Commitment to Sustainability and Carbon Reduction

At Big Motive, we recognise the urgent need to mitigate environmental impact and advance toward a more sustainable future. As a leading provider of professional services, we are deeply committed to implementing measurable, transparent, and impactful sustainability practices. Our approach reflects government guidance (PPN 06/21), aligns with the GHG Protocol, and supports the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Through our partnership with CarbonFit, we have audited our operations and developed a clear pathway toward Net Zero by 2050, with measurable short-term milestones and a structured, science-aligned approach.

Sustainability Measures in Professional Services Delivery

1. Digital Sustainability and IT Efficiency

We continue to prioritise energy-efficient digital practices to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations:

• Green Hosting: 100% renewable energy-powered hosting infrastructure (e.g., Equinix).
• Optimised Code & File Delivery: Lightweight frameworks, modular code, lazy loading, and CDN use collectively reduce energy consumption and bandwidth usage.
• Data Efficiency: We optimise server interactions using API call reduction, WebP image formats, and compression techniques.

2. Carbon Emissions Tracking and Reduction

In FY 2024–25, our total emissions footprint was 204.44 tCO2e, up from 41.07 tCO2e in the previous year, driven largely by Scope 3 sources. Our key reduction actions include:

• Annual Emissions Audits: Using BEIS conversion factors and GHG protocol standards
• Emissions Monitoring: Full tracking across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
• Reduction Targets:
  • Scope 1 & 2: 50% reduction by 2025 and 100% by 2050.
  • Scope 3: Engage 80% of suppliers by 2025 and achieve 100% reduction by 2050.

3. Remote Work and Sustainable Office Operations

Our hybrid work model and office improvements support emissions reduction:

• Office Energy: Our Belfast HQ operates on renewable energy with solar panels and smart metering systems planned.
• Hybrid Model: Employees work remotely 3 days a week, reducing commuting emissions.
• Office Upgrades: A-rated appliances, EV charging stations, and LED lighting contribute to overall energy efficiency.

4. Sustainable Procurement and Circular Economy

We are evolving our procurement strategies to embed sustainability:

• Green Contracts: Transitioning to green electricity supply contracts.
• Supplier Engagement: Evaluating sustainability credentials in our supply chain.
• Design Longevity: Modular and upgradable digital systems to avoid unnecessary redevelopment.

5. Minimising Transport Emissions

To reduce our transport-related emissions:

• Business Travel: Digital collaboration (Zoom, Miro) reduces travel needs.
• EV Policy: Petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out in favour of hybrid and electric options.
• Offsetting: Air travel, when unavoidable, is offset via credible carbon schemes.

6. Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Design

Sustainability for us includes inclusivity:

• WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance: High-contrast UI, resizable fonts, and screen-reader compatibility.
• Alternative Formats: We provide transcripts and accessible navigation features.
• Inclusive Testing: Co-design workshops with diverse users.

Accountability and Continuous Improvement

Governance & Oversight

• Sustainability Lead: Maíra Rahme, our Service Design Lead, coordinates initiatives and compliance.
• Green Team: Internal group championing sustainability projects and awareness.
• Reporting: Quarterly reports and audits with CarbonFit ensure transparency.

Industry Collaboration

We remain a committed signatory of Design Declares, helping to expand the initiative across Northern Ireland and advocate for climate-conscious design across our sector.

Looking Forward

We are accelerating our carbon reduction journey through several upcoming projects:

• Carbon Literacy Training for senior leaders.
• Smart Metering and Battery Storage Feasibility Studies.
• Enhanced Waste Management Policies.
• Incentives for Low-Emission Commuting (e-bikes, hydrogen buses).
• SBTi Validation of science-based targets within the next 24 months.

Carbon Reduction Plan (2024-2025)

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

1. Business Travel: Greater use of virtual meetings and public transport; carbon offsets for flights.
2. Procurement: Prioritising local, sustainable vendors and energy-efficient software.
3. Office Energy: Renewable energy contracts and equipment upgrades.

Looking Ahead

Our journey to Net Zero by 2050 is both strategic and collaborative. We will continue to adapt, learn, and partner with stakeholders who share our vision for a low-carbon future.

👉 Click here to view our full 2024–2025 Carbon Reduction Plan