During a dedicated week, Iberdrola mobilized more than 90 initiatives across several countries where the company operates, engaging thousands of volunteers. Some 7,000 volunteers from Spain joined efforts in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Japan, and Australia—representing a 40% increase from the previous year.
From October 1 to 9, under the banner “We build the world we want together,” the focus was on environmental stewardship, the inclusion of vulnerable groups, and outreach to communities in need.
In Avila, Spain, a notable effort unfolded last Thursday in the municipality of Solosancho. More than 100 Iberdrola volunteers partnered with 60 members of Fundación AMAS and Fundación Ande to plant over 800 native trees in a site affected by the Navalacruz fire, which burned about 22,000 hectares in 2021. Iberdrola President Ignacio Galán joined the planting day to share in the community initiative.
Planting efforts centered on local native species such as Quercus ilex and Juniperus Thurifera, with a protective hunting fence established to preserve the new tree growth and maintain grazing practices where appropriate.
Beyond Avila, the company carried out a broad slate of solidarity activities. These included a global food donation drive for vulnerable families, efforts to remove invasive species and litter from beaches, riverbanks, and forests, and actions to restore seabeds. Volunteers also contributed by creating and adapting social spaces like gardens, planting tables, and orchards within community assets.
Other initiatives involved building protective bunkers, safeguarding endangered species, and developing educational toys. Environmental awareness workshops, inclusive sports, and entertainment programs targeted at improving cognitive development and motor skills for people with disabilities and the elderly were also organized.
Volunteers provided guidance on energy efficiency, climate action, responsible consumption, and recycling. Workshops during the week emphasized increasing women’s employability for those at risk of social exclusion, promoting reading among children from vulnerable backgrounds, and easing social and labor participation for refugees. Support extended to UNICEF’s broader mission to improve universal vaccination coverage for children, alongside donations of children’s books, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene products for the homeless.
Face-to-face and online actions
The week featured a mixed format that allowed both in-person and remote participation, expanding access and opportunities for involvement. Iberdrola volunteers and their families collaborated with other groups—people with disabilities, young people, vulnerable women, refugees, children, and the elderly—to maximize impact.
Established in 2006, the Iberdrola Volunteer Program operates as a global, international project aligned with the group’s values, the Sustainability Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its active focus covers health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequalities, and climate action.
Recognized by the United Nations, Iberdrola’s Corporate Volunteering Program is highlighted in the Transforming Lives and Societies report produced by IMPACT2030 in collaboration with the UN Office for Partnerships. The report notes this program as a pioneering model for leveraging employee skills and passion to advance the SDGs. Among the 19 highlighted companies in the SDG Week 2021 report, Iberdrola stands out as the sole Spanish energy company featured.
More than 700 activities per year
Through its volunteer program, Iberdrola offers upwards of 700 events annually, engaging more than 12,000 volunteers. The program is designed to adapt to evolving social needs and provides opportunities for all employees to contribute to social and environmental development. Activities take place both in Spain and abroad, with a strong emphasis on assisting groups at risk of social exclusion and promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental care. Initiatives also aim to expand access to energy for underserved communities and to provide rapid responses during emergencies and humanitarian crises.