CSR at Axis Communications – focusing on a smarter, safer, more sustainable world

LUND, Sweden and CHELMSFORD, Mass.—Axis Communications is much more than just a manufacturer of network cameras for the physical security and video surveillance industries.

Sustainability is a natural part of its operations, and it is this focus on developing products and solutions for a smarter, safer world that drives Axis’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Fredrik Nilsson, Vice President of the Americas for Axis Communications, told Security Systems News that the company’s CSR efforts, as outlined in the Axis 2021 Sustainability Report, is more than just volunteering.

“We emphasize being a sustainable company by choosing the right suppliers, reducing emissions, reducing plastics and implementing sustainable practices wherever possible,” he explained. “Axis also prioritizes its employees by investing in trainings and internal events that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and work to empower colleagues through mentorship programs.”

Sustainability and Responsibility

The Axis 2021 Sustainability Report notes that while Axis is an established innovator in video surveillance, it is also focused on “working hard to develop and lead this industry’s standard for social, ethical, and environmental responsibility.”

“Reaching our goals relies on the power of co-innovation and mutually successful partnerships,” the report states. “This cooperative approach leads to the breakthrough technologies already making people’s businesses, cities, and lives better everywhere. It also unites suppliers, partners, customers, and Axis in working together for a smarter, safer world.”

The report also cited a responsibility along the value chain – suppliers, distributors, and partners - to ensure that Axis’ products and solutions have a positive economic, environmental, and social impact.

“We encourage and train distributors and partners to promote change and create value, knowledge-sharing, and continual dialogue with all stakeholders to help us ensure that all manufacturing, distribution, installation, management, and use of our products and solutions are sustainable and responsible,” the report noted.

As a company that generated $1.3 billion in sales in 2021, Axis also recognizes the importance of developing innovative, long-term and reliable products and solutions that lead to financial growth.

“Sustainability and responsibility are central to our operations, and so is financial stability and long-term profitability,” the report notes. “We know we have to do well to do good, and firmly believe that this approach boosts our business performance as well.”

Solutions for Sustainability

Axis noted its desire to be a “driving force” in the industry when it comes to technological innovations and sustainability standards. To this end, the company cited a few examples of how its products and solutions support customer needs.

In growing cities where authorities have to work smarter and find ways to safeguard citizen safety and quality of life, while using resources more effectively, Axis provides camera and audio technology that meets their daily challenges, and at the same time, their sustainability goals. The report notes that Axis’ solutions improve efficiency in crime investigations to secure public safety, as well as optimize traffic flows for lower emissions.

When it comes to critical infrastructure, Axis pointed out its portfolio of network of network cameras and devices that support the physical and cybersecurity of power, water, and telecommunications plants, as well as help operators reduce risks of leaks and unwanted emissions.

“Different customers have different needs,” the report said. “We are an industry leader with a strong focus on outstanding cybersecurity, versatility and multipurpose solutions, green design, and energy effectiveness. These factors, combined with our strong stand on ethics, privacy, and protecting human rights during use, make us a trustworthy and attractive long-term partner for partners/resellers and customers alike.”

Sustainable Approach

With sustainability as such a natural and important part of Axis’ operations, the company’s approach to sustainability, as defined in the report, is all about “creating long-term stakeholder value through the implementation of a business strategy that focuses on people, planet, and prosperity.”

Axis’ sustainability approach is based on four cornerstones:

1. Respect people - Ethical, responsible, inclusive, and reliable. Our relationships with our partners and co-workers.
2. Be trustworthy - Respecting decency, being transparent and thinking long-term while having zero tolerance for corruption.
3. Innovate responsibly - Innovations based on the highest standards of responsibility that follow all international standards.
4. Protect our planet - We have one world. We strive to protect it by minimizing environmental impact in everything we do.

Nilsson pointed out that CSR has been a strategic objective at Axis for many years.

“Axis signed the UN Global Compact in 2007 and has worked towards the UN sustainability goals ever since,” he noted. “Axis has its own goals each year to contribute to sustainability, striving to achieve above and beyond what is expected of us.”

CSR

Axis’ CSR efforts in 2021 also included the adoption of a new group anti-corruption policy, with all Axis representatives required to go through anti-corruption training. In addition, the company carried out a human rights impact assessment and initiated a human rights due diligence project that is continuing in 2022.

Other CSR highlights last year were the launch of Axis’ first camera containing bioplastics, and the increase in the number of brominated/chlorinated flame retardant-free (BFR/CFR-free) products to continue the company’s focus on the environmental aspects of product development.

Elaine Palome, Director of Human Resources at Axis Communications, cited the importance of CSR to the company and its employees.

“CSR continues to be a major focus at Axis and is a program that has been embraced by employees in every region,” she pointed out. “These initiatives bring us together as a team and foster pride and camaraderie among colleagues who consistently rank CSR as a top priority in an employer.

At ISC West 2022 in March, Axis Communications was honored with Mission 500’s CSR Award for its charitable work across various fields in 2021. Nilsson accepted the award during Mission 500’s Security 5K/2K Run/Walk awards ceremony recognizing those who participated and/or donated in support of the 501c3 charitable organization’s annual Run/Walk held during ISC West in Las Vegas.

Reducing Impact

As sustainability continues to be a primary focus at Axis, Palome noted the importance of CSR to the security industry as a whole.

“It’s very important for companies to be aware of and commit to goals that will reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes,” she explained. “Axis is continually evaluating our processes and working on solutions to decrease our impact wherever possible.

“The security industry has historically been male dominated, and Axis has made concerted efforts to increase gender diversity both internally and across the industry, creating and amplifying events that support women in security and working to bridge the gender gap, creating more well-rounded and successful teams and organizations.”

To view the Axis 2021 Sustainability Report, visit https://www.axis.com/about-axis/sustainability