Environmental and Sustainability Policy
Introduction and Purpose
At BeFree Mental Health S.A.S., we recognize that mental health and human well-being are deeply connected to the balance of our natural environment. As a digital health innovation company and a pioneer in the use of artificial intelligence for the prevention and treatment of mental health in Latin America, we take on the responsibility of reducing our environmental footprint and actively contributing to global sustainability.
At the same time, we understand that environmental protection is inseparable from public and social health. Our operations generate direct environmental impacts —such as resource use, energy consumption, and waste management— as well as indirect impacts associated with our value chain and suppliers.
For this reason, we are committed to implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) aligned with ISO 14001:2015, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 12, 13, and 15), the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the current environmental regulations in Colombia.
Our purpose is clear: to ensure that all our operations, telemedicine services, technological innovation processes, and artificial intelligence initiatives are designed and executed under a sustainable, ethical, and environmentally responsible approach, guaranteeing pollution prevention, the reduction of our carbon footprint, the protection of natural resources, and the well-being of the communities we serve.
Guiding Principles
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Strictly comply with national environmental legislation (Law 99 of 1993, Decree 2811/1974, Resolution 1407/2018 on waste management, among others) and with international agreements ratified by Colombia.
Pollution Prevention and Control
Adopt measures to prevent, reduce, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with our activities, prioritizing waste minimization, reduction of CO₂ emissions, and efficient use of natural resources.
Efficient Resource Management
Implement practices for responsible water and energy consumption, transition to renewable energies in our digital infrastructure, and digitalization of processes to reduce paper usage.
Circular Economy
Integrate strategies for the reduction, reuse, recycling, and responsible final disposal of solid, electronic, and hazardous waste generated in our operations and supply chain.
Sustainable Procurement and Contracting
Include environmental criteria in supplier selection processes, prioritizing those with sustainability certifications (ISO 14001, Carbon Neutral, FSC, Rainforest Alliance).
Environmental Culture and Education
Continuously train our employees and partners in environmental best practices, responsable consumption, and energy efficiency, fostering shared responsibility.
Scope
This policy applies to:
• All operations, offices, and platforms of BeFree Mental Health S.A.S. in Colombia and in the countries where we expand our services.
• Our suppliers, contractors, and strategic partners, who must comply with equivalent environmental standards.
• The planning, execution, and evaluation of innovation projects, telemedicine services, and corporate wellness programs.
Specific Environmental Objectives
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Annually measure our GHG emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3 according to the GHG Protocol) and set a reduction target of 20% within five years.
• Energy Efficiency: Ensure that 100% of cloud servers used for our platforms are powered by renewable energy data centers by 2030.
• Waste Management: Implement a source separation and recycling program, with a recovery target of 60% of recyclable waste by 2027.
• Responsible Water Use: Reduce office water consumption by 15% within three years through low-consumption technologies and user awareness.
• Sustainable Procurement: Guarantee that at least 40% of annual acquisitions come from suppliers with environmental certifications.
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Prepare an Annual Sustainability Report aligned with GRI standards (302: Energy, 305: Emissions, 306: Waste).
• Conduct internal and external audits of environmental compliance under the ISO 14001 framework.
• Establish key environmental performance indicators (KPIs) with quarterly monitoring.
• Report progress and results to the Board of Directors and stakeholders.
Final Statement
At BeFree Mental Health S.A.S., we believe that there is no mental health on a sick planet. Our environmental policy reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability at the core of our corporate strategy, ensuring that our technological and mental health solutions contribute not only to human well-being but also to the preservation of ecosystems and the fulfillment of international commitments on environmental and climate issues.
BeFree Mental Health S.A.S.
NIT 901.816.798-1
Av. Santander 62-39, Centro Empresarial Capitalia, Oficina 502B, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
Correo: info@befreehealth.ai
