01-11-2013 · Rubrica

Focus on ESG risks crucial in the telecom sector

When considering sustainable corporate operations you initially think of preventing child labor in the textile industry or of recycling metal. The telecom sector does not immediately spring to mind. However, in this sector there are actually many specific issues, particularly relating to social (S) and environmental (E) aspects of the business that, if not properly managed, can expose telecom companies to considerable risk. I will focus on the most significant of these.

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  • Edith Siermann

    Edith Siermann

Privacy and freedom of speech

In this era of mobile communication and cloud computing there is a huge increase in the volume of network data. It is therefore crucial for telecom companies to handle client and user data carefully. It has recently become apparent that this does not always happen. Companies that are unable to protect the privacy of their customers run the risk of losing them or being confronted with legal risks. In the event of data theft, confidential information can be placed in the public domain or an individual's privacy can be violated. Other major issues that affect telecom providers are the protection of client data from illegal government access and ensuring that freedom of speech is guaranteed. This means that it is also important for telecom companies to have procedures and directives in place to prevent possible financial and reputational damage.

CO₂ emissions and electronic waste

The ICT sector is responsible for around 2% of global CO2 emissions. As a result of the growth of social media, cloud computing and smart electronics demand for ICT infrastructure is constantly increasing. Data centers are responsible for a rapidly rising proportion of these emissions. As a sustainable investor, you therefore want to know what initiatives a company is taking to reduce the environmental footprint of its data centers, for example, by using renewable energy sources. Does this company put its clients in a position to reduce their environmental footprints? An electronic waste policy is also necessary, as is a way of sharing responsibility with the handset makers.

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Personnel policy

Human capital is crucial for many industries. This applies primarily to information-oriented industries. It is thus vital for telecom companies to recognize the importance of personnel development and the need to retain talented staff. Investing in sustainability is an increasingly important factor in attracting high-quality personnel.