J - Information and communication
E1 - Climate change
For information and communication companies, climate change stakes are increasingly linked to the energy intensity of data centers, broadcasting infrastructures, and digital services, as well as their capacity to adapt to climate-related disruptions (e.g. network resilience, supply chain interruptions). Insufficient progress in climate change mitigation or adaptation can result in higher operational costs, regulatory pressure, and reputational risks, whereas investing in energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy, and climate-resilient infrastructures creates opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and enhanced stakeholder trust. Addressing IROs related to climate change is now essential for compliance, business continuity, and sustainable value creation in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resourcesE4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E2 - Pollution
Although the information and communications sector is less directly exposed to industrial pollution, it presents specific challenges related to data center energy consumption, electronic equipment management (e-waste), and the use of substances of concern in IT equipment and network infrastructure. Inadequate management of these aspects can lead to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as regulatory or reputational risks. While adopting clean technologies, responsible recycling, and reducing hazardous substances offer opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and market differentiation. Addressing pollution-related IROs is thus becoming a key lever for compliance, sustainable performance, and stakeholder confidence in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E3 - Water and marine resources
While the direct use of water and marine resources by information and communication companies is generally limited compared to industrial sectors, this sector can still have significant impacts through the water consumption of data centers, the sourcing of materials (particularly for electronic equipment), and effluent management. Poor management of these issues can lead to risks of shortages, regulatory sanctions, or reputational damage, while adopting responsible practices—such as optimizing water consumption, using committed suppliers, and preventing pollution—opens opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Addressing IROs related to water and marine resources thus becomes a strategic lever for compliance, operational resilience, and sustainable value creation in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems
While the direct impact of information and communication companies on biodiversity may be lower than in extractive or manufacturing sectors, their activities—such as the sourcing of electronic equipment, construction of data centers, and use of digital infrastructure—can contribute to habitat loss, resource depletion, and ecosystem pressure. Poor management of these issues may lead to negative impacts on ecosystem services and species, regulatory or reputational risks, whereas integrating biodiversity-friendly procurement, eco-design, and restoration initiatives can create opportunities for innovation, stakeholder trust, and sustainable sector growth. Addressing IROs related to biodiversity and ecosystems is now essential for compliance, risk management, and long-term value creation in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E5 - Circular economy
For information and communication companies, circular economy challenges are closely linked to the management of electronic equipment, digital infrastructure, and material flows associated with publishing, broadcasting, and IT services. Ineffective resource management and excessive e-waste can lead to increased costs, regulatory risks, and negative stakeholder perceptions, while embracing circular practices—such as equipment refurbishment, responsible sourcing, and digital eco-design—creates opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and enhanced reputation. Addressing IROs related to resource inflows, outflows, and waste is now essential for compliance, competitiveness, and sustainable value creation in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
G1 - Business conduct
For information and communication companies, responsible business conduct—including strong corporate culture, anti-corruption measures, transparent supplier management, ethical political engagement, effective whistle-blower protection, and animal welfare where relevant—is fundamental to maintaining trust and regulatory compliance in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Failures in these areas may result in legal sanctions, loss of reputation, or disrupted business relationships, while robust governance and transparent practices offer opportunities for differentiation, resilience, and long-term value creation. Addressing IROs related to business conduct is now a strategic priority for sustainable growth and stakeholder confidence in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S1 - Own workforce
Attracting and retaining qualified talent, ensuring fair wages, equal opportunities, and healthy working conditions are strategic challenges for information and communication companies, given the sector’s reliance on skilled, diverse, and often mobile employees. Insufficient attention to these issues can result in high turnover, skill shortages, reputational risks, or regulatory sanctions, while fostering a supportive work environment and inclusive culture creates opportunities for innovation, productivity, and long-term competitiveness. Addressing IROs related to own workforce is now essential for compliance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S2 - Workers in the value chain
Ensuring decent wages, equal opportunities, and fair working conditions throughout the value chain—including subcontractors, freelance contributors, IT service providers, and content creators—is a growing challenge in the information and communication sector, given its reliance on a diverse and sometimes globalized network of partners. Insufficient oversight of these aspects can lead to labor rights violations, reputational risks, or supply chain disruptions, while promoting responsible practices and social standards among all partners helps secure resilience, stakeholder trust, and access to ethical markets. Addressing IROs related to workers in the value chain is now a key driver for compliance, risk management, and sustainable performance in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S3 - Affected communities
Information and communication companies can significantly shape communities’ civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights through the content they produce, the technologies they develop, and the services they provide. Inadequate consideration of community impacts—such as biased information, digital exclusion, or insufficient data protection—can lead to loss of trust, legal challenges, and reputational damage, while proactive engagement and inclusive practices foster social cohesion, digital literacy, and long-term value creation. Addressing IROs related to affected communities is now essential for compliance, stakeholder trust, and sustainable growth in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S4 - Consumers and end-users
In the information and communication sector, companies play a pivotal role in shaping the quality, accessibility, and safety of information and digital services provided to consumers and end-users. Failing to ensure transparency, data protection, personal safety, or social inclusion can lead to misinformation, digital exclusion, legal exposure, or reputational loss, while prioritizing clear communication, robust privacy standards, and inclusive design creates opportunities for trust, loyalty, and market expansion. Addressing IROs related to consumers and end-users is now essential for compliance, competitive differentiation, and sustainable growth in this sector.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
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