Vestronis
/ESG & Governance

Responsible infrastructure, by design

For Vestronis, ESG is a design principle rather than a reporting exercise. Environmental, social and governance criteria shape which opportunities we pursue, how projects are structured and how they are delivered, from first screening through to operation.

Our approach

Three pillars, one integrated framework

Our ESG framework brings environmental, social and governance requirements into every stage of the project lifecycle. The applicable standards for each project are set by its jurisdiction, sector, procurement route and the requirements of its financing institutions. They are then assessed and verified project by project, never claimed across the board.

E
Environmental
Pillar one
Climate mitigation and adaptation, EU Taxonomy screening, biodiversity, pollution prevention, resource efficiency and green-finance eligibility.
S
Social
Pillar two
Stakeholder engagement, labour and working conditions, community health and safety, land and resettlement, cultural heritage, and local benefit.
G
Governance
Pillar three
Project-company governance, anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions and integrity due diligence, conflicts of interest, and whistleblowing.
Lifecycle integration

ESG across the project lifecycle

We start ESG work at origination rather than adding it before financial close. That way issues are found while design choices are still open, and lender due diligence builds on work already done.

01
Origination screening
Go / no-go input
Exclusion-list check, early E&S risk categorisation and a preliminary EU Taxonomy screen of the activity.
02
Pre-feasibility & scoping
Scoping report
E&S scoping, stakeholder mapping, climate-risk screening and a gap analysis against applicable lender standards.
03
Feasibility & ESIA
ESIA · SEP
Environmental and social impact assessment to national law and lender requirements, baseline studies and alternatives analysis.
04
Structuring & financing
ESAP · covenants
Environmental and social action plan (ESAP), contractual allocation of E&S obligations and lender covenants.
05
Construction
ESMP · audits
Contractor ESMPs, occupational health and safety management, grievance mechanism, and independent monitoring where required.
06
Operations
Monitoring
Performance monitoring, incident reporting, periodic E&S reports to lenders and authorities, and continuous improvement.
Environmental · Pillar one

Environmental standards and climate alignment

We assess each project against the EU Taxonomy technical screening criteria at origination: substantial contribution to at least one environmental objective, doing no significant harm to the others, and meeting minimum safeguards. The result shapes both project design and eligibility for green finance.

EU-T
Taxonomy screening
Screening for climate mitigation, adaptation, water, circular economy, pollution prevention and biodiversity objectives.
CLIM
Physical & transition risk
Flood, heat and drought exposure, together with policy, technology and market transition risks, is assessed and addressed in design.
BIO
Biodiversity
The mitigation hierarchy is applied: avoid, minimise, restore, then offset. We aim for no net loss where habitats are significantly affected.
POL
Pollution prevention
Best available techniques and EU Industrial Emissions Directive requirements are applied where relevant, with a focus on protecting water and soil.
CIRC
Resource efficiency
Material efficiency, waste reduction, secondary material streams and lifecycle thinking are part of design.
GF
Green-finance eligibility
Taxonomy-aligned projects can access green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and IFI climate windows. Eligibility is confirmed project by project.
Social · Pillar two

Social standards and community impact

We apply the IFC Performance Standards and equivalent lender requirements from origination. Social impact is managed as part of project design, not as a compliance item added at construction.

PS 1
Assessment & management
E&S risk assessment and a management system proportionate to each project's risks and impacts.
PS 2
Labour & working conditions
ILO core labour standards: no child or forced labour, freedom of association, non-discrimination and fair terms.
PS 4
Community health & safety
Community exposure to traffic, hazards and security arrangements is assessed and managed.
PS 5
Land & resettlement
Displacement is avoided where possible. Otherwise a resettlement action plan or livelihood restoration plan is prepared to lender standards.
PS 8
Cultural heritage
Heritage is protected, and a chance-find procedure applies to all construction works.
SEP
Stakeholder engagement
Meaningful consultation with affected communities, disclosure of information and an accessible grievance mechanism.
OHS
Health & safety
World Bank Group EHS Guidelines, contractor H&S plans, and audit and incident reporting.
LOC
Local benefit
Local employment, skills and procurement written into EPC and O&M contracts in proportion to project scale.
Governance · Pillar three

Governance framework and integrity standards

Our governance standards are designed around what development finance institutions and commercial lenders expect of the projects they finance, because we structure projects to attract that capital from the start.

SPV
Project-company governance
Each project company has a defined board structure, reserved matters, statutory audit and reporting obligations in its shareholder, concession and financing agreements.
ABC
Anti-bribery & corruption
Zero tolerance for bribery and facilitation payments. Controls are designed with reference to applicable local law and relevant international legislation.
KYC
Integrity due diligence
Know-your-counterparty checks, sanctions screening and beneficial-ownership review of significant partners, investors and suppliers.
COI
Conflicts of interest
Conflicts must be disclosed, recorded and managed, including recusal from any decision a personal interest could influence.
PROC
Procurement integrity
Transparent, documented selection of partners and contractors, consistent with public-procurement and lender rules.
WB
Whistleblowing
A confidential and anonymous reporting channel open to employees, partners and counterparties, with protection from retaliation.
DATA
Data protection
Personal data is handled under applicable data-protection law, including GDPR where it applies.
Exclusions

Activities we do not develop

Our exclusion list follows those used by development finance institutions. Opportunities that fall within it are declined at screening.

X-1
Thermal coal
Coal mining and coal-fired power generation.
X-2
Forced or child labour
Any activity involving forced labour or harmful child labour.
X-3
Protected areas
Activities that would significantly degrade critical habitat or World Heritage sites.
X-4
Prohibited substances
Production of or trade in substances banned under international conventions.
X-5
Weapons
Production of or trade in weapons and munitions.
X-6
Sanctioned parties
Any dealing with sanctioned persons, entities or jurisdictions.
International standards

Reference standards

EU-T
EU Taxonomy
Regulation (EU) 2020/852 and its technical screening criteria.
IFC
IFC Performance Standards
PS 1–8 on environmental and social sustainability.
WBG
World Bank Group EHS Guidelines
General and industry-sector guidelines.
EBRD
EBRD Environmental & Social Policy
Including the Performance Requirements.
EIB
EIB Environmental & Social Standards
For EIB co-financed operations.
EP
Equator Principles
Common framework for project-finance lenders.
ILO
ILO core conventions
Fundamental principles and rights at work.
UNGP
UN Guiding Principles
Business and human rights.
OECD
OECD Guidelines
For multinational enterprises on responsible business conduct.
SDG
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Contribution mapping at project level.
WBD
EU Whistleblower Directive
Directive (EU) 2019/1937.
ISSB
IFRS S2 / TCFD
Climate-related disclosure reference.
Referring to a standard does not mean certification, endorsement or confirmed compliance. Alignment is stated only for individual projects, and only after it has been assessed and, where required, independently verified.
UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Global Goals we contribute to

We map our activities to the UN Sustainable Development Goals at two levels. First, our twelve infrastructure sector platforms, where we set specific SDG targets and measurable indicators for each project at pre-feasibility and then track and report them through construction and operation. Second, our community work, which the wider Kelmendi group delivers through the Kelmendi Foundation. Where the Foundation contributes to a goal, the card shows it separately.

SDG 1
No poverty
Projects: indirect
Infrastructure that lowers household costs for water, energy and transport, and creates local jobs.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationHumanitarian and charitable support: food, shelter, disaster relief and community social care.
SDG 2
Zero hunger
AGR-11
Irrigation, strategic storage and cold chains that raise productivity and cut post-harvest losses.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationFood support for vulnerable households through humanitarian programmes.
SDG 3
Good health and well-being
SOC-07 · MRC-02 · H₂O-06
Hospitals and clinics, safe water, and less pollution from waste and legacy mining sites.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationHealthcare access, medical infrastructure, prevention and health research.
SDG 4
Quality education
SOC-07
Schools, universities and vocational-training facilities delivered under availability PPPs.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationScholarships, STEM, vocational training and teacher development.
SDG 5
Gender equality
All platforms
Equal-opportunity employment and non-discrimination standards across our projects and supply chains.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationWomen's education, leadership, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
SDG 6
Clean water and sanitation
H₂O-06 · AGR-11
Drinking-water treatment, wastewater systems and network rehabilitation that reduces losses.
SDG 7
Affordable and clean energy
ENR-04 · SOC-07
Renewable generation, storage, district-heating modernisation and energy efficiency.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationRenewable-energy initiatives within the sustainability pillar.
SDG 8
Decent work and economic growth
All platforms
Local employment, ILO-aligned labour standards and local supply chains across construction and operation.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationYouth mentorship, entrepreneurship and fellowship programmes.
SDG 9
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
TRM-05 · DIG-08 · IND-09
Resilient transport, digital, industrial and logistics infrastructure. This is the core of our model.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationApplied research, engineering and clean-energy technology.
SDG 11
Sustainable cities and communities
URB-10 · TRM-05 · TOU-12
Affordable housing, urban regeneration, public transport, the public realm and heritage protection.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationPublic spaces, community and cultural centres, and local development.
SDG 12
Responsible consumption and production
CIR-03 · ENV-01
Recycling, material recovery and waste valorisation that keep resources in use.
SDG 13
Climate action
All platforms
Mitigation through clean energy and low-carbon transport, and adaptation through resilient design.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationClimate-resilience and environmental initiatives.
SDG 15
Life on land
MRC-02 · ENV-01
Remediation of contaminated land, landfill closure and biodiversity protection.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationBiodiversity and environmental-protection initiatives.
SDG 16
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Governance framework
Anti-corruption controls, transparent procurement and accountable project governance.
SDG 17
Partnerships for the goals
Delivery model
Public-private partnerships that bring together authorities, IFIs, investors and operators.
CSR · Kelmendi FoundationPartnerships with institutions, donors and civil society.
SDG mapping shows where our activities are designed to contribute. It is not a claim of achieved impact. Project contribution is measured and reported using agreed indicators. Kelmendi Foundation activity is carried out independently, at arm's length, and is reported by the Foundation.
Accountability

ESG oversight and responsibilities

BRD
Board oversight
The board reviews the ESG policy and material E&S risks and approves exclusions and exceptions.
EXE
Head of ESG & Governance
Owns the ESG framework, screening methodology, policy set and reporting.
PRJ
Project ESG lead
Each project has a named ESG lead responsible for its ESAP, monitoring and lender reporting.
IND
Independent review
Independent E&S consultants are appointed where lenders or authorities require them.
Reporting & transparency

Reporting commitments

R-1
Annual ESG statement
A company-level statement of ESG performance, with the first edition timed to the start of project activity.
R-2
Project E&S plans
ESMPs and ESAPs shared with investors, lenders and contracting authorities under confidentiality.
R-3
ESIA disclosure
Impact assessments disclosed as required by national law and lender policy.
R-4
Grievance reporting
An annual summary of grievances received and how they were resolved.
R-5
Climate disclosure
Climate-risk disclosure prepared with reference to IFRS S2 / TCFD.
ESG documentation

Policies and frameworks on request

Qualifying investors, lenders and contracting authorities can request our ESG documentation. Some documents are released under confidentiality.

DOC
ESG policy statement
Principles, scope and responsibilities.
DOC
E&S management system overview
How E&S risks are identified, managed and monitored.
DOC
EU Taxonomy screening methodology
How activities are screened and documented.
DOC
Stakeholder engagement framework
Consultation, disclosure and grievance handling.
DOC
Anti-bribery & corruption policy
Standards, controls and third-party due diligence.
DOC
Whistleblowing policy
Reporting channels, confidentiality and protection.
DOC
Partner code of conduct
Expectations for contractors, suppliers and consortium members.
Community & social impact

Community support through the Kelmendi Foundation

Beyond project-level ESG, Vestronis contributes to community and social impact as part of the wider Kelmendi group. The group's charitable, humanitarian and community-development work is delivered with and through the Kelmendi Foundation, an independent, non-profit, public-benefit philanthropic institution established by the Kelmendi Family together with Kelmendi Holdings Ltd.

01
Humanitarian & charitable causes
Food, shelter, disaster relief and community social care.
02
Education & vocational skills
Scholarships, STEM, vocational training and teacher development.
03
Youth development & employment
Mentorship, entrepreneurship and fellowship programmes.
04
Women's empowerment
Education, leadership, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
05
Health & wellbeing
Healthcare access, medical infrastructure, prevention and research.
06
Sustainability & climate
Renewable energy, climate resilience and biodiversity.
07
Research, science & innovation
Applied research, engineering and clean-energy technologies.
08
Community development
Public spaces, community and cultural centres, and local development.
Arm's-length by design: Vestronis may cooperate with and support the Foundation, including through CSR programmes and, where formally approved, contributions, always on an arm's-length basis and consistent with the Foundation's independent governance and conflict-of-interest policies. Commercial and philanthropic activity are kept separate.
Project grievances

Raise a concern about a project

If you live or work near a project Vestronis is developing, or are affected by one, you can raise a question, complaint or concern at any time. You do not need an account, a business relationship with Vestronis or legal representation, and raising a concern is free of charge.

@
By email
info@vestronis.com. Please write "Project grievance" and the project or location in the subject line.
TEL
By telephone
+383 49 205 540, during office hours.
POST
By post or in person
VESTRONIS sh.p.k., Str. Agim Ramadani, C3, No. 2, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo.
1
What happens next
We acknowledge your concern, record it, and refer it to the person responsible for the project. We tell you how it will be handled and reply with the outcome. Where a project has its own grievance mechanism, we explain how to use it.
2
Your information
We use your details only to handle your concern and share them only with the people who need them for that purpose. You may ask us not to disclose your identity to other project parties.
3
Misconduct
To report suspected bribery, fraud or other misconduct, use the confidential whistleblowing route instead.

Partner with Vestronis

Whether you represent a public authority, an investor or lender, or a technical partner, tell us about the opportunity and we will route it to the right team.