Climate adaptation plan – Orange.com

Climate Adaptation Plan Report: Orange’s Strategy Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, Orange is proactively enhancing its infrastructures and operational models to ensure uninterrupted service and safeguard its workforce. This climate adaptation strategy is designed to anticipate risks, foster innovative solutions, and collaborate with partners to maximize network resilience, directly supporting the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Understanding to Better Anticipate

Orange has initiated a comprehensive climate risk-mapping project since autumn 2023 to identify and assess risks, categorized as:

1. Physical Risks: Direct impacts on infrastructures and processes such as heatwaves, floods, storms, and landslides.
2. Transition Risks: Regulatory changes, shifts in business models, and impacts across the value chain.

Exposure and vulnerabilities are evaluated in each country using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) critical scenarios for 2030, 2040, and 2050. This approach aligns with SDG 13 by promoting climate resilience and adaptive capacity.

Strengthening Our Infrastructures

To mitigate physical risks threatening networks, Orange deploys tailored measures considering local geographical contexts, including:

• Undergrounding cables in exposed areas
• Implementing next-generation cooling systems in data centers
• Reinforcing backup power systems
• Elevating equipment in flood-prone zones
• Upgrading redundancy systems

Each Group entity develops its own adaptation plan addressing specific vulnerabilities, contributing to SDG 9 by building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

Anticipating to Keep People Connected

Orange emphasizes resilience by ensuring alternative connectivity routes for automatic traffic switching during disruptions. Key initiatives include:

• Development of SafetyCase, an autonomous device restoring communication networks within 30 minutes in disaster zones.
• Implementation of business continuity plans compliant with ISO/IEC 22301 standards.
• Continuous monitoring of equipment and provision of autonomous power supplies at sensitive sites.
• Enhancement of network resilience through satellite coverage capable of instant takeover.

These measures support SDG 9 and SDG 11 by ensuring reliable infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Protecting Our Teams from Climate Hazards

Employee and subcontractor safety is prioritized through concrete actions:

• Training teams for operations under extreme climate conditions
• Establishment of pre-crisis units in high-risk areas
• Definition of protocols for outdoor work during heatwaves
• Deployment of early-warning tools to safeguard field teams

This commitment aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Aligning with the Highest Standards

Orange integrates climate adaptation within European regulatory frameworks, notably the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The company utilizes the SSP5-8.5 climate scenario, representing the most pessimistic pathway, to structure its approach. Key actions include:

• Mapping strategic sites in 11 Group countries
• Analyzing climate hazard evolution under IPCC scenarios for 2030, 2040, and 2050
• Aligning with the Lead the Future strategic plan to assure long-term resilience

This structured approach supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 by promoting transparency and accountability.

Strategic Alliance: Orange and ENEDIS

Orange and ENEDIS have formed a strategic partnership in France to ensure service continuity amid climate challenges. Their telecommunications and electricity networks are closely interconnected, and their collaboration includes:

• Strengthened local cooperation
• Close coordination for joint works
• Shared escalation processes for efficient decision-making
• Common tools to anticipate impacts

This alliance enhances resilience of critical infrastructure, contributing to SDG 9 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

A Collaborative, Cross-Functional Approach in Motion

Orange recognizes climate change adaptation as a shared responsibility, involving multiple divisions and departments:

• CSR Division and Audit, Internal Control and Risk Division integrate emerging climate risks
• Security Division designates strategic priority sites
• Orange Innovation develops vulnerability assessment methods and technical solutions
• Human Resources adapts work arrangements based on regional climate projections
• Climate Officers facilitate coordination between technical experts, security teams, risk managers, and HR

This inclusive approach fosters SDG 13 and SDG 8 by promoting sustainable and adaptive work environments.

Mobilize and Train to Take Action on Climate Change

Orange has launched initiatives to raise awareness and build capacity among employees:

• Online training courses on future climate challenges
• Over 60,000 employees completed the Orange CSR Visa since 2023
• More than 23,000 employees participated in the Climate Fresk workshop, enhancing understanding of climate change mechanisms and impacts

These educational efforts support SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 by empowering individuals to contribute to climate resilience.

Conclusion

Orange’s comprehensive climate adaptation plan demonstrates a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals by integrating risk anticipation, infrastructure strengthening, workforce protection, regulatory alignment, strategic partnerships, cross-functional collaboration, and employee training. These efforts collectively enhance the resilience of Orange’s networks and operations, ensuring sustainable and inclusive digital services in the face of climate change.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focus on strengthening infrastructures to withstand climate risks.
   • Development of innovative solutions such as advanced cooling systems and autonomous communication devices.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Climate adaptation strategy to anticipate risks and protect infrastructures and teams.
   • Alignment with IPCC climate scenarios and European regulations like CSRD.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Protecting the safety and health of employees and subcontractors through training and early-warning tools.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Strategic alliance with ENEDIS to ensure service continuity and operational coordination.
   • Collaborative, cross-functional approach involving multiple departments and stakeholders.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 9
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities.
2. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 3
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
4. SDG 17
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 9
   • Number and extent of infrastructure adaptation measures implemented (e.g., undergrounding cables, cooling systems, backup power systems).
   • Deployment and operational status of innovative technical solutions (e.g., SafetyCase device, satellite coverage).
2. Indicators related to SDG 13
   • Mapping and assessment of climate risks and vulnerabilities using IPCC scenarios for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
   • Compliance with European climate adaptation regulations such as CSRD.
   • Number of employees trained and awareness initiatives completed (e.g., Orange CSR Visa, Climate Fresk workshop participation).
3. Indicators related to SDG 3
   • Implementation of safety protocols and early-warning tools to protect teams during extreme weather events.
   • Number of pre-crisis units established and training sessions conducted.
4. Indicators related to SDG 17
   • Existence and effectiveness of crisis agreements and operational coordination mechanisms with partners (e.g., ENEDIS).
   • Frequency and outcomes of joint simulation exercises and collaborations.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: orange.com