Climate Change Data

HighCo Group

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

Reporting Period: 2021

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:232 tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2)
Total Energy Consumption:1194 MWh/year
Carbon Intensity:3.0 tCO2e/M€ of gross profit in 2021

ESG Focus Areas

  • Employee well-being
  • Gender equality
  • Entrepreneurship support
  • Environmental sustainability (EcoVadis Platinum rating)

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 15.3% from 274 tCO2e in 2020 to 232 tCO2e in 2021. Reduction in energy consumption by 5.0% to 1194 MWh in 2021.

Social Achievements

  • Maintained gender equality in management (48% women managers).
  • Average employee tenure increased to 8.5 years.
  • Supported entrepreneurship through HighCo Fund for Entrepreneurship.
  • EcoVadis Platinum rating (top 1% of companies).

Governance Achievements

  • Compliance with Middlenext Corporate Governance Code.
  • Established anti-corruption training.
  • Strengthened internal control procedures.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net-zero emissions (target year not specified).
Medium-term Goals:
  • Reduce GHG emissions further.
  • Maintain high employee satisfaction.
Short-term Goals:
  • Maintain EcoVadis Platinum rating.
  • Achieve average employee tenure of at least 8 years.

Environmental Challenges

  • Risks related to innovation and use of new technologies.
  • IT risks (data security, cybercrime).
  • Health risks (pandemic-related disruptions).
  • Competition in the communication, retail, and consumer goods sectors.
  • Human resources risks (talent acquisition and retention).
  • Risks related to clients and suppliers.
  • Risks related to the implementation of promotional techniques.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Regular training and awareness programs for employees.
  • Enhanced security measures for data protection.
  • Compliance with GDPR regulations.
  • Strengthened internal processes for micro-payment activities.
  • Development of innovative digital solutions.
  • Implementation of software solutions for remote work.
  • Strict health protocols to preserve employee health and business continuity.
  • Strengthened business relationships with clients and suppliers.
  • Diversification of client portfolio.
  • Cost flexibility to adapt to market changes.
  • Improved employee well-being initiatives.
  • Strengthened contractual procedures and supplier selection.
  • Precise accounting of SMS messages.
  • Regular review of risks and insurance coverage.
  • Implementation of specific procedures for sensitive activities.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Responsible sourcing, supplier code of conduct, integration of ESG criteria in procurement.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: French regulatory requirements (including the Déclaration de Performance Extra-Financière)

Certifications: EcoVadis Platinum

Third-party Assurance: Cabinet De Saint Front (limited assurance)

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • HighCo Coupon[AI], HighCo Nifty

Awards & Recognition

  • EcoVadis Platinum rating, Mobiles d’OR 2021 (Useradgents), Les Cas d’OR – Digital Retail (Useradgents)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:306 tCO2e/year (France and Belgium)
Scope 1 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 2 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:0%
Total Energy Consumption:1241 MWh/year
Water Consumption:Not disclosed
Waste Generated:Not disclosed
Carbon Intensity:4.0 tCO2e/M€ of gross margin (2022)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental
  • Social
  • Governance
  • Human Rights
  • Anti-corruption

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced paper consumption through digitalization (more than two-thirds of activities are digital).

Social Achievements

  • Maintained average seniority of 8.5 years, meeting the objective.
  • Achieved near parity in management positions (49.8% women).
  • Implemented a new gender equality agreement at HighCo Data France.
  • Created the HAGIR association to promote ecology and environmental actions within the group.

Governance Achievements

  • Received a Gold medal from EcoVadis Sustainability Rating, placing the group in the top 1% of its sector.
  • Adherence to the UN Global Compact since 2014.
  • Established an anti-corruption code of conduct based on Middlenext.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
  • Introduce alignment criteria into purchases as market alternatives become available, while respecting financial balances.
Short-term Goals:
  • Sensitize purchasing and IT departments to source data center providers that can provide the required information for Green Taxonomy alignment.

Environmental Challenges

  • Difficulty in recruiting and retaining talent.
  • Risk of reputational damage due to consumer data handling.
  • Meeting the requirements of the European Green Taxonomy due to data center limitations.
  • Increase in absenteeism (7% in 2022).
Mitigation Strategies
  • Dedicated recruitment service, internal incentives, improved well-being initiatives, flexible work arrangements.
  • Strengthened collaboration between legal and IT departments, enhanced data security measures, regular training and awareness campaigns.
  • Short-term: Raising awareness among purchasing and IT departments. Medium-term: Integrating alignment criteria into purchases when market alternatives exist.
  • Actions promoting well-being at work (renovated offices, sports facilities), and monitoring absenteeism.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement
  • Responsible Purchasing Charter, signed by main suppliers, updated in 2020 to include anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, tax fraud, and GDPR compliance.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: French regulatory framework, European Green Taxonomy, Middlenext Code of Corporate Governance

Certifications: Null

Third-party Assurance: EcoVadis

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Digital solutions reducing paper consumption

Awards & Recognition

  • EcoVadis Gold medal
  • Awards for Useradgents' virtual store project and HighCo Shopper's campaigns

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:7218 tCO2e/year
Scope 1 Emissions:169 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:41 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:7007 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:736 MWh/year
Water Consumption:3877 m3/year
Waste Generated:33 tons/year
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Employee fulfillment and performance
  • Sustainable marketing and communication solutions
  • Data security

Environmental Achievements

  • Published its first full carbon footprint assessment (Scopes 1, 2, 3), with total GHG emissions of 7,218 tCO2e in 2023 (decrease compared to 2022).

Social Achievements

  • Achieved all key performance indicators; maintained gender parity among managers (51% women); renewed GOLD EcoVadis rating (top 5%).
  • Organized the first European Sustainable Development Week for employees.

Governance Achievements

  • Developed a new CSR strategy.
  • Maintained a strong financial position.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net zero emissions by 2050 (implied)
Medium-term Goals:
  • 100% hybrid/electric vehicles in the fleet by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
  • Roll out CSR strategy and decarbonization pathway.

Environmental Challenges

  • Significant negative impact on business due to the restructuring of long-standing client Casino Group, which sold its hypermarkets and supermarkets.
  • Increased competitive pressure and price war in the food retail market.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Discussions with Casino to establish a new framework for collaboration.
  • Accelerating business development with other retailer clients and boosting innovation in the Group’s strongest businesses.
  • Sound financial position and employee engagement.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement
  • Code of conduct, supplier sustainability requirements, responsible sourcing.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, Global Compact

Certifications: EcoVadis Gold

Third-party Assurance: Cabinet de Saint Front

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Digital solutions reducing paper consumption, sustainable transportation initiatives.

Awards & Recognition

  • Happy Trainees 2024, several awards for Printempsland virtual store project.

Reporting Period: 2024

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 1 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 2 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:Not disclosed
Water Consumption:Not disclosed
Waste Generated:Not disclosed
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Human Rights
  • Labor Standards
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Business Ethics
  • Data Security

Environmental Achievements

  • Not disclosed

Social Achievements

  • Not disclosed

Governance Achievements

  • Not disclosed

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
  • By 2030, all website applications to meet eco-design criteria
  • By 2030, 50% of Service Providers to have quantified GHG emission reduction targets, with 25% using electric vehicles or alternative transport
  • By 2030, convert 50% of plastic used to cardboard or paper, and use at least 30% recycled plastic
Short-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed

Environmental Challenges

  • Decarbonizing the supply chain
  • Ensuring data security and GDPR compliance
Mitigation Strategies
  • Prioritizing Service Providers with GHG emission reduction targets and eco-friendly practices
  • Requiring Service Providers to comply with GDPR and implement data security measures

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement
  • Respect for human rights and labor standards; environmental sustainability; business ethics and data security

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: UN Global Compact

Certifications: ISO 50001, ISO 14001

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

  • Not disclosed