It’s been over a year since we launched our new Sustainability and Environmental Policy. While 30% of it outlined our goals and objectives, we can now proudly confirm that we truly “walk the talk.”
Here’s an overview of how we practice sustainability at Bunnyfoot. Hopefully, it can provide some ideas for your companies.
How we practice sustainability
We regard the planet as a key stakeholder, continually evolving our operations to reflect this.
To minimize our environmental footprint, we’ve reduced our energy and water consumption. Simple measures, like encouraging everyone to use dark modes on all devices, programs, and apps, and dimming screen brightness, make a difference.
We don’t run any on-premises server hardware or non-essential computer equipment. We moved 100% to the cloud provider which is carbon neutral. Our websites are hosted on renewable energy platforms, specifically HostPresto.
In 2022, when relocating to new offices, we prioritized spaces with high energy efficiency ratings and partnered with renewable electricity suppliers: EoN in Sheffield and Pozitive Energy in London.
Our commitment extends to eliminating general waste. We refrain from purchasing or introducing single-use plastics to our premises. Recycling is a standard practice, even for more challenging items like electronic devices and soft plastic packaging. Valuable items are donated, and we promote the use of reusable bags, coffee cups, and water bottles.
Recognizing the digital industry’s significant carbon footprint, we strive to minimize digital waste. This includes collaborating on shared drives, sending direct links instead of large files to clients, and avoiding unnecessary email chains.
Our office supplies and merchandise are eco-friendly. We buy in bulk or source locally, opting for low-impact food and refreshments. Vegetarian and vegan options dominate our event menus.
Virtual meetings are our standard mode of operation, whether for client interactions, training, or internal events. Our flexible work policy minimizes commuting, but when travel is essential, we choose Net-zero hotels verified by Staze.
Education is key
We continually inform each other about sustainable practices, both in our personal lives and at work. We also inspire our clients, partners, and research participants to do more for the planet.
Our internal training sessions, checklists, and guidelines promote eco-friendly products and practices. We even host quarterly contests to celebrate environmental achievements.
Our Cycle to Work Scheme, partnership with Octopus Energy for an Electric Vehicle Scheme, and a company salary sacrifice scheme for carbon offsetting or green charity donations further underscore our commitment.
Since partnering with Ecologi in 2021, we’ve been a carbon-positive workplace. Monthly, we support sustainable initiatives worldwide, focusing on regions most affected by climate change.
We’ve played a role in integrating “Sustainable Design” into the ‘CPUX-Foundation’ and ‘CPUX-Essentials in UX and HCD Management’ curricula, delivered by The International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board (UXQB). Raising awareness is pivotal for change, and by educating UX professionals, we’re making strides.
Whenever feasible, we introduce sustainability topics in our projects, ensuring eco-consciousness from the outset of design, research, UX, UI, strategy, and service design projects. Our reports often include sustainable UX and UI recommendations.
Additionally, we lead the sustainability group across all 10 Sideshow group agencies, organizing environmental events and knowledge-sharing sessions. We even offer research participants the option of donating to an eco-friendly charity instead of receiving payment.
While we’re proud of our achievements to date, we’re also acutely aware that the journey towards complete sustainability is ongoing.
Our commitment goes beyond ticking boxes; it’s about genuinely making a difference, both within our organization and in the wider world. We’re not just aiming for better practices; we’re striving for a better planet. And while we may not be perfect, we are on a mission, doing the best we can without waiting for significant shifts at the societal or national levels.
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