LENOVO
A pivotal moment came in 2020 with the creation of an executive oversight committee that meets quarterly to ensure sustainability is discussed across all business groups and operational functions. This work set the foundations for the creation of the Lenovo 360 Circle in 2021.
Three layers of integration Lenovo integrates sustainability across three distinct layers. At the corporate level, the strategy is driven by the Smarter for All approach, with the net zero target serving as the north star guiding all principles and decisions. The second layer takes a value chain approach, building a responsible ecosystem around upstream and downstream activities.
“ The upstream is mainly led by our global supply chain and procurement team,” Virginie explains.“ And the downstream is led by my team on what we’ re doing with our sellers and the Lenovo 360 Circle.”
The third layer operates at product, services and solution level, focusing on three key pillars linked to climate and environmental impact:
• Energy efficiency
• Circular economy
• Decarbonisation
Lenovo has developed a framework called REAL to help all business groups align on the same mindset and thinking process when addressing sustainability.“ REAL means responsible design,” Virginie explains.
“Sustainability is part of our DNA”
Virginie Le Barbu Executive Director, Global Sustainability Lenovo
“ The E is for ethical materials, the A is for accountable business models, and the L is for life cycle management.”
This framework ensures that when teams discuss sustainability and work on sustainability initiatives, they approach it systematically across all functions. The ESG core team reports to Lenovo’ s legal organisation and focuses on compliance, corporate goals and associated ESG programmes.
Supply chain localisation Lenovo has actively moved to bring factories closer to suppliers and customers, reducing transportation emissions while improving delivery times. The company now manufactures its servers and infrastructure in Hungary for the European market rather than shipping from distant locations.
“ We have just doubled the size of our facility in Whitsett in the US,” Virginie continues.“ We’ ve been manufacturing there for many years, and we’ re expanding US server production to support growing customer demand.” This means products do not need to be shipped from further afield, helping cut down emissions while also reducing supply chain risk through localisation.
82 September 2026