In today’s world, where the health of our planet is a primary concern, understanding and minimizing our environmental footprint is not just a responsibility, but a necessity. For us at Dataphoria, the concept of a carbon footprint, which encompasses all greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) produced by our activities, has been a significant focus. These emissions are primarily responsible for global warming, a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action.
Doing our Part in Carbon Emission Reduction
We believe that to advocate for change, one must first embody it. That’s why we’ve taken steps to measure and reduce our carbon footprint. Our commitment is, above and beyond compliance, the notion that any business can play its part and leave a positive impact on our planet.
How did we do this?
By now it should be evident we're all about knowing our numbers, especially when it comes to our carbon footprint. We've adopted the Greenhouse Gas Protocol's Standard, categorizing our emissions into three scopes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from company-owned assets (not applicable to us).
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity (not applicable to us).
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, which is where our focus lies.
To effectively reduce our carbon emissions, we first needed to understand where they were coming from. Here’s how we approached it:
Uncovering our Scope 3 Emissions
We thoroughly analyzed our operations to identify key areas contributing to our carbon footprint:
Purchased Goods & Services: Includes our cloud infrastructure and daily-use appliances.
Business Travel: The major contributor, especially air travel.
Employee Commuting: Covers travel to and from workspaces.
Remote Working: Accounts for energy used by home appliances during remote work.
Upstream Leased Assets: Considers electricity emissions from shared office spaces.
Our Approach to Tackling Scope 3 Emissions
Addressing the Challenges of Business Travel
As a service provider, we at Dataphoria have recognized that our most significant environmental impact comes from business travel, particularly air travel. In 2022, this accounted for a staggering 75% of our total emissions. Acknowledging the environmental toll of frequent flying, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint in this area. Our strategy involves seeking out aircraft with lower emissions and favoring ground transportation, like cars and trains, over airplanes whenever possible. This approach reflects our goal to balance the necessities of business travel with our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Data Hosting and Its Environmental Implications
Another notable aspect of our carbon footprint is data hosting. While currently contributing a relatively modest 2% (or 110 kg CO2e) of our emissions annually, this is an area we anticipate will grow alongside our business. To mitigate its impact, we are actively selecting data centers based on their carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, we are collaborating with our cloud providers to optimize our infrastructure, aiming to offer services that are as sustainable as possible.
The Benefits of Remote Working
We have also embraced a hybrid work model that combines the advantages of office and remote work. This approach not only fosters a balanced work environment but also significantly reduces traffic-related emissions. Our team values in-person interactions, but we also recognize the environmental benefits of limiting our daily commutes. When office visits are necessary, we encourage the use of public transportation as a more environmentally friendly option.
Conscious Technology and Equipment Choices
Our commitment to sustainability extends to the technology and equipment we use. In 2022, the carbon footprint from our equipment was recorded at 7.5 kg CO2. Our dual enthusiasm for technology and the environment guides us to select high-performing, energy-efficient devices. As our organization grows, we are also exploring leasing options for our equipment, which aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.
Transparency and Continuous Improvement
We believe in the power of transparency and accountability. To this end, we've created a dashboard available at dataphoria.gr/carbon-footprint, updated quarterly with our latest carbon footprint data. This initiative allows us to not only track our progress but also share it with our stakeholders and the community.
Simplifying Carbon Footprint Monitoring
Setting up a carbon footprint monitoring process may seem daunting, but with the right data tools and expertise, it becomes a streamlined and insightful exercise. At Dataphoria, we are leveraging automated data collection and analysis tools to make this process efficient and impactful.
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
As we continue to refine our carbon footprint reduction strategies, we remain dedicated to walking a path that leads to a more sustainable world. Our journey is an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and innovating, and we invite you to join us in this crucial endeavor for our planet's future.