Sustainability at R&M: «Connecting the Planet»
Sustainability at R&M: «Connecting the Planet»
R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is pushing sustainability further. R&M reports on this in the 2023 Sustainability Report. «We have broadened our perspective and are entering a new phase of the value-driven sustainability strategy we call «Connecting the Planet». For R&M, sustainability means incorporating the entire ecosystem and reconciling business activity with social responsibility,» explains CEO Michel Riva. Markus Stieger, COO and Sustainability Officer, also look into the future: «Step by step, we are establishing R&M as a company that integrates key sustainability figures into strategic corporate management.»
Since 2010, R&M has regularly published its progress in the area of social responsibility. The globally binding sustainability strategy was revised in 2021. The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals provided orientation and inspiration. «Climate protection is one of the greatest social challenges of our time, although not the only one,» emphasizes Michel Riva.
Last year, after extensive groundwork, it was possible to compile all the factors needed to calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard (CCF). «This has enabled us to create a basis for the strategic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. On this basis, R&M wants to halve its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030,» explains Markus Stieger.
Important: Product quality, safety, health
«For R&M, sustainability means more than just reducing CO2,» emphasizes Markus Stieger. This was confirmed by a double materiality assessment carried out for the first time in 2023. Topics such as product quality, cybersecurity, and the health and safety of employees are prioritized. «High-quality products are reliable and durable. Our high-quality standards thus contribute to conserving raw materials and managing them sustainably,» emphasizes Markus Stieger.
The rating agency EcoVadis once again awarded R&M Silver in 2023. «Our sustainability strategy has proven to be credible and viable,» says Markus Stieger. The area of social affairs, labor, and human rights was significant with an increase of ten points. R&M can therefore be classified as more employee-friendly than average.
In addition to the established project teams, a global network of sustainability ambassadors was established during the reporting year. Local initiatives for environmental protection, health, and social projects are to be coordinated in this way and global requirements are implemented locally.
- You can find more information and download the Sustainability 2023 Report
- R&M Sustainability Roadmap 2023 & 2050
About R&M
R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a globally active corporate group in the ICT network infrastructures market, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland. Founded in 1964, the family-owned company offers all-in-one solutions for communication and data networks. With the vision of unlimited communication for people and companies, R&M integrates all levels, from copper and fiber-based connectivity to software for infrastructure management. Areas of application for infrastructure solutions from R&M include LAN and smart buildings, telecommunications, Fiber to the Home, Fiber to the Antenna/5G, data centers, transport and green energy. R&M is represented by local market organizations in over 40 countries and has its own manufacturing facilities at numerous locations worldwide. Sustainability is a central element of R&M’s strategy and values.