In 2022, digital technology accounted for 4.4% of France's carbon footprint: that year, it was responsible for emissions of 29.5 MtCO2 eq, slightly less than the total emissions of the heavy goods vehicle sector (source: ADEME).
In light of this, ARMOR GROUP recognises the importance of aligning its digital practices with its ambition to ‘create a contributory and sustainable ecosystem’. With this in mind, the manufacturer has implemented its Responsible Digital 2030 policy, which is part of its new IMP'ACT 2030 strategic commitment. The aim is that within five years, the Group and all its activities will be committed to complying with its principles and will have integrated its best practices, for a more sustainable and responsible digital environment. This will be achieved in particular by raising awareness and training employees so that they become fully involved in the process.
A policy based on five key principles
The initiative is led by the Responsible Digital Committee, comprising Annabelle Guillet and Pierre Lavoix, respectively Director and CSR Project Manager at ARMOR GROUP, Tony Connradt, Industrial Digital & Projects Strategies at ARMOR-IIMAK, and Pierre Reina, Director of Information Systems at ARMOR GROUP. ‘Together, we worked on developing the charter on which this policy is based and defined its five key principles,’ says Pierre Reina.
These principles are:
- Protecting company data and ensuring information security by adopting rigorous data management practices.
- Promoting ethical and responsible use of digital technologies by training and raising awareness among employees about responsible behaviour.
- Controlling the environmental footprint of digital equipment and infrastructure by promoting the purchase of low-environmental-impact materials and recycling, optimising energy consumption and lifespan, and controlling the number of devices.
- Integrate an eco-design approach into digital projects by ensuring that digital services are designed to meet user needs while minimising their environmental impact.
- Promote digital accessibility for ARMOR GROUP stakeholders to ensure that digital tools are inclusive and accessible to users with disabilities.
Integrate, measure and adjust: the keys to the approach
In addition to the long-term objective of integrating responsible digital practices into all of the Group's activities, ARMOR GROUP's Responsible Digital 2030 policy aims to regularly measure its effects and adjust its actions to ensure continuous improvement.
Progress will be measured using performance indicators defined as part of the ARMOR GROUP's strategic commitment, IMP'ACT 2030, which includes a responsible digital component. These indicators include monitoring the digital carbon footprint, the number of cybersecurity incidents resulting in data loss or leakage, the average lifespan of PCs and the number of awareness-raising actions carried out.
Responsible digital technology, an everyday approach
In practice, the Responsible Digital Technology 2030 policy applies to very general everyday uses: extending the life of equipment, reducing printing, and choosing partners committed to a responsible approach. It can also involve less risky and more conscious use of artificial intelligence-based tools. For example, a few months ago, ARMOR GROUP distributed an AI charter internally.
‘The Responsible Digital 2030 policy will encourage everyone to act more consciously in their daily lives. Of course, many already do so, but some people do not always perceive the impact of their actions. This policy therefore serves as a stepping stone to show everything that can be achieved in terms of responsible digital technology and will establish a common basis for all employees,’ concludes Pierre Reina.
