It’s no secret that climate change is one of the most significant global issues that we’re facing. Greenhouse gases are rising, and we’ve all got to do our part to reduce them. So, at Optix, we’re taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint and have pledged to the UN’s ‘Race to Zero’. We’ve made it our mission to achieve lasting carbon neutrality (alongside incredible Digital Marketing results, of course).
By taking part in the pledge, we’ve committed to accomplishing Net Zero by 2050, and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030. Yet, before we could create our short- and long-term Net Zero targets, the team at SWMAS generated an audit for us to determine our current Co2 status.
Although the audit found that we already had a relatively low carbon footprint for a business of our size (5,559kg in 2021/22 to be precise), there were areas where we could improve. Unsurprisingly, electricity and car usage were responsible for the highest emissions…however, this also provided us with a benchmark to create real change.
Compared to other businesses, we don’t use a great deal of electricity, but even so, this year we’ve planned to switch to a 100% renewable tariff, and we’ll be exploring green gas when our contract is up for renewal. We’re going to be installing LED lighting and encouraging the team to switch off lights and computers properly at the end of the day – little things like this can make a big difference!
We’ll also be looking at how the Optix team commute to work (car share anyone?) and will be collecting data on how the office uses waste and water to see how we can make further improvements in these areas. In the long term, we aim to use advanced offsetting schemes or carbon removal technologies to eradicate any residual emissions, which we’ll look to source from local schemes backed by the Woodland Carbon Code.
While our reduction may be small in the grand scheme of things, if every company took steps to reduce their emissions, together we could make a considerable difference. We’re confident though that the Optix team will achieve our Net Zero targets well within their timescales, minimising the impact we’re having on the planet.
Our MD, Rob Stevens, says:
“While it’s true that a digital business doesn’t have the same impact as a heavy industry, there is always a carbon footprint – and the opportunity to reduce it. We recognise the importance of making a full and lasting commitment to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from our activities.”
What steps is your business taking in 2023 to reduce your emissions? Why not join the Race to Zero pledge too and help us in the fight to create real, measurable change? The more people that commit, the greater change we’ll be able to make!
1st Floor, Alphin Brook House,
Alphin Brook Road,
Exeter EX2 8RG
