Optix Solutions commits to Net Zero

Exeter based digital marketing agency Optix Solutions has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its activities with a ‘Race to Net Zero’ pledge.

Working with SWMAS, the company has generated an audit which highlights the current status and where there is room for improvement.

Optix MD Rob Stevens who put the report together along with colleague Kate Ippaviz, says “While it’s true that a digital business doesn’t have the same impact on the planet as a heavy industry, there is always a carbon footprint – and consequently the opportunity to reduce it.”

In fact, in 2021/22, the audit shows that Optix has a relatively low carbon footprint for a business its size at 5,559kg, with the most impact, unsurprisingly, from electricity and car usage. “This figure provides us with a benchmark allowing us to make real change wherever possible,” adds Rob.

The company’s use of electricity is fairly small compared to many businesses, but even so, improvement is possible through relatively simple changes. These include swapping the tariff to a 100 percent renewable tariff, installing LED lighting and encouraging team members to switch off lights in unoccupied rooms and turn computers off correctly at the end of the working day.

Other short term targets include exploring green gas for the next gas contract renewal, surveying staff regarding commutes and commencing the data collection of water and waste within the business.

By 2050 at the latest, Optix aims to use high quality and verified offsetting schemes or carbon removal technologies to eradicate any residual emissions, which it will look to source from South-West UK schemes backed by the Woodland Carbon Code.

“Optix recognises the importance of making a full and lasting commitment to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from our activities.

“Even if our reduction is relatively small we believe this shows our support of the wider commitment of the world to limit global temperature increases and the impact on the planet."

The assessor concluded that Optix had produced: An excellent report with achievable targets within the timescales described. Optix have a unique set of challenges going forward but and have already taken some significant action on the journey. They should be very proud of the steps taken so far.