Overview
Ribbon is a leading, publicly traded, global provider of communications technology, employing thousands of individuals operating in more than 100 countries. At Ribbon we recognize the vital importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystems worldwide and we also recognize that climate change is difficult for all life on the planet, not just human life. We understand the interconnectedness of human health and biodiversity including the public health benefits daily from the fresh air we breathe, the wild spaces for recreation and health-giving exercise reducing the occurrence of human disease. Our food comes from agriculture and farming of the land and the sea; often this life needs a little help to mitigate the effects of climate change including soil erosion, adverse weather, flooding, droughts, etc.
Our locations around the world are each part of a delicate balance of the local community of people and wildlife ecosystems. Ribbon activities, and that of our partners, can have both a positive and negative effect on these communities. We are committed to minimizing our impact on biodiversity through the measures outlined in our Biodiversity Policy with priority on protection of the existing ecosystems.
Our Approach
Before a site selection is made, each of our proposed new locations is researched to best understand the area. We consider the potential impacts of site occupation on the local flora and fauna, Ribbon builds both a conservation plan and risk assessment for the site. Our education platform allows our workforce to be trained in subjects relating to environmental management and biodiversity protection, including aquaculture, forestry, genetic diversity and species protection, wellness and recreation, pollination benefits, invasive species, chemical use and disposal, fuel delivery, waste processing and responsible procurement. Where possible we will look to promote insect and invertebrate health by the gardening practices we procure and will consider installing and managing bee hives to pollinate the local flora.
We monitor water use and look to identify water stress areas ahead of time so resilience can be established at these locations including retrofitting water efficient plumbing systems. We include reviews of relevant laws and regulations in our ISO14001 Environmental Management System and look to exceed these requirements related to biodiversity conservation and the restoration of degraded ecological systems. We have processes in place to validate the adherence of local regulations and supplier certifications with the right to audit our contracts with suppliers.
Our responsible procurement training aims to promote sensible purchase choices which focus on sourcing from suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices and manage resource extraction, fishing, forestry, agriculture, and other activities in a way that minimizes negative impacts on ecosystems while meeting human needs. In addition, we look to reduce waste and overconsumption by switching to compostable packaging, remove single-use plastics and increase the recycled content of the packaging for our customer deliveries.
Supporting Global Sustainable Development
Our approach to climate change and the environment directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 12, 14 and 15:
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6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity |
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12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources 12.4: Responsible management of chemicals and waste 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse |
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14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
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15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species |
Governance
Executive direction of biodiversity is led by Ribbon’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO). The CLO is supported by senior management in specific business unit functions such as procurement, supply chain management, real estate and facilities. Ribbon’s Board of Directors receive annual updates relating to environmental management and biodiversity performance as part of our risk review process.
See also:
Ribbon’s Environmental Policy
Ribbon’s Biodiversity Policy
Ribbon’s Approach to Climate Change and the Environment
Ribbon’s Policy on Conflict Minerals
Disclosure
We report transparently to our stakeholders on progress and performance related to biodiversity efforts in our annual Sustainability Report, available on our website.
Version 1.1: July 2024
