Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)
Our ESG approach is guided by several priority areas of focus, which are closely linked to our business strategy and our purpose.
As an organisation, we aspire to positively impact society and the environment in every possible way – whether that be through technology, innovative transformations, or our staff programs including giving time or providing financial assistance where it is needed.
We recognise that our ability to manage the inherent ESG risks and opportunities in identified within our operating environment is critical to Orro’s long-term success.
Social and environmental risks and opportunities
We have identified 6 key ESG risks inherent to the IT Services industry, and initiated programs specifically designed to closely monitor and respond to these risks.
The 6 ESG risks identified and their corresponding Orro initiatives are outlined below:
CARBON EMISSIONS
The water and energy footprint of data centres (required to cool servers and other equipment) is substantial.
CLIMATE ACTIVE CERTIFICATION
Orro has registered to be Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certified and is currently finalising the carbon audit and offset process.Orro believes in the importance of including investments in projects in the countries where Orro operates and has purchased offsets such as Caparispisan Wind Energy Project in the Philippines. The project is a Gold Standard project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on the northern tip of Luzon. The power generated by the project is supplied to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Orro also operates servers from within solar powered data centres and commits to roll out further similar initiatives across the Group.
OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT
With technological advancements, equipment (servers, desktops, etc.) will be obsolete every 6-8 years. If not disposed of properly, this forms a drain on natural resources and waste management.
RECYCLING PROGRAM
Orro is committed to reducing the ecological footprint of the Group via multiple waste management and sustainability initiatives.Orro works with one of the leading (ITAD) recycling companies ensuring no obsolete servers or leased equipment will end up in landfill with initiatives to reuse, recycle and reduce waste in local offices.
DATA THEFT
Orro Group entities store data that is sensitive and valuable to individuals, companies and government agencies.
CYBERSECURITY
Via recent acquisition, Orro has bolstered cybersecurity capabilities across the Group, including the introduction of CREST ANZ certification and an Australian-based, biometrically-secured and certified SOC.
GENDER DIVERSITY
The IT Services industry has historically attracted more male than female professionals. As a result, getting the right balance in the mix between genders in a board of directors or other teams is a challenge.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Orro is committed to creating a workplace that welcomes, supports and celebrates diversity and encourages applications from people with autism and disability. In partnership with Xceptional and JobAccess, Orro is working to create opportunities for people with autism and disabilities, which recognise the talents of these highly skilled but often overlooked candidates. Orro is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.Orro has also established scholarship programs with Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney that support financially disadvantaged and underrepresented groups to build their education and careers in technology.
Rapidly growing is Orro’s Women In Technology (WIT) group working on a range of gender initiatives, mentoring, networking and knowledge sharing to continue to break the bias. Orro has established a range of gender neutral and inclusive policies, including an industry-leading Parental Leave policy, special leave entitlements and a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy.
DISTURBANCE TO NATURAL SITES
The networks that we use to provide customers with access to data services have crossed natural sites, possibly causing disturbance to nature and indigenous communities.
CONNECTING REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Orro is working in conjunction with the Australian Federal Government, West Australian State Government and Catholic Education WA to design and deploy the Indigenous Radio Network initiative, providing extremely remote communities with access to the internet to broaden their opportunities for education and economic advancement. We are working towards enabling construction to commence in May 2023.
ETHICAL SOURCING
Under the upcoming NSW Modern Slavery Act, Orro will be required to report on its supply chain. Purchasing electronics (often made in cheap-labour countries) and a workforce in the Philippines could potentially pose a risk for Orro.
MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT
Orro is proud to launch this voluntary inaugural statement detailing our understanding of modern slavery risks, the ways we anticipate we can address these risks, and our vision for maturing our approach into the future.We are committed to continually improving and understanding our human rights impacts in our operations and supply chain, and its requirements.
We are excited to share with you our journey so far and intentions for the future.
You can view our Modern Slavery Statement HERE.
Orro community giving programs
Giving more is not just one of our corporate values, it’s engrained in our culture and something we’re passionate about.
We believe in technology’s power to break down barriers and bring people closer together. And we take seriously our responsibility to treat our world and our communities with respect.
We have developed a number of programs centred around giving back to the communities in which we operate, both through volunteering and through financial assistance.
Through The Generations Foundation, we are investing in technology-based education initiatives to enrich the lives of less advantaged children living within underdeveloped areas.
Orro currently commits $175,000 every year to support initiatives which open disadvantaged children to new opportunities and connect them with the world.
Project ACHIEVE’s goal is to give children with disabilities more equitable access to education and improved literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional learning skills.
The Program currently supports 300 children living with disabilities, as well as 150 parents and caregivers, and 50 Special Education teachers across 3 partner communities in the Philippines.
Read more about Project Achieve HERE.
We believe that a better tomorrow could be just 24 hours away.
Which is why all Orro staff are encouraged to spend 24 hours (3 paid volunteer days) each year, giving back to our communities through volunteering.
That’s over 900 volunteer days every year spent working to support meaningful causes throughout our local communities.
Corporate Governance
Summaries of relevant Orro company policies are set out below:
