Working with industry

We recognise that O2 on its own can only do so much to effect lasting change within the supply chain in respect of labour and health & safety standards and environmental impacts. A much more productive approach is to deal with these issues at an industry level and in partnership with governments, NGO's and other key stakeholders.

Telefónica is a member of the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, a not for profit organisation consisting of telecoms operators, electronic equipment manufacturers, industry associations, and NGO's.

GeSI addresses social, environmental and ethical issues in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and operates a specific Supply Chain Working Group which, together with the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) is developing practical tools and processes that all companies in the sector can use to manage their supply chains. Telefonica is helping to lead this activity.

In this way a consistent, more efficient approach for the sector can be established, reducing the amount of duplication of supplier assessments and audits, reducing cost for everyone, and leading to a more sustainable model for continuous improvement.

O2 is committed to adopting the tools and protocols being developed in association with GeSI and the EICC, the two key bodies leading the industry in the ethical management of supply-chain social and environmental issues.