IBM's 2022 ESG Report: Ethical, Equitable, and Environmental Impact

IBM's 2022 ESG Report highlights its enduring commitment to making a positive impact on the world, aligning business goals with ethical, equitable, and environmental considerations.

IBM 2022 ESG Report - Key Highlights

Ethical Impact

In 2022, IBM exceeded its goal by training over 1000 ecosystem partners in technology ethics. It has also initiated a project to train 1000 technology suppliers in tech ethics by 2025, reinforcing its commitment to ethical technology use and deployment​​.

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Equitable Impact

Increased global representation of women and various ethnic communities in the U.S. in 2022. The company is investing $250 million in skills-first training and aims to skill 30 million people worldwide by 2030.

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Environmental Impact

As a technology partner at COP27, focuses on aligning sustainability goals with organizational objectives using technologies like Envizi and the Environmental Intelligence Suite. It aims to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

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Governance and Oversight

IBM's Board of Directors and the ESG Executive Steering Committee oversee the company's ESG strategy, ensuring corporate responsibility issues and goals are effectively addressed.

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Human Rights Initiatives

Since adopting a Human Rights Statement of Principles in 2019, IBM has been working to identify key human rights issues across its business operations.

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Corporate Governance

Board maintains governance principles focused on integrity, transparency, and accountability, reflecting a diverse and internationally experienced Board essential for IBM’s global operations.

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Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

The company upholds stringent cybersecurity and data privacy standards, incorporating regular assessments and workforce training based on industry best practices.

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Public Policy Advocacy

Supports various legislative acts and proposals relevant to its business, including the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, and policies on carbon dioxide emissions and cybersecurity.

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Supplier Diversity

IBM's supplier diversity program includes businesses owned and operated by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with diverse abilities. The company aims for 15% of its first-tier supplier diversity spending to be with Black-owned businesses by 2025, achieving 6.9% in 2022.

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Global Environmental Management System

Since its first corporate environmental policy in 1971, IBM has consistently integrated environmental responsibility into its business activities.

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Energy and Climate Change Goals

Aims to procure 75% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and 90% by 2030. It also targets a 65% reduction in operational GHG emissions by 2025 from the 2010 base year and net-zero operational GHG emissions by 2030.

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Energy Conservation Achievements

In 2022, IBM's 519 energy conservation projects across more than 150 locations led to a reduction of 71,000 MWh of energy consumption and 25,600 MT of CO2 emissions, saving $9.5 million.

IBM's 2022 ESG Report illustrates its dedication to fostering ethical technology use, increasing workplace diversity, environmental sustainability, and robust governance, underlining corporate responsibility as a key aspect of its business strategy.

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This article is based on the key findings and initiatives detailed in IBM's 2022 ESG Report. For further information, readers are encouraged to consult the full report here.