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NTT DATA's Second Sustainability Report: A Commitment to Transparency

NTT DATA Business Solutions AG has recently published its second Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability in sustainability practices. This latest report is particularly noteworthy as it is the first to encompass data from all 30+ countries where NTT DATA operates, including contributions from all subsidiaries and data centers worldwide. This comprehensive scope allows for a more accurate understanding of the current sustainability status of the organization, compared to the previous year’s report which focused on selected countries and data centers.

Enhanced Visibility in Sustainability Performance

The expansion in the report’s scope means that the data presented is not directly comparable to previous reports. However, it sets a critical foundation for future reports and sustainability assessments. Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions, emphasized that the report reflects their dedication to high standards of transparency, stating, ‘We meet our high standards for transparency by fully including all of our company's subsidiaries around the world. In addition, Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions data were subject to a voluntary external audit for the first time.’ This initiative improves NTT DATA's credibility in environmental matters and aligns with growing global demands for corporate transparency.

Goals and Progress Toward Net-Zero Emissions

NTT DATA has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. While there has been notable progress in energy efficiency and a commitment to renewable energy, Rotter acknowledges that significant work remains ahead. During the reviewed period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the company's largest energy consumption was related to office buildings and data centers. Notably, renewable energy currently comprises 44% of the overall energy mix, with data centers achieving an impressive 49% share of renewable electricity. CFO Jürgen Pürzer noted, ‘Volatile energy prices have shown us the importance of changing our energy supply and becoming less dependent on market prices.’ This perspective underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in energy sourcing, particularly in the face of fluctuating market conditions.

Projects Highlighting AI Innovation for Social Good

The report aligns with the NTT DATA Group's sustainability strategy, which includes the three pillars: Prosperity Positive, Planet Positive, and People Positive. Additionally, it showcases innovative projects that leverage artificial intelligence for social good. One project involves the development of an app designed to educate tourists visiting Danish nature reserves about sustainable practices. The app aims to enhance environmental consciousness among tourists and is anticipated to expand to other European countries in the future.

Another significant project supports a Danish organization that assists children in need through phone, SMS, or chat. Due to a shortfall in volunteers, NTT DATA has created an AI-driven software solution to empower volunteer counselors, enabling them to help a larger number of children more effectively. Rotter emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, ‘Such projects are very valuable to us because they add social value and also raise our awareness of the responsible use of technology.’

Preparing for Future Reports: A Step Toward Efficiency

As NTT DATA looks forward to its third Sustainability Report, preparations for data collection have already begun. This next edition will facilitate realistic comparisons with the previous year's figures, providing a framework for continuous improvement in the company’s sustainability objectives. Additionally, efforts are underway to comply with the expanded requirements of the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which aims for increased transparency in companies’ environmental impact.

The upcoming report is expected to encompass not only Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions but also relevant Scope 3 emissions, which consider emissions from business travel and purchased goods and services. The third Sustainability Report is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2025, aiming to deliver a more comprehensive overview of NTT DATA’s sustainability initiatives and progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NTT DATA Business Solutions' second Sustainability Report is an essential step towards greater corporate accountability and transparency in sustainability practices. As the company works diligently to meet its environmental goals and contribute positively to society, it continues to innovate and adapt in response to emerging sustainability challenges.

For those interested, the detailed report is accessible through NTT DATA Business Solutions’ official communication channels, highlighting its commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.