F5.5G Leap-forward Development of Broadband in Africa The Africa Broadband Forum 2024 (BBAF 2024) was successfully held in Cape Town, South Africa recently, under…
Axis: Pioneering Sustainability in the Tech Industry
In an era where conversations about sustainability have gained significant momentum, Axis, a global technology company, stands as a beacon of environmental responsibility and innovation. This is not your typical tech giant; Axis is rewriting the script on what it means to be green in the world of technology. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Rudolph Opperman, Manager, Engineering & Training, Middle East & Africa at Axis Communications, who shed light on the company’s remarkable journey towards sustainability, all while maintaining a global presence and thriving in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Axis’s Sustainability Commitment
Axis, a Swedish company with a global footprint, has long held sustainability close to its heart. Swedish corporations are renowned for their leadership in sustainable practices, and Axis is no exception. In 2007, the company signed the UN Global Compact, a testament to its commitment to universal principles encompassing human rights, labor, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption.
The company’s sustainability journey revolves around four pillars: respecting people, protecting the planet, innovating responsibly, and solving real-world problems. These pillars are not mere catchphrases but a guiding philosophy that permeates every facet of Axis’s operations.
Respecting People and Protecting the Planet
To Axis, respecting people extends beyond their workforce to their global customer base. They are determined to produce technology that not only benefits humanity but also safeguards the environment. This means meticulously designing products that are free from harmful substances, such as BFR and CFR. Although the journey to complete PVC, CFR, and BFR-free products by 2024-2025 is challenging, Axis remains undeterred, placing environmental protection at the forefront.
Innovating Responsibly and Solving Real-World Problems
Innovation and sustainability at Axis are intertwined. The company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond speed and efficiency; it’s about doing so responsibly. They’ve made conscious choices to ensure their products consume less power and reduce environmental impact. Moreover, their innovations are designed to solve real-world problems, from waste and water management to alleviating traffic congestion.
Challenges on the Road to Sustainability
The path to sustainability is fraught with challenges. Global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, put Axis to the test. In these trying times, Axis chose integrity over expedience, refusing to compromise on its sustainability standards, even if it meant facing challenges in meeting customer demand.
Building Trust Through Sustainability
Trust is the cornerstone of Axis’s journey. They understand that trust cannot be built on mere words but on consistent actions. Whether it’s designing cyber-secure products or maintaining ethical business practices, Axis’s commitment to transparency and accountability shines through.
Looking Ahead
The conversation with Rudolph Opperman not only revealed the company’s commitment to sustainability but also the challenges and complexities that lie ahead. Achieving lofty goals, such as becoming free of harmful substances, requires dedication and perseverance. However, Axis remains resolute in its mission, believing that staying true to its principles will ultimately lead to a sustainable and prosperous future, reminding us all that sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s an imperative.
To learn more about the company’s sustainability strategy, read the Axis 2022 Sustainability Report.
Read next: REdimension’s tech-sustainability fund hits first close