ARCHIVE FOR THE ‘sustainability’ CATEGORY

Omdia’s first research into service providers’ ESG initiatives finds that green energy was accountable for the highest number of individual measures over the research period, equivalent to 25.3% of the total, followed by digital inclusion (16.7%) and social welfare (16.7%).

Omdia’s “ESG Service Provider Index”, which provides a view on telecoms operating groups and sector ESG initiatives announced from 2019 to November 2020, covers 192 announcements from the largest 15 service providers by revenues.

THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES PLEDGING TO A DATE BY WHICH THEY WILL REDUCE THEIR CARBON EMISSIONS TO NET ZERO IS INCREASING

The research reveals that all fifteen service providers announced at least one green energy initiative, while 73.3% announced at least one measure in social welfare, and 60% announced measures to improve the recycling capabilities of their operations.

However, diversity and digital ethics are two ESG areas that saw less activity over the research period, with 53.3% of operators announcing no diversity measures, and 73.3% making no announcements around digital ethics.

Governance-focused environmental ESG initiatives such as green bonds enable companies to fund plans to reduce their carbon footprint and source energy from renewable sources. While Vodafone, Orange, Verizon and Telefonica each launched green bonds over the research period, Omdia expects the relatively low levels of industry-wide activity in this area will grow over the coming years as telcos look finance their network modernization plans and other ESG initiatives.   

Among the fifteen companies covered in the tracker, Vodafone, BT, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, Verizon, Comcast, and KDDI pledged a date by which they will reduce their carbon emissions to net zero, a major milestone an increasing number of companies are planning for.

Paul Lambert, Principal Analyst at Omdia, commented: “In formulating ESG strategies, service providers have followed a broad range of measures to improve their near-term ethical standing, and, over the mid and long term, reduce their impact on both the environment and their costs by using sustainable energy.

“Service providers covered in the research have also been active in putting in place inclusion, social welfare, and digital initiatives in ways that enable them to apply their strengths and capabilities in new ways to bring tangible benefits to diverse communities. Looking forwards, an industry that thrives from connecting people can be expected to accelerate its efforts to forge better connections between us, our society and the environment.”

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Service Innovation and Design @ https://www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation-and-design
• Read the ESG Service Provider Index @ omdia.tech.informa.com/ESG-Service-Provider-Index
• Read more about Sustainability on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/sustainability
• Find out more more about Omdia @ omdia.tech.informa.com
• Follow Omdia on Twitter @ twitter.com/Omdiahq

Outsourced fleet and mobility management specialist Fleet Operations has set itself a net zero carbon target by signing up to a carbon offsetting scheme for all the greenhouse gases created by the business.

The bold move comes in the wake of the company's recent certification by the British Assessment Bureau to the ISO14001 standard for environmental management. This rigorous benchmark provides unequivocal proof of an organisation's green credentials, and alongside the carbon neutrality commitment, underlines Fleet Operations' ongoing commitment to the green fleet agenda.

FLEET OPERATIONS HAS CONVERTED 30% OF THEIR FLEET TO ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES AND SWITCHED TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

"With our zero carbon target, we are aiming very much to lead by example,” said Fleet Operations Managing Director Richard Hipkiss. “ISO 14001 puts a management system in place which ensures that we will deliver on this important environmental promise. We help clients to cut their environmental impact and fleet running costs every day, not just by moving to electric vehicles but by empowering their employees to take a more flexible view of business travel."By encouraging drivers to swap their car to more sustainable options like public transport, spot hire or electric pool cars for shorter journeys, we help our clients to green their fleet and mobility policies.

As well as converting 30% of their fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles, Fleet Operations has also installed solar panels at their head office in Newcastle-under-Lyme, switched to a 100% renewable energy provider and following a thorough benchmarking of their energy consumption, the company has set clear KPIs to reduce energy and fuel usage over the next two years.

An internal 'Think Green' campaign has also been launched to encourage and motivate staff to change their behaviour with regular updates and poster reminders in every office, and team targets to reduce paper and lighting consumption. The certification adds to Fleet Operations' existing list of quality standards, including the ISO9001:2015 standard for quality and ISO27001:2013 for information security, both secured in 2017 and renewed in 2020.

Fleet Operations is one of the UK's leading independent providers of outsourced fleet management services including strategic consultancy, multi-bid leasing, supply chain management, policy creation and risk management, data consolidation and vendor management.

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Managing the Mobile Workforce @ https://www.fieldservicenews.com/managing-the-mobile-workforce
• Read more about Fleet Operations on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-operations
• Find out more more about Fleet Operations @ www.fleetoperations.co.uk
• Follow Fleet Operations on Twitter @ twitter.com/fleet_ops
• Follow Fleet Operations on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/fleet-operations-limited/

Reconomy has revealed which of the world’s largest businesses are bidding to be named as the most sustainable company. The company has produced an algorithm which measures the strength of a business’ ethical messaging on social media and its individual business strategy.

The waste management service has compared 157 of the world’s biggest organisations across 13 industries. Using Corporate Knights’ leaderboard and YouGov’s ranking of the most publicly perceived companies, each firm was analysed to reveal how many mentions of ‘sustainable’ related key terms were included in their business strategy and on social media. Key terms included ‘sustainability’, ‘renewables’, and ‘green energy’.

The data unveiled interesting statistics about the telecommunications sector. Vodaphone mentions sustainability the most throughout its social media and business strategy. Sustainable keywords were mentioned 238 times across Vodaphone’s public and professional platforms. Overall, it ranked fourth out of the 157 organisations analysed. They emphasise their commitment to reducing their carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2020. BT and Virgin Media followed Vodaphone in this category, with 125 and 54 mentions of sustainability respectively.

RECONOMY REVEALS THE BUSINESS WORLD'S BIGGEST SUSTAINABLE GIANTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LEADERS

Meanwhile, PlusNet failed to mention any sustainable key terms across its social media and business strategy. The internet service provider ranked 142nd out of the 157 organisations. AOL and Talkmobile also failed to mention any sustainable key terms across their platforms.

Harvey Laud, Divisional Director at Reconomy, said: “Organisations are looking towards sustainability to produce a reformed focus for their businesses. Whilst the research is primarily an indication of which companies are leading the way in terms of ethical management; it does prove that all industries are pointing to a future where sustainability is a priority for all operations.

“This is being achieved through ethical production, smarter waste management, and understanding the long-term effects that businesses can have on the environment. Customers are demanding sustainability, and the best businesses are listening.”

Compared to other industries, the telecommunications sector has an informative approach to sustainable pledges over a persuasive one. This is because a majority of ethical practices take place on the business end, rather than persuading the customer to complete ethical tasks. For example, where Coca-Cola ranks first in the rankings overall with 676 sustainable pledges across their platforms, their message asks customers to recycle. For telecommunications, sustainable practices must take place before the point of sale.

Laud continued: “All sectors and industries have a part to play in creating a sustainable future for both their customers and the wider public. However, for the telecommunications sector, the benefits are widespread. Substituting old copper networks for newer fibre optic connections is more efficient in terms of energy consumption and reduces failures. The removed copper is also highly recyclable. Sustainable options are not limited to benefitting the planet, they can also help businesses grow.”

For more information, visit www.reconomy.com/sustainable-giants/

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Further Reading:

• Learn more about Reconomy Sustainable Giants @ reconomy.com/sustainable-giants/
• Read More about Service Innovation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation
• Learn more about Reconomy @ www.reconomy.com
• Follow Reconomy on Twitter @ twitter.com/ReconomyNews
• Follow Reconomy on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/reconomy

BT and Belfast Harbour today announced a landmark partnership to build a state-of-the-art 5G ecosystem within the Port.  The partnership will deliver a series of 5G-led innovations to accelerate Belfast Harbour’s digital transformation and help deliver its smart port strategic ambitions.

In a UK and Ireland-first, BT will build and manage a live 5G Private Network designed specifically to achieve the highest levels of ultrafast mobile connectivity, coverage, reliability and security across the Port’s main operational areas. The highly secure and scalable network will enhance safety, security and sustainability across the Harbour Estate and is expected to go live across large parts of the 2,000-acre site early next year. 

Belfast Harbour is an important gateway to trade and a significant contributor to the regional economy. Every year, more than 1.75 million people and over half a million freight vehicles arrive and depart through the Port, while 24 million tonnes of goods are managed and carried by ferries, container ships and general cargo vessels.

A PARTNERSHIP TO STIMULATE INNOVATION ACROSS TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS, PUBLIC SAFETY, PHYSICAL SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

The deployment will allow Belfast Harbour to drive operational efficiencies and accelerate its digital transformation through optimising processes across transport, logistics, supply chain and shipping, as well as boosting productivity through the smooth-running of the Port’s operations. The partnership will also explore how 5G and other emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and Connected Autonomous Vehicles can be used together to enhance public safety, physical security and address climate change across the Port and other parts of Belfast City.

For example, the partnership will explore how 5G-led capabilities can help Belfast Harbour to ensure a safe and secure environment for businesses, employees and the wider public. The two organisations will work on improved productivity and safety measures by enabling 5G remote controlled inspection technology to reduce the need for staff to work at height. Meanwhile, the roll out of 5G enabled sensors to monitor air quality and other environmental factors will support Belfast Harbour and the wider city in achieving its green recovery and sustainability ambitions.

The strategic partnership follows a successful UK-first trial of 5G technology by BT and Belfast Harbour last year and supports Belfast Harbour’s ambitions to become the world’s best regional smart port.

Gerry McQuade, CEO of BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “Our UK-first 5G trial with Belfast Harbour last year was a powerful illustration of how 5G-led technology can transform port operations, propel the success of local businesses and drive economic growth. Today’s deal with Belfast Harbour will make these benefits a reality, with the creation of a sophisticated digital ecosystem comprising of 5G, AI, IoT and Connected Vehicles. This will act as a springboard for Belfast Harbour to achieve its ambition to be the world’s best regional smart port and an innovation hub for the region.

“Ports are fundamental to the UK economy, and Belfast Harbour is responsible for roughly two thirds of Northern Ireland’s trade. With the rising demands on transport and logistics, and the growing need for operations to be safe, secure and sustainable, we’re excited to work with Belfast Harbour as its technology partner, building 5G-led innovations to unlock the productivity benefits for the port and contribute to the region’s green recovery ambitions.”

Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour added: “One of Belfast Harbour’s key strategic ambitions is to become a smart port that engages creatively and effectively with customers, visitors and employees. Following a successful test programme last year, we are pleased to have engaged BT to bring 5G technology into Belfast Harbour and delighted that this private network is a first for the UK and Ireland.

“The smooth and efficient running of our Port logistics network relies on the accurate tracking and integration of data gathered from multiple sources.  We believe the increased capabilities of 5G technology can have a beneficial effect on our operations, helping us for example to capture, process and interpret data in real time and giving insights that will speed decision making, better manage vehicle traffic through our Harbour Estate and improve productivity across our operations and services.”

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Learn more about BT @ www.bt.com
• Find out more about Belfast Harbour @ www.belfast-harbour.co.uk
• Read more about 5G on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/5G
• Follow BT on Twitter @ twitter.com/bt_uk

 

Kris Oldland returns to the host's seat for this episode of the Field Service podcast where the talk is focused on the headaches of last mile service delivery...

In a much awaited return to the Field Service Podcast hot seat Kris Oldland, Editor-in-Chief, Field Service News sits down with Rich Agostinelli, CEO of ByBox. 

The conversation picked up from a recent interview between the two as they continue to take a deep look at the headaches of last mile service delivery, how it is impacting field service organisations and how these can be overcome. The two then also take a lens to the increasing amount of conversation around the growing importance of sustainability and why when it comes to the field service sector in particular this is a very positive thing

The next decade will see manufacturers come under pressure to ensure their processes are significantly more sustainable. But what role can service play in this shift? Through technology and servitization, Mark Glover discovers a strong will in the sector to make a difference and to make it happen.

In this extract from a white paper published by ServiceMax we explore the question of sustainability in field service and how as well as being better for our planet it can also be better for a service organisations bottom line as well...

Business motivations for running a green fleet can be many. Environmental ethics are laudable but the business case is clear and financial triggers can be equally compelling. Giles Margerison, Tom Tom Telematics’ Director UK & Ireland, explains how service companies can introduce an environmental strategy and considers its effect on day-to-day operations.

Environmental issues are being taken increasingly seriously by today’s world of business.

In some cases, sustainability has found its way onto service company agendas as a result of industry quotas and legislative demands, some firms simply want to become more environmentally-friendly from an ethical standpoint, others see it going hand-in-hand with business reputation and cost-savings.

Moral motivations may have taken a backseat during the recent economic downturn when, for many, business survival became the key objective. But as a leading motoring journalist recently pointed out – motives are not really the point, it’s the end result that counts.

 

Indeed those still to be convinced by moral arguments can ill-afford to ignore the fact that an environmental policy will invariably prove to also be a financially beneficial one – and this truth is particularly applicable for companies operating vehicle fleets.

In short, a green fleet policy means greater efficiency. This translates to lower fuel consumption, which in turn equals reduced costs and green house gas emissions. The business case for its introduction is therefore unequivocal.

The automotive industry is taking considerable strides to produce cleaner and greener vehicles, but slashing CO₂ emissions need not be dependent upon upgrading to fleet vehicles with superior mpg efficiency. Instead, by focusing on how vehicles are used, immediate green results can be delivered no matter the size, nature and make-up of a fleet.

Implementation of smart job allocation and scheduling is a perfect place to start, helping reduce overall mileage and carbon footprint. Dispatching the most appropriate mobile workers to jobs requires accurate management information. This will range from assessing the urgency and priority of jobs to the location of employees and traffic flow en route.

Advanced telematics systems, which combine tracking, navigation and live traffic information, enable managers to make key decisions by monitoring vehicle locations, movements and driver performance. Jobs can then be allocated to the most appropriate field operative based on who will arrive quickest. The optimal route may not necessarily be the shortest but will be the one which minimises fuel usage, idling and time spent on the road.

 

Historic road-use data can also be analysed to avoid wasted mileage, while drivers are able to avoid congestion by using live traffic information provided by navigation devices. Coupled with smart routing, factoring in not only congestion but also traffic lights, roundabouts and other obstacles, this can mean journey time savings of up to 15 per cent – and a marked reduction in emissions.

Green efficiencies through improved driving performance

The driver is the biggest factor in fuel savings accounting for around 30 per cent of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a vehicle, and measurement of mpg underpins the potential savings in this area. Other crucial areas for measurement include vehicle idling, speeding and incidences of poor driving style, such as harsh steering or braking.

Telematics technology can draw upon all of this information, creating simple reports for organisations to profile individual drivers or entire fleets while empowering drivers themselves to improve by feeding performance data to them in real time, via in-vehicle terminals. And as research and development in this space continues apace, the performance areas that could be improved upon for greener, safer driving will develop, offering even greater opportunities for driver training and continual improvement.

 

Companies such as utilities giant Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) have demonstrated the fuel saving possibilities for this technology. SGN reduced incidences of negative driver behaviour (speeding, harsh steering, braking or acceleration) from 1,600 a day to less than 400 after implementing such technology across its 2,000+ vehicle fleet. The move resulted in an increase in average driver efficiency of 2.1 mpg.

For Zenith Hygiene Group, an incentivised scheme for the improvement of driver behaviour using TomTom Telematics’ technology saw its average vehicle mpg over the course of a year soar from 26 to 43. A study undertaken by global sustainability consultancy Environmental Resources Management (ERM), and commissioned by Vodafone, found that across its fleet this equated to almost 600 tonnes of CO2.

Such examples demonstrate how telematics data enables service companies to be fully accountable for their green policies, providing proof that requirements are being met. Moreover, managing mileage and driving behaviour not only protects the environment, it also protects drivers and companies’ all important bottom line.

 

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