PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

What makes ESG different in tech? Technology businesses are innovationdriven, often investing heavily in research and development. Rather than focussing on technology as a pillar of operations, these businesses create technology and embed it in all of their actions. Often, tech companies offer services and solutions instead of traditional physical products.

These factors mean that technology businesses can approach ESG somewhat differently to other organisations.

“ At Verizon, we talk about running the five nines. That means our network must be up 99.999 % of the time. Why is that important? Our more important customers are first responders,” James explains.

“ If you’ re running into a fire, God forbid, we want to make sure that network is up for them anytime to provide lifesaving opportunities.

“ It’ s also for that grandma who wants a picture from Disney World. We want to make sure that picture is coming through.

“ That’ s why it’ s so important to run a sustainable company and then make sure you’ re enabling your customers to do the same.”

TITLE: CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SUPPLY CHAIN AND SOURCING

COMPANY: VERIZON INDUSTRY: TELECOMMUNICATIONS

James joined Verizon in 2002 and took on his sustainability role in 2009. His team works to reduce Verizon’ s environmental footprint and increase its efficiency around the globe. WATCH NOW

Sustainability & ESG strategies panel at Sustainability Live climate week NYC

104 July 2025