Ubisoft 2008 Annual Report Download - page 73

71
UBISOFT ANNUAL REPORT 2009
ma n a G e m e n t r e p o r t 01
The increase in consumption is due to Ubisoft’s business growth over 2008-09, illustrated by the opening of several new subsidiaries
in 2008 and a large number of new recruits this year. Overall, the Group’s headcount rose by more than 23% in 2008.
In proportion to the number of employees and to sales, electricity consumption has fallen.
Various actions to raise awareness and introduce energy-saving measures saw relative consumption per employee fall 18% from
3,747 KWh in 2007-08 to 3,075 KWh in 2008-09.
These actions and measures include the policy of systematically switching off computers each day in Germany, Australia, Japan,
Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. The use of low-energy light bulbs is another practices the
Group is hoping to make standard. Currently, more than 60% of our subsidiaries use this type of bulb – in Germany, Canada, China
and the Netherlands, for example, as well as in new studios such as Pune (India) and Singapore. Many subsidiaries have also
introduced good practices to limit consumption of air-conditioning and heating systems, which are mostly shut down at weekends
(server rooms being an exception).
1.1.4.3.1.2 Videoconferencing and business travel policy
Due to the Group’s international scale, employees frequently have to travel to other sites.
Group policy seeks to limit the environmental impact of these business trips and minimise the consequences of travel wherever
possible.
The following measures are favoured:
• efcient management of employees’ appointments so that their travel is limited to the absolute minimum;
• choosing the least expensive and most environmentally friendly means of transport;
• videoconferencing, conference calls and other collaborative means.
2008 saw a strong effort with business travel policy to reduce global emissions by Group employees.
1.1.4.3.1.3 Ecological impact and sustainable management of resources used
(excluding greenhouse gas emissions)
Recycling efforts in certain countries comply with strict environmental regulations: In Germany, for example, Ubisoft holds
a “Green Licence” in connection with the European directive on packaging.
In France, Ubisoft pays the eco-packaging tax based on each packaging unit (listed by category: paper, cardboard or plastic)
released onto the French market. This involvement saw the Group obtain the “Grüne Punkt” label on its cardboard packaging.
The same principle applies in Spain and Italy.
1.1.4.3.1.4 Life-cycle management and recycling of computer equipment
Ubisoft takes an active part in the recycling of its used IT, electric and electronic equipment.
Except in a few countries where services of this kind are not available, the vast majority of subsidiaries manage the disposal of
their computer equipment by calling on external service providers such as specialist organisations and companies. Depending
on the case, equipment disposed of by the Group is reused by schools or charities, which may be chosen by local authorities.
Occasionally, computer equipment reaching the end of its life is given to employees directly.