Carbon Reduction Statement

Commitment to Sustainability and Carbon Reduction

At Big Motive, we recognise the urgent need for businesses to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. As a provider of professional services, we are committed to implementing concrete and measurable sustainability measures that align with best practices in energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and environmental responsibility.

Our sustainability approach focuses on minimising energy consumption, optimising digital operations, reducing business travel, and incorporating circular economy principles. By embedding sustainability into our operations and service delivery, we aim to drive meaningful change while aligning with government standards such as PPN 06/21.

We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with a structured reduction plan targeting a 10% annual decrease in carbon emissions. Through partnerships, data-driven strategies, and operational improvements, we continuously refine our practices to ensure a more resilient and responsible business model.

Sustainability Measures in Professional Services Delivery

1. Energy-Efficient IT Practices and Digital Sustainability

To minimise the environmental impact of our digital services, we prioritise energy-efficient IT solutions and sustainable digital practices:

• Green Hosting Solutions: We utilise 100% renewable energy-powered servers (such as Equinix) to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our hosting infrastructure.
• Optimised Coding Practices: By adopting modular, reusable code and lightweight frameworks, we minimise energy-intensive processes, reducing server loads by up to 15%.
• Efficient Data Management: We implement caching strategies, API call optimisations, and content delivery networks (CDNs) to reduce redundant server requests and lower bandwidth usage by 20%.
• File Compression & Lazy Loading: Using WebP image formats, GZIP compression, and lazy loading techniques, we decrease data transfer sizes by 40%, optimising energy consumption.

2. Carbon Emissions Tracking and Reduction

We partner with carbonfit, a leading carbon accounting consultancy, to measure, track, and reduce emissions across our operations:

• Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions Monitoring: We conduct comprehensive carbon footprint analyses, ensuring transparency in our environmental impact.
• Annual Reduction Targets: We are committed to cutting emissions by 10% annually, with a goal of achieving net-zero by 2040.
• Hotspot Analysis & Action Plans: Through quarterly environmental impact reports, we identify and address high-emission areas to continuously refine our carbon strategy.

3. Sustainable Office Operations & Remote Work Strategy

Our operations are based in an energy-efficient, renewable-powered workspace, supplemented by a hybrid working model to minimise travel emissions:

• Office Sustainability Features:
  • Solar-powered shared workspace with an EPC rating of A.
  • Automated LED lighting and heat pumps for energy efficiency.
  • EV charging stations and water conservation systems for enhanced resource efficiency.
• Remote-First Work Model:
  • Employees work from home three days per week, cutting commuting emissions by 742.5 kg CO₂ annually.
  • Use of Zoom, Miro, and Google Workspace reduces the need for business travel while maintaining productivity.

4. Sustainable Procurement and Circular Economy Principles

We integrate circular economy principles into our operations by prioritising resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement:

• Longevity by Design: We create scalable and adaptable digital solutions, reducing the need for redevelopment by 20%.
• Modular & Upgradeable Systems: Implementing flexible CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress Gutenberg blocks) to reduce full-scale redesigns and resource use.
• Sustainable Supply Chain: Partnering with vendors that align with our sustainability values, ensuring transparency in emissions reporting.

5. Minimising Business Travel and Reducing Transport Emissions

To further limit our carbon footprint, we optimise business travel and promote low-emission alternatives:

• Public and Rail Transport Priority: We encourage public transit and rail over air travel for business trips.
• Remote Collaboration: Clients receive training in Miro and other digital tools, enabling efficient online workshops and reducing travel needs.
• Offsetting Air Travel Emissions: When travel is unavoidable, we engage in carbon offset programs to mitigate our environmental impact.

6. Accessibility and Inclusive Digital Design

Sustainability is also about social responsibility. We integrate accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA) into our digital services to ensure inclusive experiences for all users:

• Accessible UX/UI Design: High-contrast interfaces, resizable fonts, and keyboard navigation for improved usability.
• Alternative Content Formats: Transcripts for audio/video content and screen reader compatibility for all materials.
• User Testing & Feedback: Engaging diverse audiences in co-design workshops to refine our digital accessibility approach.

 

Accountability and Continuous Improvement

Sustainability Leadership & Reporting

To ensure transparency and measurable progress, we have established a structured accountability framework:

• Dedicated Sustainability Lead: Maíra Rahme, our Service Design Lead oversees sustainability initiatives, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Quarterly Sustainability Reports: Providing stakeholders with updates on carbon reduction progress, sustainability initiatives, and challenges.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: We engage with partners, suppliers, and clients to refine and enhance our sustainability strategy continuously.

Industry Engagement & Advocacy

We actively support initiatives such as Design Declares, advocating for sustainable design practices across industries. Through community engagement and shared learning, we help drive sustainability beyond our own operations. Design Declares emerged from the urgency of the climate emergency, particularly after the UK Government’s 2019 Climate Emergency declaration. This initiative encourages designers across various fields to address climate and ecological challenges actively. It offers a framework with toolkits and guidance to help designers understand and minimise their environmental impact. As an early signatory, Big Motive is proud to expand Design Declares into Northern Ireland, providing the design community with accessible sustainability resources.

Looking Forward

We partner with suppliers who uphold environmental standards, ensuring our supply chain aligns with our sustainability goals. By monitoring and reporting our practices, we are building an environmentally responsible culture that benefits our industry and community. Transparency is central to our mission, and we commit to sharing annual progress toward carbon neutrality, holding ourselves accountable each step of the way. At Big Motive, sustainability is integral to every project and decision, fostering a brighter future for people and the planet.

Read our 2023/2024 Carbon Reduction Plan below.

Carbon Reduction Plan (2024-2025)

Our 2024-2025 Carbon Reduction Plan focuses on three key areas:

1. Business Travel Reduction

• Public and rail transport prioritised over air travel.
• Virtual meetings and digital collaboration to replace unnecessary travel.
• Exploring carbon offset programmes for unavoidable flights.

2. Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain

• Supplier assessment criteria to prioritise vendors with strong sustainability policies.
• Local supplier partnerships to minimise transportation emissions.
• Transition to energy-efficient tools and software, reducing Scope 3 emissions.

3. Energy-Efficient Office Operations

• Collaboration with workspace management to improve energy efficiency and enhance sustainability practices.
• 100% renewable energy-powered office with automated energy-saving features.
• Ongoing waste reduction and recycling initiatives within the office environment.

By continuously refining our strategies and leveraging partnerships, Big Motive is committed to delivering meaningful carbon reductions and fostering a sustainable future for our industry and community.

Looking Ahead

As we progress toward net-zero emissions by 2040, we will continue to adapt our strategies, incorporating new technologies and innovative sustainability practices. Our approach is dynamic, ensuring we remain at the forefront of responsible business operations while making a tangible impact on environmental and social sustainability.

We welcome collaboration with partners, clients, and stakeholders who share our vision for a greener, more sustainable future.