Integrating ecosystems and
solutions, driving impact

We work to have a lasting positive impact in the form of value for our stakeholders (employees, customers, investors, etc.), and aim for the social and environmental change that makes our stakeholders proud of us. This is only possible by keeping our efforts focused on delivering sustainable operations.

Sustainability approach

Sustainability is central to our operations, while ‘Delivering a New World of Communications.’ By connecting our ecosystems and technology together, we enhance our environmental footprint, help our customers optimise their resources, and empower communities by extending our capabilities.

At Tata Communications, sustainability is built on the premise that positive economic results are possible, when we effectively manage our ESG activities.

We take responsibility for the impacts of our internal operations by:

1

Choosing approaches that are least likely to impact the environment

2

Providing an inclusive and equitable workplace for our employees

3

Actively volunteering and engaging with our communities

4

Committing to ethical business behaviour

Sustainability Strategy

Our sustainability strategy sits and corresponds to three key pillars -
People, Planet and Community, around robust Corporate Governance.

In sync with the SDGs

Our programmes are a natural extension of our core business competence, and a vision of a connected society. The programmes are aligned with the UN SDGs in policy and practice. The SDGs recognise information and communications technology (ICT) as a ‘means of implementation’ for all the 17 SDGs. Tata Communications, being a digital ecosystem enabler, realises that it is imperative to contribute to the global goals for sustainable development. We have prioritised and mapped direct and in-direct SDGs, based on the risk, relevance, and our contribution as an organisation, and are working diligently towards achieving these goals.

We have been progressing well on all these goals, and you will find more information on all goals we contribute directly and indirectly to, in addition to further information on our key initiatives in this Report.

Integrating ecosystems and
solutions, driving impact

SDGs

Initiatives

  • Established targets for no fatalities and reduction in Lost Time Injuries (LTI) rate
  • Developed several IT-based solutions to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees
  • Designed workplaces with ergonomic comfort, safety, and security of the workforce in mind
  • Provided access to quality healthcare services in rural areas
  • Tata Communications Learning Academy is a one-stop-shop for learning and upskilling
  • Formulated policies for continued learning of employees, such as the Global Certifications Policy, Education Assistance Policy, etc.
  • Transformed public education ecosystems through digital enablement, mentorship for learners, and engagement of youth leaders and local education officers
  • Worked towards building an inclusive culture, creating a diverse talent pool, and enabling policies and infrastructure
  • Implemented various women development interventions, focused interventions for people managers and senior leaders, and the flexi-work programme
  • Emphasised on training young girls and women as part of CSR
  • Incorporated renewable sources in the energy mix
  • Ensured satisfaction, motivation and retention of the best talent. Designed compensation and employee benefit schemes to be competitive within the respective geographies, where we operate in
  • Formulated ‘Global Dignity in the Workplace Policy,’ which ensures respect for all individuals without any bias, and made it applicable across all geographies
  • Employability and sustainable livelihoods projects are a thrust area in CSR
  • Launched IoT offering to provide smart solutions and insights to real-world problems
  • Identified and planned 100 innovation initiatives, including 50+ AI initiatives, with a strategic focus on creating capabilities of the future, to serve the jobs of tomorrow
  • Collaborated with universities on technology and business research
  • Our technology-enabled social interventions and CSR initiatives seek to connect and empower our communities
  • We offer low carbon products and services under IoT, MOVE and Mobility, unified communications, and cloud and managed hosting services of our Company, which help the customers make the cities and communities sustainable
  • Implemented energy efficiency projects at facilities and power usage effectiveness improvements at data centres
  • Assessed GHG emissions at the customer end to identify reduction initiatives
  • Established targets to reduce water consumption, and banned single-use plastic in facilities
  • Implemented technology-driven interventions to reduce water and energy consumption

Taking note of India’s national priorities and policies, the launch of the new CSR strategy, ‘CSR Reimagined,’ has expanded the scope of our CSR intervention, which reflects the spirit of the SDGs, aligning all efforts at Tata Communications to complement the action on the following 7 SDGs in accordance with the Company’s vision and ambitions:

Integrating ecosystems and
solutions, driving impact

Sustainability governance

To anchor sustainability strategies and targets within the organisation, we have sustainability governance bodies. Our objective is to maximise economic value, while meeting environmental and social expectations. Thus, strong profitability is crucial to continue investing in environmental and social aspects, which in turn contributes to long-term value creation. This year, to further strengthen Board-level oversight on safety and sustainability affairs, the Board of Directors of Tata Communications Limited, at its meeting held on 21 April 2022, expanded the scope and remit of its existing CSR committee and renamed the same to the CSR, Safety and Sustainability Committee. The Committee is chaired by a Non-Executive Director, and includes another Non-Executive Director, along with the MD & CEO as its permanent members. Apart from its other mandates, the Committee reviews and monitors the business risks and opportunities with reference to sustainability, and also oversees the progress of business sustainability and aspects related to occupational health and safety (OHS), climate change, resource conservation, employee engagement and development, sustainable supply chain management, and human rights (privacy and freedom of expression, etc.).

Sustainability governance structure

CSR, Safety & Sustainablity Committee (Board Level)

  • Board-led committee to review and monitor business risks and opportunities with reference to sustainability
  • Encourage, assist, support and counsel management in developing short- and long-term goals, initiatives and standards pertaining to sustainability, OHS, climate change, resource conservation, employee engagement and development, sustainable supply chain management, and human rights (privacy and freedom of expression, etc.). and environment
  • Investigate, or cause to be investigated, any extraordinary negative sustainability, environment, and OHS performance which can impact ‘Tata Communication’ brand/reputation, as and where appropriate

Sustainable Development Committee (SDC)

  • MD & CEO chairs the Sustainable Development Committee (Quarterly)
  • Role is to advise the Company and its Board in meeting its responsbilities in relation to matters of ‘Sustainable Development’
  • Overall guidance along with reviewing and integrateing sustainability priorities and commitments with the business strategies, risk and opportunities
  • Providing guidance and recommending policies and initiatives with clear commitments for effective sustainable development

Sub Committee of SDC

  • CHRO and EOHS & Sustainability Head chairs the meeting (Quarterly)
  • Involving cross functional representatives from EOHS, HR, CSR, Customer/product, SCM, International Operations and more
    • Oversees the progress on business sustainability and aspects related to stakeholders
    • Reviewing and assessing progress of objectives and targets related to sustainability performance

Management Review Committee

  • EOHS & Sustainability Head chairs the meeting (Annually) as part of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Standard
  • Involving Management Representative and cross functional representatives
  • Review Company’s Health & Safety and Environment management system, at planned intervals, to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness
  • Quarterly reviews by Management Representatives (required as per ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Standard)

Existing CSR, Corporate Service, HR, SCM and Business Committee’s continue to operate separately