Colt Technology achieves 34% CO2e cut, eyes net zero by 2045
Colt Technology Services has released its third Sustainability Report, highlighting the company's strides in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. The report underscores Colt Group's commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, aligning with long-term targets while reflecting significant progress over the past year.
Over the past year, Colt has successfully reduced its CO2e emissions by 34% from its 2019 baseline. This reduction has been part of a broader effort that has also seen a 71.5% decrease in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions since 2019. The report also notes a transition to a greener fleet, with 30% of Colt's vehicles now fully electric and 38% being plug-in hybrids.
The acquisition of Lumen EMEA in November 2023 was a major highlight for the company, expanding its technological capabilities and global reach. This acquisition was mentioned in the Sustainability Report as part of the company's strategy to innovate and grow sustainably on a global scale. CEO Keri Gilder expressed pride in the company's achievements, noting, "We can change the world. It is one of our values, and it informs, shapes, and inspires everything we do. Nowhere is this better reflected than in our latest Sustainability Report."
Further key progress highlighted in the report includes a 6% reduction in CO2e emissions against the previous year and a 22.5% year-over-year reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The report also states that 78% of the electricity procured for Colt's global sites is now renewable, marking a 4% improvement since 2022. Additionally, 89% of suppliers have signed Colt's Code of Business Conduct, and 40% of the company's Scope 3 emissions come from suppliers who have set a Science-Based Target.
Colt is now participating in the UN Global Compact, which involves CEOs committing to implement universal sustainability principles and support the UN Goals. The company is also contributing to the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), particularly developing new guidance for telecommunications operators on reporting Scope 3 emissions.
In social and governance areas, Colt launched a Global Social Impact Strategy aimed at empowering its communities through digital education and inclusion. The company noted a 24% year-over-year increase in employee volunteering days, with 867 days dedicated to external charities and initiatives in 2023. Other initiatives include a Gender Action Plan, the RISE programme for underrepresented talent, an Allyship in Action programme, and various campaigns focused on accessibility, neurodiversity, menopause awareness, and support for LGBTQ+ colleagues.
Security and data privacy have also been areas of focus. In 2023, Colt was awarded the ISO27701 certification for its privacy information management system, extending its existing ISO27001 certification. This certification reflects Colt's compliance with the EU GDPR and other data privacy requirements. Moreover, the company achieved the highest level of certification under Spain's Esquema Nacional de Seguridad (ENS), indicating a strong commitment to customer security and information protection.
Colt's recent efforts to support industry-wide safety measures include joining Stop Scams UK, a collaboration to prevent scams across the banking, telecoms, and technology sectors. The British Standards Institution (BSI) has verified Colt's activities as part of its sustainability efforts.
