ESG

What makes ESG different in tech ? Technology businesses are innovationdriven , often investing heavily in research and development . Rather than focussing on technology as a pillar of operations , these businesses create technology and embed it in all of their actions . Often , tech companies offer services and solutions instead of traditional physical products .

These factors mean that technology businesses can approach ESG somewhat differently to other organisations .

“ At Verizon , we talk about running the five nines . That means our network must be up 99.999 % of the time . Why is that important ? Our more important customers are first responders ,” James explains .

“ If you ’ re running into a fire , God forbid , we want to make sure that network is up for them anytime to provide lifesaving opportunities .

“ It ’ s also for that grandma who wants a picture from Disney World . We want to make sure that picture is coming through .

“ That ’ s why it ’ s so important to run a sustainable company and then make sure you ’ re enabling your customers to do the same .”

TITLE : CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT , SUPPLY CHAIN AND SOURCING

COMPANY : VERIZON INDUSTRY : TELECOMMUNICATIONS

James joined Verizon in 2002 and took on his sustainability role in 2009 . His team works to reduce Verizon ’ s environmental footprint and increase its efficiency around the globe . WATCH NOW

Sustainability & ESG Strategies Panel at Sustainability Live Climate Week NYC

128 February 2025