Sustainability Magazine January 2022 | Page 78

That ' s why alongside its operational strand , it has systems in place which are all about helping clients reduce carbon emissions and recognise that it ’ s one of the most fundamental contributions we can all make .

Change is coming Sustainability is a ‘ business imperative ’ throughout Capgemini . “ We recognise the dangers associated with runaway climate change ,” James explains . “ And we also recognise that there are positive opportunities that come with being a more sustainable business . We know that the best people want to work for organisations which have a purpose – organisations which are making a positive impact on the world .”

“ It is essential that we are here to help partners with their own transformations , many of whom need assistance in that journey . From that perspective , sustainability goes far beyond image and much more into the substance of what we can deliver for our clients ,” he adds . Amid the international pandemic , the company has also been able to focus on one of the major environmental impacts of the business – travel .

“ As early as 2016 , we set science-based targets for Capgemini in terms of reducing our environmental impacts and , alongside that , we ' ve been seizing the opportunity to help our clients ”

DR JAMES ROBEY GLOBAL HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY , CAPGEMINI

Now that travelling is beginning to return , Capgemini is striving to apply the principles it began pre-COVID ; measures that were hastened by lockdown . Consequently , virtual collaboration and efficient remote delivery have gained considerable traction as a new era unfolds .

James says : “ The whole industry has had a collective awakening in terms of what is possible . In that sense , I think the pandemic has really accelerated the potential speed of the transition to a low carbon delivery model .”

Capgemini has several programmes in place around energy – in data centres and offices – and that includes investment in renewables . It is signed up to RE100 and it is committed to 100 % renewable electricity by 2025 .

“ In some countries that ' s easier than others ,” notes James . “ Our largest country by far is India , where we have over 150,000 people working , and we ' ve been investing extensively in solar and renewable generation , both onsite and offsite .”

In another move , the company has been running an internal global awareness campaign – Capgemini Climate Circles Campaign – in the run up to COP26 . It involves business leaders participating in discussion circles with groups of about 10 people . There are two pivotal topics involved – the first is around the race to

78 January 2022