EPAM's 2024 ESG Journey – Reflecting on Positive Change
EPAM's 2024 ESG Journey – Reflecting on Positive Change
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At EPAM, we believe that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts drive meaningful change for our business and the communities and world we inhabit. Each initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability, equity and innovation. In 2024, we took bold steps toward aligning our core values with impactful actions.
Together, let's take a closer look at the pillars of our 2024 ESG programs—Environmental, Social and Governance—and celebrate the milestones we achieved with the help of our dedicated teams, clients and communities.
Environmental Impact
Climate action has been a central theme in 2024. EPAM aligned its efforts with the global Paris Agreement, committing to science-based targets and significant climate initiatives. This year alone:
- Officially endorsed Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) near-term reduction targets and committed to achieve net-zero emissions.
- Advanced our Renewable Energy Sourcing strategy to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a sustainable energy ecosystem.
- Global Tree-Planting Programs resulted in 7,700+ trees being planted across eight countries.
- Waste Collection Initiatives gathered over 2,200 kilograms of waste across 10 locations and observed Plastic Free July 2024 with educational sessions, challenges and partnerships.
Through actions like these, EPAM drives environmental progress. We collaborated with key partners like AstraZeneca and Salesforce on impactful reforestation projects and community cleanup drives.
Social Responsibility
Our social initiatives elevated diverse groups and fostered inclusive, real-world improvements across communities.
Charitable Contributions and Humanitarian Outreach
We demonstrated volunteering is in our DNA when thousands of EPAMers around the world offered help to those facing hardships—leveraging ESG programs and volunteers to deliver rapid and effective aid. For instance:
- We made 170+ impactful contributions to support communities in need.
- $100 million was pledged through the EPAM Ukraine Assistance Fund.
- There were many severe and devastating flooding events over the year. Through the generosity of donations and EPAMers volunteering on the ground, we responded with humanitarian aid while partnering with respected local organizations across 10 countries.
Education Empowerment
Education has always been at the heart of EPAM’s ESG strategy. This year, we expanded our EPAM E-KIDS® program, helping 1,900+ young learners build their skills in software engineering. Programs such as EPAM E-KIDS® 2.0, which included modules in Fortnite Universe, gave learning an innovative twist. Meanwhile:
- More than 350 trainers contributed 5,500+ volunteer hours to foster curiosity and learning across our education programs.
- Tech Future Week welcomed over 650 participants from 40 countries to EPAM-led talks.
- Initiatives like the Urban League of Philadelphia Scholarship Program aimed to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
Diversity and Inclusion
At EPAM, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are cornerstones of our societal efforts. Highlights of 2024 include:
- 9,790 employees completed the DEI Foundations course, reinforcing our company-wide dedication to belonging and inclusion.
- Programs like #IamRemarkable, Women Networking Circles, HiPo Women Leaders and Speed mentoring empowered 700+ women globally.
- Partnerships with organizations such as Cajigo and Technovation supported thousands of girls and women entering the tech industry.
- The Veterans Course equipped colleagues to integrate veterans into their teams better and celebrate their contributions and unique strengths.
Our employee groups also led a dynamic series of events and initiatives—totaling 232 events with over 24,000 registrations—to foster a culture of inclusion, mentoring and community building.
Governance Achievements
Responsible governance isn’t just a practice at EPAM—it’s part of who we are. It ensures that every ESG initiative is backed by accountability, transparency and strategic alignment. By continually honing our governance practices, we ensure our principles reach paper and drive tangible results. Our highlights include:
- Committing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Joining the Forward Faster Initiative to take accelerated action toward our 2030 goals.
- Partnering with UN Global Compact local charters and joined forces with Women Empowerment Principles.
Accolades, Awards and Recognitions
Our commitment to sustainable practices and ethical leadership has been recognized and celebrated through prestigious awards and accolades. These honors validate our dedication to driving positive change and inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Among the more than 20 recognitions this year at the global, local and individual levels, here are some of the highlights:
- 2024 Inclusive Excellence Award from NADOHE: We have been honored with the 2024 Inclusive Excellence Award from NADOHE (National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education). This award recognizes our ongoing efforts to foster inclusive environments and promote diversity in higher education.
- 2024 SEAL Sustainable Excellence Award: We are thrilled to have received the 2024 SEAL Sustainable Excellence Award for our Emissions Digital Platform. This award acknowledges our commitment to sustainability and innovative approach to reducing emissions through technological advancements.
- Ragan 2024 CSR & Diversity Awards: We are humbled to have been named ESG Team of the Year in the Ragan 2024 CSR & Diversity Awards as well as an award for top Global CSR & ESG Initiative.
- Top 30 Women in Marketing and Top 50 Women in Tech: Congratulations to Elaina Shekhter, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, for being recognized as one of the Top 30 Women in Marketing by MartechView and as a Top 50 Woman in Tech by The WomenTech Network.
- Most Loved Workplace ® for Volunteers: We are proud to share that we’ve been named a Top Most Loved Workplace® for Volunteers by the Best Practices Institute and our EPAMers.
Closing Thought – Join Us in Driving Impact
2024 was a year of breaking barriers, solving challenges and driving positive change. But our work doesn’t stop here. At EPAM, we’re not just meeting the moment—we’re building for the future.
If you're as passionate about making a difference as we are, connect with us to learn more about our ESG programs and explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable tomorrow.
For more information about EPAM's ESG initiatives, visit https://www.epam.com/about/who-we-are/corporate-responsibility