Environmental Management
Digital Design Partners are committed to reducing our environmental impact on the planet and wherever possible leaving things better than we found them.
Our Environmental Management Policy provides more detail about how we achieve this.
Policy Overview
The purpose of this Environmental Management Policy is to establish Digital Design Partners (DDP) commitment to environmental stewardship. As a forward looking consulting firm, we recognise that our operations impact the environment. Therefore, we are dedicated to implementing sustainable practices, complying with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, and continuously improving our environmental performance. This policy outlines our approach to managing environmental risks, setting environmental objectives, and engaging our employees, clients, and suppliers in our sustainability journey.
DDP is committed to integrating environmental sustainability into all aspects of our remote consulting operations to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote energy efficiency. This policy outlines our dedication to reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to a healthier planet. As a remote company, we recognise our unique position to minimise our carbon footprint while setting an example for responsible business practices.
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders associated with Digital Design Partners (DDP). It covers every aspect of our business operations, including office management, project delivery, travel, procurement, and interactions with clients. This policy also extends to all locations where we operate, ensuring that our commitment to environmental responsibility is upheld across our entire organisation.
Principles
Sustainable Operations
Workplaces: Proactively advocate for work to be undertaken in ways that reduce environmental impact, while supporting the establishment of safe and healthy workplaces that effectively manage environmental hazards.
Adopt Circular Economy Principles: Incorporate reuse, recycling, and sustainable procurement in our business practices.
Minimise Carbon Footprint: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with company operations and employee activities.
Promote Resource Efficiency: Use energy, materials, and other resources efficiently to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Support Renewable Energy: Transition to renewable energy sources wherever possible and encourage employees to do the same.
Compliance
Legal Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and standards at the local, state, and federal levels in Australia.
Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with our operations to prevent pollution and environmental degradation.\
Partner Network
Selective Partnering: Apply ethical and environmental considerations when considering which companies and clients with which we seek to engage.
Supplier Selection: Actively seeking to source required products, materials and services from companies that uphold and proactively address environmental considerations and impact.
Best Practices
External Accreditation: Seek external review of our practices from relevant accrediting bodies (e.g. ISO14001, B Corp), with an aim to align and certify our environmental management practices and refine our operations.
Continuous Improvement: Commit to the ongoing enhancement of our environmental management practices through regular reviews, audits, and updates to our policies and procedures.
Advocacy
Engage Stakeholders: Foster awareness and engagement among employees, clients, and partners to promote sustainability, reduce emissions/energy use, and improve their environmental performance.
Environmentally Conscious: Work with our clients, partners, suppliers, regulators, and other stakeholders to align projects, products and services to minimise waste, have sustainable design and plan for full life-cycle management.
Pro Bono / Volunteer Support: Provide no or low-cost support to enterprises with a primary mission and proven track record of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability Advocacy: Promote practices that align with both compliance requirements and broader sustainability goals.
Environmental Objectives and Targets
Reduce Our Footprint
Employee Engagement: Educate employees on sustainable practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy adoption. Offer incentives for employees to adopt green energy and participate in local sustainability programs.
Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-saving measures in our offices (home), including the promotion of installation of energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating/ colling systems. We promote out staff to monitor and reduce energy consumption through smart meters and energy management software.
Carbon Neutrality: Strive to achieve carbon neutrality by reducing emissions through energy efficiency initiatives, minimising travel, and promoting an efficient remote work environment.
Carbon Offset and Reduction: Offset unavoidable emissions by investing in high-quality carbon offset projects, such as green/renewable energy or reforestation initiatives. Reduce business travel to the minimum necessary and encourage virtual meetings and events.
Water Efficiency: We promote our staff to install water-saving devices, such as low-flow taps and toilets and rainwater harvesting systems, in all home-based office facilities.
Indoor Air Quality: Promote the maintenance of high indoor air quality in our offices (remote individual office space) through improved ventilation, the use of air filters, and selection of low-VOC materials.
Temperature Control: Reduce the need for air-conditioning through flexible uniform/clothing requirements in home offices, improved ventilation and the promotion of flexible working environments.
Sustainable Procurement: Source eco-friendly office supplies, including recycled and recyclable materials, prioritising partnerships with vendors and service providers committed to sustainability.
Waste Reduction
Zero Waste to Landfill: We promote our staff to aim to achieve zero waste to landfill (resulting from work related activities) by implementing recycling programs, including the separation of recyclables, organic waste, and e-waste. Encourage the reuse of materials and products wherever possible.
Sustainable Procurement: We prioritise the procurement of environmentally friendly products and services. This includes the promotion recycled office supplies, eco-friendly cleaning products, and sustainably produced furniture.
Waste Reduction: Facilitate e-waste recycling programs for old electronics and other equipment. Promote reusable and durable products over single-use items.
Digital Transformation: We reduce paper consumption by prioritising digital documentation and workflows. Where paper use is necessary, ensure that it is sustainably sourced and recycled.
Circular Economy Practices: We encourage the reuse and repair of office equipment and other resources, and partner with organisations to donate or recycle unused or obsolete items.
Implementation and Responsibilities
Leadership Commitment
Executive Leadership: The Directors at Digital Design Partners (DDP) are committed to leading by example and ensuring that environmental sustainability is integrated into our strategic decision-making processes.
Environmental Manager: Appoint an Environmental Manager responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy, monitoring compliance, and leading environmental initiatives across the organisation.
Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to participate in environmental initiatives, such as sustainability challenges, community clean-up events, and environmental awareness campaigns. Recognise and reward employees who contribute to the company’s environmental goals.
Green Office Initiatives: Promote green office initiatives, such as carpooling, cycling to work events and activities, and reducing single-use plastics, to foster a culture of sustainability among employees.
Client Education: Where appropriate educate clients on the benefits of sustainable practices and encourage them to adopt environmentally responsible approaches in their operations.
Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with suppliers to ensure they adhere to our environmental standards. Preference will be given to suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, including those who are ISO 14001 certified or have other recognised environmental credentials.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees are encouraged to actively participate in the company’s sustainability initiatives by:
Using energy-efficient settings on devices and appliances.
Minimising waste by opting for reusable or recyclable materials.
Supporting the company’s efforts to reduce travel-related emissions.
Sharing innovative ideas to enhance the company’s sustainability performance.
Monitoring and Reporting
DDP is in the process of implementing environmental performance tracking and aspires to the following:
Environmental KPIs and Monitoring: Establishment and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to energy consumption, waste generation, water usage, and carbon emissions within our team’s home offices. Ultimately using these metrics to track progress toward our environmental objectives.
Reporting: Making relevant information available to employees, clients, and the public, including potentially publishing sharing updates regarding our team’s progress on our website.
Benchmarking: We intend to benchmark our environmental performance against comparable standards and best practices to ensure we remain a leader in environmental responsibility.
Continuous Improvement: Review of this policy annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective in light of changes in legislation, technology, and industry best practices. Revisions will be made as necessary to address new environmental challenges and opportunities.
Summary
Digital Design Partners (DDP) is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner that promotes sustainability, protects natural resources, and contributes to a healthier planet. By adhering to the principles outlined in this policy, we aim to minimise our environmental impact, ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, and set an example of corporate environmental stewardship. Our goal is to continuously improve our environmental performance, engage our stakeholders in meaningful sustainability initiatives, and contribute to the global effort to protect the environment for future generations.
Contact details
If you have any questions, comments, requests or concerns, please contact us at:
38 Dowthwaite Street Fraser ACT 2615 Australia
Changes to this policy
From time to time, we may change this Policy. Any changes will be published on our website. You may obtain a copy of our current Policy from our website or by contacting us at the above. Last updated: 19 December 2024