Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policy

1. Introduction

At VDC.cloud, we recognise our responsibility to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into our business strategy and daily operations. As a cloud consultancy specialising in Multi-Cloud Networking, Zero Trust Security, AI integration, Microsoft 365, SaaS Security, and Backup solutions, we are committed to sustainable, ethical, and inclusive digital transformation.

2. Purpose

This ESG Policy outlines our commitments to:

• Reduce environmental impact through energy-conscious technology practices
• Promote diversity, equity, and wellbeing across all engagements
• Maintain transparent, secure, and ethical governance

3. Environmental Responsibility

• Digital Efficiency: Promote cloud-native solutions that reduce client reliance on physical infrastructure, optimising energy efficiency.
• Remote Work Enablement: Encourage secure remote consultancy engagements to reduce commuting and travel emissions.
• Green Partnerships: Prioritise cloud providers (e.g., Microsoft, Google, AWS) with strong carbon-neutral and sustainability commitments.
• Paperless Operations: Operate with digital-first documentation, contracts, and support to reduce material consumption.

4. Social Responsibility

• Diversity & Inclusion: Ensure recruitment and engagement practices promote inclusion across gender, ethnicity, and background.
• Fair Engagement: Treat all staff, contractors, and clients with respect and provide equal opportunities for training and advancement.
• Community Empowerment: Deliver cloud upskilling and mentorship to underrepresented groups through partnerships and volunteering.
• Health & Wellbeing: Support consultant wellbeing through flexible remote work policies and clear workload management.

5. Governance Principles

• Data Privacy & Security: Uphold strict data protection and security controls aligned with UK GDPR, PDPA, and ISO 27001.
• Compliance & Transparency: Maintain full regulatory compliance, financial transparency, and contract accountability.
• Ethical Conduct: Enforce codes of conduct, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption practices across all operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate ESG goals, progress, and performance transparently with clients and partners.

6. Implementation & Monitoring

• ESG responsibilities are overseen by the Governance & Compliance Lead
• ESG considerations are factored into vendor selection, project planning, and internal reviews
• ESG KPIs are reviewed annually and ESG reporting shared with leadership and stakeholders

7. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually to reflect changes in ESG regulations, best practices, and organisational objectives.