BCE Dedicated to Creating a Sustainable Future
2021 Corporate Responsibility Report features continued commitment to ESG goals
BCE Inc. ("Bell Canada” or “Bell”) has released its 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report.
With a commitment to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, Bell supports the social and economic prosperity of our communities through its unparalleled community investment, dedication to developing and retaining the best talent, continued extension of our leading-edge networks and industry-leading environmental performance. Bell is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for Canadians and the world by providing its customers with access to the most innovative and efficient broadband networks and communications services.
Bell’s 2021 report includes the results of an extensive stakeholder engagement and assessment identifying the most important ESG priorities on which stakeholders believe Bell can have the greatest impact. We also added 13 new key metrics in 2021, all of which help propel us on the path to building a sustainable future.
By adhering to the highest ESG standards throughout our operations, Bell ensures every action it takes is viewed through the lens of social and environmental benefits. This includes increasing sustainability not just in its operations but across the economy, achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace, leading in data governance and protection and building stronger and healthier communities. The 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report is the 29th annual report Bell has published covering the company’s performance and progress towards its short- and long-term sustainability goals.
Bell’s commitment to the highest ESG standards, as reflected in our Bell for Better platform, is based on these pillars:
Better World
- Commit to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Science Based Targets initiative, and achieve carbon neutral operations by 2025. Bell has also diverted from landfill over 14 million customer electronic devices since 2016 and is consistently recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers.
- Continue to lead the industry in mental health with $155M committed to mental health initiatives by 2025 through Bell Let's Talk, Canada's largest-ever corporate commitment to mental health. Funding has reached over $129M to date.
- Support Canadian innovation with an industry-leading $500M in research and development spending annually.
Better Communities
- Increase investments to deliver faster and better connectivity to more Canadians. Capital expenditures increased to over $4.8 billion in 2021.
- Expand pure fibre and Wireless Home Internet coverage in urban centres and rural communities. Reached approximately 7.2 million locations across Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba by the end of 2021.
- Donate refurbished company computers, printers and other electronic devices to schools through the national Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+). Donated over 155,000 devices since 1997.
Better Workplace
- Foster an inclusive culture as one of the largest and Best Employers in Canada, including one of the Best Diversity Employers, Greenest Employers, Top-Family Friendly Employers and a Montréal Top Employer.
- Enable the next generation of Bell leaders through our Graduate Leadership Programs as a Top Employer for Young People.
- Encourage diversity throughout Bell. Exceeded target of at least 40% BIPOC representation among new graduates and interns in 2021, and surpassed target of 35% gender diverse representation on the Board of Directors.
We are always seeking ways to improve our Corporate Responsibility report and welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please send any questions or comments to esg@bell.ca.
Corporate Responsibility contact:
Monika Potocki
Senior specialist, Corporate Responsibility & Environment at Bell Canada
514-816-0893
