North-east technology firm aiming to reach net zero by 2030
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A company with a base in Aberdeen has set out its mission to reach net zero by 2030.
Agilico has grown over the past decades, supporting businesses since the early 1970s.
Through a combination of organic growth, coupled with key strategic acquisitions, it has become the sizable player it is today in the workplace technology space.
It has around 500 colleagues throughout its UK operations stretching from the south of England to the north of Scotland.
Agilico serves more than 14,000 customers who are on a mission to build organisations fully equipped for success in the face of rapid change in the business and economic landscape.
A fundamental part of that challenge is doing business in a better way - one which factors in both people and the planet.
A spokesman said: "For many years Agilico has seen sustainability as crucial to its identity. Its principles of ESG - Environmental, Social, Governance - have been part of the Agilico fabric.
"However, Agilico has more recently taken a bold step – to reduce its impact on carbon emissions and reach net zero by 2030."
Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere.
Agilico is committing to a net zero carbon emissions approach. The company sees net zero as a fundamental platform in its future strategic vision.
The spokesman added: "Agilico's mission and its future growth strategy, is underpinned by a dedicated focus on sustainability and supporting customers and suppliers to become more environmentally conscious.
"There is a very clear reason for this approach. Agilico understands the simple but alarming science behind climate change.
"Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruptions are just some of the consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions. We have seen this recently in parts of Greece.
"To mitigate these effects and secure a sustainable future, businesses must take proactive measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
"The company has put its money where its mouth is and instigated numerous initiatives and projects which have a real tangible impact on carbon reduction."
In terms of current sustainability initiatives, Agilico does the following:
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Agilico has embraced electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce its carbon footprint. Ten per cent of the company car fleet is electric, while 50 per cent consists of hybrid vehicles, promoting cleaner transportation options for employees. Its commitment is hundred perc ent to be EV or hybrid by 2024.
- EV Charging Infrastructure: To support the adoption of electric vehicles, Agilico has installed EV charging points at its sites across the country.
- Solar Energy: Agilico has taken steps to harness renewable energy by installing solar panels at several of its premises, including its HQ.
- Circular Economy: Agilico's national MFD (Multifunctional Print Device) refurbishment centres tackle circular economy challenges by giving used machines a new lease of life, reducing the impact on the environment in the process. It is estimated that 57 per cent emissions savings come from using remanufactured technology.
The spokesman added: "Agilico’s commitment to the circular economy, one which repurposes equipment, reduces waste and improves sustainability, is a key component of its net zero strategy.
"Agilico sees the importance of the role it can play in showing how technological services can support the improvement of both energy efficiency and sustainability.
"Technological and cloud-based services are not always seen as contributors to greenhouse gases. But put simply, less data means less servers, less servers mean less energy, less energy and less servers equates to less carbon.
"In addition, Agilico’s refurbished devices support carbon reduction, by returning an average saving of at least 600kg of carbon dioxide emissions per device.
"This focus on circular economy impacts Agilico’s processes and can provide huge savings for customers but also the environment."
In terms of property, this circular approach touches on retrofit and refurbished premises too in addition to new-build facilities.
For instance, the new office facilities in Team Valley Gateshead in August will have solar panels fitted to contribute to energy efficiency.
Agilico's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own operations. The company actively supports its customers and suppliers in their efforts to become more environmentally friendly.
