The Tomorrow’s Value Rating of the world’s largest information and communications technology (ICT) companies shows that sustainability leaders such as Vodafone, Nokia, HP and France Telecom are developing products and services to support the world’s response to climate change. The results of the Rating reflect the broader trend of ICT companies showing sustainability leadership.

However, the Rating finds there is considerable room for the sector to improve its management of its direct environmental impacts.

Vodafone is placed first in the Rating with an overall score of 60 per cent, reflecting its strong, all-round sustainability leadership.

Thomas Krick, global manager of the Tomorrow’s Value programme, comments: “Vodafone has implemented comprehensive governance mechanisms for sustainability issues. It listens and responds to stakeholders both locally and globally, and has a strong track record of developing services that help improve the lives of disadvantaged people and remote communities.”

Vodafone is followed closely by Nokia and HP, with Sony, AT&T and Verizon trailing at the foot of the table.

Thomas continues: “The results of the Rating reflect a broader trend of ICT companies showing sustainability leadership. They are increasingly recognising the commercial opportunity that lies in helping other sectors to reduce their carbon footprint, or in using their technology to offer health or education services to remote communities. Companies in the sector are also working together, especially in trying to address social and environmental challenges in their supply chains, and in regard to electronic waste management.”

Jason Perks, group director at Two Tomorrows, adds: “While the sector continues to push best practice in sustainability innovation, the management of its direct environmental impacts often offers room for improvement. For example, while most companies have set CO2 emissions targets, the majority struggle to achieve significant reductions.”

Full results of the Tomorrow’s Value Rating of the ICT sector