Ericsson has published its 21st Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility report, highlighting the company’s performance during 2013 and highlighting a solidified approach to responsible business including rigorous compliance processes, energy efficient solutions, and extended reach in providing access to communications for all, including refugees and students in remote areas.
“Sustainability is increasingly integrated into our business strategy. I firmly believe that our commitment to sustainability and CR enhances our competitiveness, and the actions we take today will enable positive business outcomes in the future,” said Hans Vestberg, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ericsson.
Ericsson said it is the first in the industry to conduct a full human rights impact assessment in line with the new United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, with the emphasis on conducting business responsibly taking a full value chain perspective.
“This area continues to gain importance to all our stakeholders and we are focused on building a strong foundation for corporate responsibility within the company. This does not mean incidents can never happen, but it means when they do, we have strong operational processes in place to handle them,” said Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility.
Ericsson has employed an anti-corruption programme and some 85,000 employees have taken a training course outlining the company’s policies and standards. In line with its sustainability goals, Ericsson reports improvements in its own activities and products in operation.
The company set a target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent per employee by 2017, while the full-year reduction for 2013 was 10 per cent per employee.
Ericsson also intends to positively impact 2.5 million people directly through its Technology for Good initiatives by 2016, while it is also part of Internet.org.
