individual support. “The whole application process and experience makes you feel like you’re applying with purpose, even if that purpose doesn’t really have anything related to IGS,” Melissa explains. “Being supported on an individual level makes for an unbelievable experience as an employee. I feel so valued and lucky that they support me.” IGS supported her request and she was able to hold two clinics in 2018. Melissa was also able to leverage a partnership with other nonprofit groups to help with the clinics: Franklin County Animal Shelter and the Rascal Unit Hospital. And while her participation with this organization has quickly turned into her “second job,” she says it took her a while to find her passion outside of her work at IGS. “Don’t be afraid to volunteer; reach out, be persistent and find your passion. It’s worth it, and IGS supports your efforts! It’s been an exciting journey, for sure.”

“

Don’t be afraid to volunteer; reach out, be persistent and find your passion. It’s worth it!

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Giving with Purpose

IGS Goes National with Junior Achievement What do Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity; Donna Shalala, former U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services; and Scott White, president & CEO of IGS have in common? They are all Junior Achievement alumni. The impact of Junior Achievement (JA) is undeniable. Through JA’s unique, volunteer-delivered programs, students learn the “business of life.” From teaching students how to develop their personal brand, to explaining the fundamentals of owning a business, JA serves as a source of education and empowerment for the future.

IGS has supported Junior Achievement of Central Ohio since 2010 with financial investments and volunteers. But this year, IGS decided to take the partnership with JA to all IGS markets across the U.S. Each IGS employee across the country will have an opportunity to volunteer at least once per year with JA in their respective markets. “The best part about volunteering with Junior Achievement is getting to interact with students and knowing that we are providing useful information,” said Heidi Janis, a Youngstown-area branch coordinator with IGS.

LESSONS TAUGHT BY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT VOLUNTEERS: • The difference between a need and a want • Budgeting and money management strategies • The importance of saving and giving • The difference between gross pay and net pay • The difference between a good and a service • Why we pay taxes and the importance of economic exchange

OPERATION WARM + IGS:

On the Quest for the 3 Millionth Coat In 2014, IGS launched a wintertime campaign called “Bundle Up,” created to help IGS support children in need when customers bundle two or more products. As part of the campaign, IGS partnered with Operation Warm – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide warmth, confidence, and hope to children in need through the gift of brand-new winter coats. This year, IGS took part in Operation Warm’s 3 Millionth Coat Tour, a nod to the fact that the nonprofit hit an important milestone in 2018: donating its 3 millionth coat. IGS employees visited local schools in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Chicago, Columbus, and Cincinnati this year, gifting coats to every enrolled student. “Every kid that comes out here has a smile on their face,” said Gina Kroll, Gotwals Elementary School teacher in Norristown, PA (Philadelphia metro area). “It brought tears to my eyes, seeing the kids walk out, knowing that they’re going to be warm this winter and feeling the love of IGS volunteers.”

Cities

Years

25,000

Coats Donated by IGS Since 2014

“We volunteer with Operation Warm as a way for our employees to be engaged in their communities and to give back where they live and work,” said Elizabeth Lugviel, social impact specialist at IGS. “It’s a great way for them to see the fruits of their labor – what their work equates to when it comes to our Bundle Up campaign.” IGS has contributed over 25,000 coats through the Bundle Up campaign since 2014.

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Giving with Purpose

grid

On the

In 2018, IGS announced a multi-year partnership with GRID Alternativesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest nonprofit solar installer. IGS will support GRID with a $300,000 donation over the next three years, which will be used to bring solar to over 1,500 families and train more than 4,000 individuals in solar-based jobs both domestically and internationally.

721,122 Tons of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Prevented

44,586 Kilowatts Installed

10,849 Systems Installed

329,614,364

Lifetime Savings

What is ENERGY JUSTICE? Energy justice is a global energy system that fairly disseminates both the benefits and costs of energy services, and one that has representative and impartial energy decision-making.

Impact Annual Report 2018

38,139 Participants Trained

“The amount of money we expect to save can fully support four kids. It can keep four human beings off the streets in Tijuana.” — DJ Schuetze Director, Door of Faith Orphanage La Misión, Mexico

Why GRID? “The relationship with GRID started initially through our Renewable Energy Corps program. We were looking for a partner to help us give an immersive volunteer experience to our employees,” said Jen Bowden, director of social impact. “We really wanted to give employees an opportunity to build something meaningful in communities all over the world. And GRID offered that opportunity. Over time, we recognized that GRID’s work in the U.S. aligned to our company’s social impact goals, too.” IGS launched its Renewable Energy Corps initiative to support GRID Alternatives projects in other countries and cities. Beginning with a trip to Nicaragua in 2016, another in 2017, and three trips in 2018 — one to Los Angeles as part of the domestic expansion, and two to orphanages in Mexico — the partnership is making solar more accessible. GRID’s mission is to make renewable energy technology and job training accessible to what they refer to as “frontline communities”— those communities that are on the front lines of economic justice, environmental justice, and racial justice. Energy equity is essential to fight climate change and enables community resilience through renewable energy technology. “Our focus on equity differentiates us from many other for-profit installers,” said Adam Bad Wound, vice president of development at GRID Alternatives. “We involve as many people as possible in our work. We’re a ‘classroom on a roof ’ so to speak because we take our time to teach people about the systems we’re installing.” Communities aren’t just experiencing the benefits of reduced energy costs. They’re getting practical knowledge and job training, too, which allows them to be self-sustaining. “Multi-year partnerships are critical in enabling GRID to bring the benefits of solar — financial savings, job opportunities, and a clean, renewable energy source — to families and communities that wouldn’t otherwise have access,” said Adam.

Domestic Expansion GRID is a leading voice in low-income solar policy and is the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer. The organization serves families throughout California, Colorado, the Mid-Atlantic region, and tribal communities nationwide. GRID’s Energy for All program offers single-family, multi-family, and community solar installation services, project development and technical assistance, and

In June 2018, several IGS employees joined GRID in Van Nuys, California, to install a solar system on a low-income home. Aside from having a cleaner, more affordable energy source, the residents will save nearly $24,000 in energy costs over the new system’s lifetime. “This experience reaffirmed a greater sense of community for me and provided a memorable event to share with the IGS Solar team and our like-minded partners,” said William Neverman, sales manager for IGS Solar, part of the IGS family of companies. “GRID Alternatives’ work

in the community and local workforce is truly pioneering the future of renewable energy for those who need it more. I can’t wait to get back up on the roof with the GRID team again soon!”

The Impact GRID Alternatives partners with communities in Nicaragua, Nepal, and Mexico to address their energy access issues. In late summer 2018, IGS Renewable Energy Corps members traveled to two different orphanages in Mexico to install solar panels. The solar panels bring more than affordable, clean energy production. “These orphanages — La Esperanza and Door of Faith — use every single dollar they save to serve orphans in their care,” said Adam.

Impact Annual Report 2018

multiple levels of workforce development and service learning opportunities — from volunteerism to in-depth solar training and paid internships.

“The impact is immediate.” “The amount of money we expect to save can fully support four kids. It can keep four human beings off the streets in Tijuana,” director of Door of Faith orphanage DJ Schuetze said. Door of Faith serves more than 100 orphans in La Misión, Mexico. The Door of Faith installation came just two weeks after GRID and IGS installed solar panels at La Casa de Esperanza, which serves nearly 60 children at a time. According to GRID, electricity can cost between $400 and $1,200 per month for these orphanages. “The savings will go toward education for the children, better meals, and also bettering our personnel and supporting them a little more, as they are all volunteers and do hard work,” said director of La Casa de Esperanza, Martin Hernandez. During the trips, members of the installation crew immersed themselves in the local culture. They slept in close quarters, explored the surrounding area, and made dinner with the children the final night of their stay. “It was a really rewarding experience,” Austin Mitchell, manager of forecasting and supply analytics at IGS said. “We interacted with folks at the orphanage and understand the impact that these panels are going to have. And we’ve been able to grow together as a team.”

IGS has proudly partnered with GRID on multiple solar installation projects throughout the world.

Impact

Giving with Purpose

IN THE COMMUNITY:

IGS and the Chicago Bears Partner to Save Da Planet at the Southside Occupational Academy High School A budding relationship between the growing IGS Chicago sales team and the Chicago Bears resulted in a day dedicated to beautification and community support on Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South Side. Thirty IGS employees, Bears linebacker Sam Acho, Bears alumnus Jason McKie, and mascot Staley Da Bear joined together to plant trees and flowers in the Southside Occupational Academy High School gardens, spread mulch, serve as runners for materials, landscape and clean up, and assemble a compost bin and rain barrels. The Southside Occupational Academy High School is a transition center for students with disabilities, ages 16-22 years. The school provides students with educational training opportunities while fostering a safe and supportive environment that capitalizes on studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests and strengths, preparing them to become contributing members of the community. Additionally, the Bears and IGS teamed up to provide a $10,000 donation to the school to promote sustainability programming.

Employees

Chicago Bears

School

$10,000 Donated to Promote Sustainability

Since 2015, IGS has planted over 7,185 trees through the Arbor Day Foundation. Our Green for Good campaign promotes our green electricity product. For every enrollment, we plant a tree!

Impact Annual Report 2018

Sustainability and conservation are making their way to consumers. The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business lecturer Neil L. Drobny identifies some of the most recognizable trends in the market today.

THE SHARING ECONOMY This model has been around for years, epitomized by public libraries, which were created because of the scarcity and lack of affordability of books. Today, you can share rides, homes, cars, tools, offices, bikes, and even clothes. Not only does this reduce demand for newness, it creates new opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs.

PRODUCTS AS SERVICES Drobny shares examples of two companies that offer products created to last. The first is Phillips, which sells lighted surfaces and spaces, with bulbs replaced by them as needed. The second is Michelin, which sells tires with a miles-of-service guarantee. Both prioritize products and services that stand the test of time.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY More and more, products are designed to be disassembled, remanufactured, and recycled or upcycled back into economic use. Product

IGS Takes Sustainability Seriously

design sets the template for the end-of-life options of a product.

HANDPRINTS

VS. FOOTPRINTS

Footprints are the metaphor for the damage we do to the environment as we go about our lives. But handprints are the new metaphor for the good we can do.

QUADRUPLE VS. TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE The triple bottom line includes people, planet, and profit. But more companies are adding a fourth p: purpose. It is thought that when a sense of purpose is embedded in an organization, employees perform at higher levels and are motivated to embrace aspirational goals.

VOLUNTARY TRANSPARENCY

IGS is actively working to analyze the environmental impact of our work on our world. We recognize that sustainability is a core component of creating a meaningful energy future together. And while some sustainability efforts have long been present in our operations (our LEED Platinum-certified headquarters, solar endeavors, philanthropic investments in energy sustainability), we are just getting started on creating a corporate sustainability strategy. In summer 2019, IGS is hosting a fellow from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to collect, measure, and record carbon emissions related to direct power usage (consumption of electricity and gas), travel and commute emissions (fuel-powered transportation), waste and recycling, food consumption and waste, and paper usage that happens while employees are at work. This research will provide baseline data related to employees’ workrelated carbon footprints.

Companies are searching for ways to be transparent and report their sustainability efforts to the public. Many companies are seeking “B-Corporation” status, where the B stands for “benefit.” This serves as both a commitment to shareholders to make a profit, but also to benefit their communities environmentally and socially.

The EDF Fellow will also help us understand the positive impact that our products, like solar and green electricity, have and the negative environmental impacts of our traditional product offerings, like natural gas and electricity. Using that data, IGS can understand the overall impact we have and produce recommendations and plans to reduce carbon emissions.

Impact

Giving with Purpose

Time, Talent & Dollars

Impact Annual Report 2018

$1,426,662

given to support nonprofits by IGS in 2018

84,880,376

12,744 Passenger vehicles taken off the road for a year

Miles ridden

$95,978

24,253

2 0 16

2017

46 Riders

Volunteers

All-Employee Day of Service

States

4,000 Hours

Hours volunteered by IGS employees since 2015

14 7

9,753 Hours

Donated to Pelotonia for cancer research

volunteer hours

3,480

201

Kilowatt hours of solar produced in 2018

850 Employees

5,107 Hours Volunteered

Project Sites

6,000 Hours

4,500 Hours

10,600

Coats donated to children in need in partnership with Operation Warm

Cities Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Philadelphia Pittsburgh

Impact

Giving with Purpose

Organizations We Support

A Special Wish Foundation Adopt America ALC Charities Alpha Group American Cancer Society American Heart Association

Habitat for Humanity of Central Ohio Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh HandsOn Northeast Ohio Harmony Project Harvest Home Fair Association Hope Network Foundation

Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio

Human Rights Campaign

Bethesda Mission

Indiana University Foundation

Big Brothers Big Sisters Blackburn Chasing the Cure Board of Education City of Chicago

i.c. stars

Junior Achievement of Central Ohio Junior Achievement of Chicago

Book Fair Foundation

Junior Achievement of OKI Partners

Cleveland Animal Protective League

Komen Columbus

Cleveland Clinic Foundation Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Columbus PDM Club Community Action Committee of the Lehigh

Koscluski Community YMCA Lake County Community Network Leadership Columbus Local Matters LuMind

Community Shelter Board

Making Kids Count

Conscious Capitalism

Marburn Academy

COSI

Maryland Creative Problem Solvers, Inc.

Crayons to Classrooms Creative Living

Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity

Cristo Rey Columbus High School

Mercy and Grace on Wheels

Deep Green, Inc.

Metro Early College High School

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation Dress For Success Dublin Arts Council Dublin Chamber Civic Foundation EmpowerBus

Miami Valley Housing Mission4Maureen National MS Society Nationwide Children’s Hospital Ohio Opioid Education Alliance Fund Ohio University Foundation

Employee-Directed Donations

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania

Akron’s Children’s Hospital

Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio

Access for Success

March of Dimes

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mahoning Valley & Western PA

America Gives Inc.

Maryhaven, Inc.

American Cancer Society

Maryland Creative Problem Solvers, Inc.

Ride 2 Recovery Ronald McDonald House Charities at Boston Harbor

Running for Rachel Second Harvest Food Bank See Kids Dream Social Ventures

American Heart Association

Mercy for Animals

American Red Cross

Miami Valley Pit Crew

Angelman Syndrome Foundation Inc.

Mount Carmel Health System Foundation

Austin German Shepherd Rescue

NPR Foundation

Autism Speaks, Inc.

Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

Beyond the Burgh

Ohio Pug Rescue

Biggies Bullies

Ohio Wildlife Center

Stonewall Columbus

Boy Scouts

Taking Root Farms

Carnegie Mellon

Olentangy Liberty Athletic Boosters

The Burning River Foundation

CASAs for Kids Fund Central Ohio Pit Savers

The Dublin Community Foundation

Pancretic Cancer Action Network

Columbus Humane

Pan-Mass Challenge

Columbus Metro Library

Parkinson’s Foundation

Columbus Pittie Committee

Pelotonia

Community Shelter Board

Relay for life

St. Jude Star House Steel City Kennel and Dog Rescue

The EHE Foundation The Greater Columbus Arts Council The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley The Lehigh County Humane Society The PAST Foundation The Salvation Army of Central Ohio The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio Union County Foundation Union County Hospital Assoc. (Memorial Health) Union County Humane Society United Way of Central Ohio, Inc.

RivALZ Alzheimers Association Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, Inc.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Ruling Our Experiences

Davidson County Educational Foundation

Safe Families for Children Alliance

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio

South Dayton Top Soccer Special Olympics St. Augustine Health Ministries

Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation

Star House

Franklin County Dog Shelter

The EHE Foundation The Ohio University Foundation

Freedom a la Cart

Upper Arlington Education Foundation

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana

Wendy’s Golf Classic

R.O.O.T.T.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Friends of Fido

Welcome Warehouse Inc.

Otterbein University

Country Roadrunners

University of Dayton

The Pennsylvania State University Union County Humane Society

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Equitas Health

OhioHealth Foundation

Franklin Park Conservatory

Olentangy Rotary Foundation

Freedom a la Cart

One Mission

Friends of Fido

HELP Malawi

Operation Warm

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Coucil

Hope for HIE

Our Hope Association

Houston Humane Society

Greater Columbus Chamber Foundation

Pan-Mass Challenge

Humane Society

Pelotonia

I Have A Dream Rescue Organization

GRID Alternatives

Philanthropitch

GroundWork Group

ProMedica Foundation

Habitat for Humanity Mahoning Valley

Recreation Unlimited RefugeeOne

Women’s Center of Beaver County

Impact Annual Report 2018

Company Donations

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council

Junior Achievement of Central Ohio Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland

Impact

Giving with Purpose

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next

Impact Annual Report 2018

It’s an exciting time to be at IGS; the world is changing, the energy industry is changing, and our company is changing. As a company, we are challenging ourselves to think boldly about who we are and what we stand for.

Here are some of our plans for the next 12 months: We are reviewing our philanthropic giving priorities and portfolio to ensure that it’s aligned with our company purpose. We’re committed to high impact philanthropic investments that move the needle toward a clean, smart, and efficient energy future. We’ve launched our DEBI (Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion) journey here at IGS. In the coming year, we’ll create a DEBI Action Plan. We’ll train leaders on the value of belonging and inclusion as a first step to creating a workplace where all employees can feel comfortable and bring their whole selves to work. We’ll continue to tap into the skills of our IGS employees to build and sustain nonprofit capacity. We will expand our skills-based volunteerism program and take on at least four skills-based projects in the coming year. We will determine the work-related environmental impact of IGS employees as well audit the impact of IGS’ products and business in general. A fellow from the Environmental Defense Fund is joining us in 2019 to lead this research. We will create tools to measure and report our social impact: we are committed to transparency and accountability.

Impact

Giving with Purpose

We are IGS

Giving with Purpose