R&M, the globally active Swiss developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communication networks, recently published its Sustainability Report 2024. «We have consistently continued to integrate sustainability aspects into our operational processes,» says Michel Riva, CEO, summarizing the progress made in 2024. «‘Connecting the Planet’ is gaining in importance in the teams; the strategy and its implementation are becoming more visible and tangible,» says Michel Riva. From electricity procurement to waste, R&M is pursuing a comprehensive sustainability strategy. It encompasses human resources management as well as product development, manufacturing, materials, transportation, packaging, and supply chain management.
Michel Riva, CEO R&M
The program is based on four pillars: «Connecting Nature», «Connecting People», «Connecting Ethics», and «Connecting Circularity». Targets are defined in each pillar, which were extensively revised in the year under review. «Based on the latest findings, we have adjusted the milestones for decarbonization by 2030,» reports Michel Riva. R&M wanted to halve CO2 emissions by 2030. This is incompatible with the company’s economic growth and the demands of the market. The new target for 2030 is a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions caused by the company directly and generated by the purchase of electricity. Emissions caused by transport, materials, and along the up- and downstream value chain are to be reduced or compensated by 10 % by 2030. The aim is for operations to be carbon neutral by 2050.
R&M’s primary objective is a gradual transformation of the global energy mix. This is where the biggest levers for decarbonization are currently seen. By 2050, 80 % of the electricity used at R&M sites should come from renewable sources.
Increasing focus on the circular economy
Another focus is the efficient use of raw materials. When developing products, R&M engineers consider the entire life cycle, including disposal. Last year, for example, a new packaging concept was developed for the LAN segment. In addition to the use of recycled materials, this concept also takes into account the folding of boxes and the optimal use of pallets. This not only saves resources, CO2, and space, but also has a positive impact on packaging-related costs.
EcoVadis has been evaluating R&M’s performance and developments annually since 2016. R&M was awarded the Gold status in July 2024. This puts R&M in the top 1 % of companies rated by EcoVadis in the «Manufacturing of Cables and Wiring Devices industry. The company also received another award in Australia: The industry organization BICSI South Pacific presented R&M with the «Pioneer of Sustainability in ICT Award 2024».
