3 helpful tips for a more sustainable business

Understanding ESG: what’s it all about?

To be a sustainable business, you don’t necessarily have to offer green products or services, but you do have to consider ESG criteria: the environmental, social and governance aspects of your operations.

• Environmental means reducing your carbon footprint. That could be through using renewable energy, reducing your energy consumption and waste, or using sustainable products. For example, if you need a new phone, consider the Fairphone. Orange’s Business Buyback program me can give your device a second life through repairs, take-back and recycling.
   
• Social means you treat customers, employees and the community well. You ensure fair working conditions and strive for diversity. Some organisations even make this their core business, such as social enterprise IN-Z. This aspect plays out both internally and externally.
   
• Governance means being transparent and ethical. For example, honesty in your work and pricing policies: explain how you arrive at your price and what materials or products you use. If you have staff, make sure they are paid at market rates.

ESG guidelines for the self-employed

As of 2024, European listed companies are legally obliged to publish information about their environmental and social impact. The self-employed and small businesses are not subject to this obligation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t – or shouldn’t – contribute to the environmental and social issues we face. Here are three ways to get started.

1. Apply ESG practices at your level
   Choose eco-friendly and social initiatives that are feasible for your business. Small steps can make a big difference: use LED lights, invest in A-rated appliances, reduce your water consumption, turn down the thermostat, switch off the lights in unused rooms. Not only will it make your business more sustainable, your costs will go down too.
    
2. Involve customers, suppliers and employees
   Make ESG a collaborative effort by involving your customers, suppliers and employees. Let them know about your initiatives and encourage them to contribute. For example, you can convince your customers to opt for paperless billing. The more people you involve, the greater the impact.
    
3. Measure and communicate your progress
   Keep track of the sustainable steps you take. That way you not only see your progress, you can communicate the impact you’re making. Take paperless invoicing: why not share in your newsletter or on social media how much paper and ink you’re saving as a result. It enhances your sustainable image and shows your customers that they too are contributing to a better world.

Every step counts

As an independent business owner, you may not think about the impact you have on society. Yet it pays to integrate ESG criteria into your business operations, at every scale. By standing out in a sustainable way, you contribute to a greener future as well as building a positive image for your business. It’s a win-win.

And what about Orange?

The ESG criteria are our top priority and are part of our strategy. We strive to give everyone the chance to enjoy the digital world responsibly. That is why we are gradually making all our technologies and resources more sustainable, reducing our CO₂ emissions and committing to the circular economy. Recycling phones, modems and decoders and using greener SIM cards and ecologically sound packaging are a few examples of our actions.

With 40% of Belgians classed as digitally vulnerable, we are also committed to reducing the digital divide. As an inclusive and trustworthy operator, we want to give as many people as possible access to the digital world. We guide, inspire and protect people in everything digital. Our mission is to create equal opportunities.

Finally, we comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, a European regulation that sets new standards and obligations for non-financial reporting by listed companies. Our report is expected in early 2025.