a grounded approach to ESG
At qb., we know that creating effective ESG policies, protocols and oversight requires hard work and behavioral change, which is why we're shining a spotlight on the individuals who are leading the charge. In our new series: “ESG Leaders + Governance”, we highlight the people behind the transformational actions and programs that are shaping the future of business. We’ll talk to ESG leaders from different industries and backgrounds; we'll delve into the challenges they've faced, the strategies they've employed, and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Simone Wren, the Director of ESG and Sustainability at New Relic, leads the company's ESG practice. She shares the ins and outs of her role overseeing New Relic’s climate strategy, as well as the execution and development of their ESG efforts and annual disclosure.
published 4.17.23
Dive into Simone’s advice for getting things done:
Stay flexible.
As an ESG lead, I ensure internal stakeholders know that I'm a team player willing to pitch in and help when needed. This may involve adjusting deadlines or reallocating resources to accommodate ESG priorities. Integration of ESG across departments doesn't always play out seamlessly, so it's essential to be targeted in your communications and prioritize tasks thoughtfully.
With year-long timelines for commitments, we plan for feasibility and alignment with business priorities. Navigating competing initiatives between ESG and other business functions is an exercise in collaboration and flexibility.
Flashy isn’t necessarily sustainable.
We created New Relic’s ESG program because it is integral to running a successful business - full stop. Our focus is on integrating ESG practices into core business operations. Our emphasis is on sustainability, both in business growth and in benefiting communities and the environment.
Our top initiatives aren't about getting recognition, but about making business sense. Employee engagement, community involvement and environmental stewardship contribute to a thriving business ecosystem. It is clear that ESG work is significant for both business success and societal well-being. Integrating ESG into business practices is not just altruistic but also pragmatic, reflecting a commitment to long-term sustainability and a positive impact on the planet and communities.
Know what ESG means for your company.
As a SaaS company, we encounter unique challenges and benefits when focusing on ESG. At New Relic, we’re working to implement best sustainability practices through GreenOps. We're exploring ways to improve the efficiency of our product and operations, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint at every level, from product development to operations to end-of-life processes. You don’t need to make trade offs for energy efficiency; you can make your services more reliable, more cost-effective and more energy-effective — all of this helps us align our vendor’s renewable energy commitments with our own sustainability objectives. GreenOps
Be a step ahead.
The evolution of New Relic’s ESG strategies has been vision-driven, with practices existing informally long before formalization. Our approach to changes in the reporting landscape has always been forward-thinking, with a focus on enhancing our disclosures over time. While certain regulatory requirements, such as greenhouse gas emissions data assurance, have become compliance priorities, we've already been working to expand our disclosures and provide more in-depth data.
When we started reporting, we focused on materiality, disclosing areas of importance and ongoing work. In our first report, working with qb., we comprehensively showcased efforts across various teams. We built upon that and unveiled a climate strategy, committing to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and setting science-based targets. Currently, we're in the phase of operationalizing these strategies, aiming for greater disclosure and excellence (keep an eye out for our FY’24 Highlights Report, launching later this year) across our ESG portfolio while pursuing our climate targets.
It’s OK if you’re not flawless.
When it comes to disclosures, my advice is to start small and take gradual steps forward. The complexity of the industry can be daunting, but it's essential to begin somewhere. Disclose what you can and disclose what you already have, then, commit to take steps in the right direction and disclose a bit more each year. In our first year, we decided to disclose our scope one, two and three emissions voluntarily, laying the groundwork for further initiatives.
Disclosures provide companies with a starting point. It’s important to acknowledge that progress takes time, and embracing transparency is a part of the journey. It’s ok to admit that you are starting, growing and continuing to report on your progress.
ESG is no longer optional.
ESG is crucial for our business as it aligns seamlessly with our core values of delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering a positive employee environment and driving growth.
For example, many New Relic customers worldwide have their own ESG commitments, such as net zero, which means we need to work to decarbonize and implement pointed policies, too. By proactively addressing these requirements, we ensure a smooth customer experience, allowing them to focus on the value our software offers without concerns about our ESG compliance.
ESG initiatives contribute to operational efficiency, making us a stronger and more effective business as we scale and grow. By integrating ESG considerations into New Relic business functions, we not only meet regulatory requirements but also proactively position ourselves for long-term success. In essence, ESG is in the best interest of business, no matter which way you slice it.
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