3 MINS READ
Test-driving electric cars, learning how to dispose of e-waste and coming together to plant trees are just three examples of how TCS employees celebrated World Sustainability Day across Europe.
Bringing people together and inspiring them to engage with the collective challenge, we held more than 30 events across the continent that underscored our approach to sustainability. A combination of virtual and live events ensured everyone had the opportunity to join this one-day festival.
With activities built around TCS’ three sustainability pillars (see below), there was something for everyone.
TCS’ Head of Europe Sapthagiri Chapalapalli and Europe Sustainability Director Eugenio Longo started the day by outlining how technology, sustainability and purpose-driven businesses matter more now than ever panel discussion.
Here’s a flavour of the activities that took place across Europe:
Workshops on how to generate and save energy were the focus of a TCS-led session for students aged between five and 12 at the Tanto International School in Stockholm. After a short presentation on TCS and its approach to sustainability, the workshop taught problem-solving connected to sustainability goals to small groups of children.
TCS volunteers planted Scots pine, birch, rowan, yew and holly trees in Castile and León in Spain. The 25 volunteers planted 150 trees in a special conservation area and a special protection zone for birds, to help restore a stretch damaged by forest fire in 2013. The fire affected the habitats of imperial eagles, black storks and Iberian lynxes.
In a “try before you buy” approach, our employees in Hungary were given the opportunity to test-drive electric cars from the TCS fleet. The goal was to showcase the benefits of electric vehicles and bust myths and common misconceptions surrounding the technology.
A digital roundtable on e-waste management, a yoga class and participation in an ongoing conservation work in the protected area of Sas-Hill were also on the agenda.
TCS colleagues and their families in Düsseldorf and Frankfurt were invited to take part in a clean-up day. The enthusiastic participants were given cleaning equipment and instructions on areas to cover while they enjoyed lunch and beverages. Clean-up events were also organized in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Our German colleagues also took part in a “living agile” online workshop to ideate on sustainability issues and use Design Thinking methods to develop solutions.
Tackling climate change needs a collective approach. That’s why in Helsinki, we hosted a roundtable discussion on how technology can fast-track sustainability. We spoke to senior leaders from a range of organisations, including HMD, Metso Outotec and Business Finland, to hear the steps they have taken to reduce impact on the environment.
There were several other programmes, including a sponsored trip to Switzerland’s Umwelt Arena for TCS families and friends, with a guided tour on sustainability in everyday life.
Colleagues at our Copenhagen office got tips on saving energy through the winter, both at work and at home, while our Italian colleagues took part in a sustainability quiz, yoga, and a belongings swap.