Netlight cuts food emissions by 54% through ‘Veggie first’ policy

Long-time GoClimate client Netlight, an IT and Management consulting company providing services for leaders in the digital industry, is characterized by an open, encouraging, and prestige-free culture. Netlight has repeatedly been awarded for growth as well as for successfully working with gender equality.

Netlight’s former CEO, Erik Ringertz, explains how their strong sustainability focus started:

“It is difficult to date its origin as the idea of paying back (or paying forward) is deeply rooted in Netlight’s culture and always included society as a stakeholder. We always try to find initiatives that are close to our core business and therefore tangible. Our first bigger move was to balance our CO2 emissions as part of our traveling policy. That was back in 2015, when we decided to balance out not only current and future emissions, but also all past travel emissions.”

Victoria Cederberg, HR Generalist & Emma Ahlberg, Office manager, at Netlight.

Impactful policy: “Veggie First”

Victoria Cederberg, HR Generalist, and Emma Ahlberg, Office manager, tell us more about Netlight’s sustainability work, more specifically one of their most impactful policies implemented a few years back – “Veggie First”.

“All our internal policies are born from the endeavor to limit our climate footprint and increase our power to take climate action. Our Veggie First policy means that all events and meetings at Netlight have adopted vegetarian or vegan food as the norm, totally removing meat as an option.

Veggie First is an easy way to inspire our employees and clients to eat vegetarian meals to lower the environmental impact. By sharing vegetarian meals together, we can both measure and feel the impact that it has.”

“Many saw it as a good opportunity to try out new food”

Victoria Cederberg, HR Generalist & Emma Ahlberg, Office manager

“The initiative started back in 2016 after demands from the employees to have more vegetarian food options at the office – and in 2017 Netlight introduced the Veggie First as the norm. The policy gradually moved the company to 100% vegetarian food over the course of five years, where 2022 marked the first year of no meat options available at all. The policy has allowed Netlight to reduce its food emissions by 54%, and was well received by employees. The majority thought it was the right way for Netlight, as a growing and inspirational company, to go. Many saw it as a good opportunity to try out new food, a source of inspiration and not least a great way to reduce the company’s emissions. Of course, there were employees who were skeptical at first – some concerns were raised about if vegetarian food really would keep the same high standard as meat based options, and if it would be filling and nutritious enough. So Netlight put a lot of effort into making sure vegetarian food was the way ahead, and the few people who were hesitant at first, seem to have warmed to the policy without any problems.

Netlight spirit animal – the purple unicorn.

“A win-win situation for climate, the supplier and our employees”

Victoria and Emma continue on some of the challenges with implementing the policy:

“Back in 2016 the access to high quality vegetarian food options wasn’t great, and it could get very expensive. The Netlight event team put a lot of effort into finding great suppliers offering delicious and nutritious meals that would make the most adamant meat-eater happy. We see it as a crucial part in developing our Veggie First policy to put high demands on all our food suppliers to serve great vegetarian options. This is where we see ourselves being role models in the industry, where there is a win-win situation for both the climate, the supplier and our employees.”

On their continuous work with climate and sustainability, Victoria and Emma continue:

“At Netlight, we work actively to reduce our CO2 footprint through our initiative Climate First – the foundation of our environmental activities helping to create transparency and bring concrete results through a number of sub-policies –  and leave nothing to chance. For example, the deliberately central locations of all Netlight offices makes it possible for employees to get to work via bicycle, walk or public transport, to keep overall emissions down.”

Check out Netlights Environmental Policy here.

We’re here to help you get started!

We would love to hear about other successful stories of how climate policies have been implemented in your company – please share in comments or via dm! And if you haven’t got round to setting your own policy and targets yet, we are here to help <3

Just send us an email to [email protected] – and we’ll get started!

MINK MGMT: “We have always had an eco-friendly mindset and an inclusive way to work and do business”

Implementing a climate policy covering everything from how you travel to what demands you should put on suppliers in terms of their sustainability efforts, sets you up for success. Not to mention how much it will help employees in everyday decisions and create a great base for communication around your sustainability efforts.

MINK MGMT is a photographer and creative management agency founded in 2012 with offices in Stockholm and London. In addition to artist management, they also offer full production services, which is a great opportunity to set climate policies to ensure the environmental impact is kept as minimal as possible. 

“We have always had an eco-friendly mindset and an inclusive way to work and do business. As we have grown with our clients, we have had the opportunity to work to positively influence industry change and manage the aspects of our industry that we are able to control and make more sustainable”, says Marie Jernström Linins, founder and CEO of MINK MGMT.

Focus on remote photoshoots

Since the productions MINK MGMT work with often involves international clients and a lot of travel, their climate policy efforts are mainly targetting that area. To keep travels down, video and phone meetings are prioritized where possible.  When flying is the only option, all flights are offsetted through financing certified climate projects. 

“We had live feeds from the stills and film cameras so that the client could see what was being shot live on their own screens”

Marie Jernström Linins, MINK MGMT.

“For overseas clients we offer them the possibility to shoot remotely to cut down on emissions. We have done several productions that way, just recently we shot two global campaigns for Adidas in Stockholm with the client in Germany and the advertising agency in New York. We had live feeds from the stills and film cameras so that the client could see what was being shot live on their own screens, an online meeting feed for each set to communicate, and go pro cameras in the studios so the client could follow everything remotely. Everyone pulled together to work on a time zone that would work for all, it turned out great – and with a lot less negative climate impact than traditional shoots!” says Marie Jernström Linins, MINK MGMT.

Marie Jernström Linins, founder and CEO of MINK MGMT, here with her dog.

MINK MGMT’s climate policy

Check out and get inspired by MINK MGMTs sustainability policy here!

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to get guidance in setting a climate policy for your business!

Smart Biogas Stoves for Rural Households


With these smart biogas stoves we fight climate change while Improving health and quality of life for people living in rural uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

This climate project is Gold Standard-certified and through this project we have together prevented 32,688 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere!

The problem

The use of burning wood when boiling water and cooking food represents a big problem for many families and for the environment. It contributes to indoor pollution, causing severe health issues mainly among women and children, who are overwhelmingly responsible for running the household, and families have to walk up to 5 km to collect firewood and it is heavy on the families’ budget. The reliance on wood for cooking puts pressure on surrounding forests, leading to degraded lands and increased desertification.

How the project fights climate change

The digesters are fed with cow dung and organic kitchen waste to produce biogas, which is then piped to a thermal stove, providing thermal energy for cooking and boiling water, on demand. The biogas systems are long-lasting, easy to install and maintain, and do not cost money to run.

To date, this project has installed over 15,000 smart biogas systems to rural families across Uttar Pradesh & Maharashtra.

You can see the project at the Gold Standard-registry here: https://registry.goldstandard.org/projects/details/1097

6 things your company can do for climate

Investing in your company’s sustainability lets you enjoy the result of happier employees and an overall stronger offer and brand, while contributing to a healthier planet. Here are some of the most important things your company can do:

1. Calculate your company’s emissions

By calculating your company’s carbon footprint, you get an overview of your main sources of emissions, allowing you to take relevant action in the areas that will have the most impact. Try out our simple business calculator to get started!

2. Set a climate policy

Implementing a climate policy covering everything from how you travel to what demands you should put on suppliers in terms of their sustainability efforts, sets you up for success. Not to mention how much it will help employees in everyday decisions, as well as create a great base for communication around your sustainability efforts.

3. Go veggie first and reduce food waste

Serve vegetarian or vegan food as the norm. 35% of the world’s emissions stem from food, and eating less meat is one of the most meaningful changes people can make to cut greenhouse gas emissions and help reduce deforestation.  If people in developed countries switched to more fruit and veg, emissions could fall a whole 29% by 2050. * 

Half of the emissions from the food industry comes from food waste today. Reduce your company’s food waste by notifying coworkers when there is food left from events and meetings, to take home.

4. Buy second hand IT equipment and repair before buying new

Replace IT equipment only when it is no longer working, instead of as often as every third or fourth year, as is the current average. Buy second-hand equipment instead of buying new – and fix first! Always try to repair before buying new. Pro-longing tech items’ lifespan by just a couple of years can have a great positive impact on the climate.

5. Switch to renewable energy

Switching to renewable (green) electricity is probably the easiest way to make a significant difference to your overall emissions. Green energy comes from natural sources and is sustainably sourced – and the switch is a crucial step in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

6. Balance your emissions through certified climate projects

Taking ownership and reducing your overall impact on the planet is a crucial step in future-proofing your business. Balancing your emissions through financing climate projects is one way to take responsibility for your emissions on top of reducing them. GoClimate offers climate financing through certified Gold Standard projects, which on top of speeding up global climate action, contribute to local sustainable development by offering jobs, contributing to gender equality or improving air quality.

9 anledningar för företag att satsa på hållbarhet

Att jobba med hållbarhet kan ge flera fördelar, både för företaget självt och för vårt samhälle och vår planet. I det här blogginlägget tittar vi på 9 fördelar med att jobba med hållbarhet och implementera hållbarhetsrapportering i ditt företag.

1. Långsiktig stabilitet och lönsamhet

Krav på hållbart företagande kommer redan idag från kunder, anställda, investerare, banker, politiker och andra intressenter och allt tyder på  att de kraven kommer öka framåt. Att satsa på hållbarhet bidrar därför till en mer stabil och lönsam verksamhet över tid. Och om inte ni blir mer hållbara så kommer kunder och anställda hellre jobba hos konkurrenter som är mer hållbara.

Att jobba med hållbarhet handlar helt enkelt om att framtidssäkra sitt bolag.

2. Stärkt varumärke

Företag som arbetar med hållbarhet förstår vart samhället är på väg och visar att de är mer ansvarstagande. Genom att jobba med hållbarhet så minskar du även risken för dålig publicitet.

Att jobba med hållbarhet gör företaget mer attraktivt.

3. Minskade kostnader

Att arbeta med hållbarhet kan hjälpa företag att identifiera områden där de kan spara pengar, till exempel genom att minska energiförbrukning, minska avfall, återanvända datorer och telefoner, resa mindre och generellt effektivisera resursanvändningen.

Du kommer spara pengar på att jobba med hållbarhet.

4. Sälj mer

Företag som är duktiga på hållbarhet och transparenta med sin hållbarhet kan locka fler kunder som värdesätter ansvarsfulla och miljövänliga företag. Genom att vara mer hållbart är det lättare och roligare för kunder, säljare och andra anställda att prata om era tjänster och produkter. Kunder rekommenderar hellre ett hållbart bolag en ett icke hållbart.

Detta kommer leda till ökad försäljning och större marknadsandelar.

5. Identifiera risker och möjligheter

Hållbarhetsarbete och rapportering hjälper företag att identifiera och hantera risker och möjligheter kopplade till miljö, sociala frågor och företagsstyrning. Detta leder till bättre beslutsfattande och affärsstrategier och att snabbare och mer strukturerat identifiera risker.

Att jobba med hållbarhet minskar risker och gör det lättare att fånga möjligheter.

6. Uppfylla lagkrav och standarder

Det finns redan idag lagar och standarder som kräver att större företag rapporterar om sin hållbarhet. Snart kommer exempelvis CSRD och ställer ännu högre krav på ännu fler företag kring att jobba med och rapportera hållbarhet.

Att jobba med hållbarhet är och kommer bli ett lagkrav för många företag.

7. Motivera anställda

Att vara ett hållbart företag kan bidra till att skapa en mer positiv och engagerad arbetsmiljö. Anställda som känner att deras arbetsgivare tar hållbarhetsfrågor på allvar är ofta mer motiverade, stolta och produktiva.

Hållbarhet gör dina anställda bättre.

8. Driva innovation och tillväxt

Att jobba med hållbarhet kan uppmuntra företag att utveckla nya idéer och affärsmodeller som är mer hållbara och lönsamma. Detta kan leda till innovation och tillväxt på både kort och lång sikt.

Din affär kan utvecklas och bli bättre när du jobbar med hållbarhet.

9. Det är rätt sak att göra

Forskningen är tydlig, vi är på väg åt fel håll när det gäller klimatet och flera andra planetära gränser så som biologisk mångfald. Att ta ansvar för vad vi jobbar med och bidra till att ta samhället och planeten till en bättre plats är moraliskt och etiskt rätt sak att göra. För oss själva men också för nästa generation.

Det kommer kännas bättre i magen att ta tag i ert hållbarhetsarbete,

Sammanfattningsvis är hållbarhet en viktig del i att bygga ett framgångsrikt företag. Genom att fokusera på dessa 9 fördelar kan ditt företag skapa långsiktig stabilitet, stärka sitt varumärke, spara pengar och driva innovation, samtidigt som det bidrar till en mer hållbar värld. Investera i hållbarhet idag för att säkerställa en ljusare framtid för både ditt företag och vår planet.

Kutch Wind Power Project in India

The GoClimate community is now supporting the Kutch Wind Power Project in India. The project is Gold Standard-certified and GoClimates contribution amounts to 20 000 tonnes of avoided CO2e-emissions.

Introduction

India has been experiencing a rapid growth in energy demand, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. In order to diversify the energy mix and promote sustainable development, heavy investments in renewable energy sources, such as wind power, is needed. One example of this is the Kutch Wind Power Project, which has been making significant contributions to the nation’s clean energy goals and local communities.

Kutch Wind Power Project: An Overview

Located in the Kutch region of Gujarat, the Kutch Wind Power Project consists of 150 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2 MW. With a total installed capacity of 300 MW, the project generates approximately 700,000 MWh of clean energy annually.

Climate Benefits

The Kutch Wind Power Project’s positive impact on the environment is big. By generating clean, renewable energy, the project helps in reducing India’s reliance on fossil fuels and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that the project prevents the release of over 550,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year, which is equivalent to taking more than 117,000 cars off the road annually.

Socioeconomic Benefits

Beyond its environmental benefits, the Kutch Wind Power Project also provides various socioeconomic advantages to the local communities. 73 employment opportunities have been created for local workers, both during the construction and operational phases of the wind farm. Moreover, it has helped enhance the skill sets of the local workforce through technical training and capacity building programs.

The project has also made significant contributions to the development of local infrastructure. It has helped improve the accessibility of remote areas by constructing and maintaining roads. Additionally, the project has facilitated the installation of street lighting, improving safety and security in nearby villages.

Furthermore, the project supports several community development initiatives, such as providing clean drinking water, promoting education, and improving healthcare facilities. By investing in these essential services, the Kutch Wind Power Project contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life for the local population.

Conclusion

The Kutch Wind Power Project stands as a testament to the transition to a sustainable energy future. By harnessing the power of wind, the project not only contributes to climate change mitigation efforts but also fosters socioeconomic development in the region. As India continues to invest in renewable energy, projects like the Kutch Wind Power Project serve as an inspiration for other countries to follow suit in the global pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.

CSRD – vad är det och varför är det viktigt?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) är ett begrepp som har blivit allt vanligare på senare år, och handlar om hur företag tar ansvar för sin påverkan på samhället och miljön. CSR innefattar bland annat frågor som mänskliga rättigheter, arbetsförhållanden och miljöpåverkan. Ett viktigt verktyg för att bedöma företags CSR-arbete är CSR Disclosure, eller CSRD.

CSRD handlar om hur företag rapporterar om sitt hållbarhetsarbete och resultatet av det. CSRD är ett viktigt verktyg för att bedöma hur väl företag lever upp till sina hållbarhetsambitioner.

När träder CSRD i kraft?

Från och med 2024 kommer alla större företag inom EU att vara skyldiga att rapportera om sin CSR-verksamhet och resultat.

Vilka företag omfattas av CSRD?

Reglerna för vilka företag som omfattas av CSRD är följande:

1 januari 2024 (rapportering 2025) för företag/koncerner som är stora, är av allmänt intresse och med fler än 500 anställda.

1 januari 2025 (rapportering 2026) för stora företag/koncerner. De företag som omfattas uppfyller två av tre av följande kriterier: 350 miljoner kronor eller mer i omsättning, 175 miljoner kronor eller mer i balansomslutning eller 250 anställda eller fler.

1 januari 2026 (rapportering 2027) för små och medelstora företag noterade på en marknadsplats samt små och icke-komplexa kreditinstitut.

Fördelar

Förutom att vara ett sätt att visa upp företagens CSR-arbete, kan CSRD också ha andra fördelar. Genom att rapportera om sin CSR-verksamhet kan företag locka till sig investerare och kunder som är intresserade av företagens hållbarhetsarbete. CSRD kan också bidra till att öka medvetenheten om viktiga CSR-frågor och på så sätt bidra till en mer hållbar utveckling.

Trots fördelarna med CSRD är det tyvärr fortfarande många företag som inte rapporterar om sin CSR-verksamhet på ett tillfredsställande sätt. Det kan vara svårt att mäta CSR-resultat på ett entydigt sätt, och det kan också finnas en rädsla bland företag att avslöja brister i sin verksamhet.

Vi kan hjälpa till

Vill du ta fram en hållbarhetsrapport som uppfyller CSRD? Hör av dig till oss för att få reda på hur våra automatiska verktyg kan göra det enkelt för dig.

Why the most sustainable outfit is already in your wardrobe

Here, we gathered links with sources and further reading to the social media post explaining why the most sustainable outfit is already in your wardrobe.

Cosh Eco, How does textile recycling work?

Fast company, 2022: Why ‘recycled’ clothes are so hard to recycle

Business of Fashion, 2023: When Sustainable Fashion Does More Harm Than Good

Impulso, 2022: The problem with overproduction – explained

Labfresh: The Fashion Lab Index

The Washington Post, 2023: What really happens to your clothes after you donate them

Telegraph, 2022: The truth behind what really happens to all the clothes rejected by charity shops

Tidningen Land, 2019 (Swedish language): Att tänka på när du skänker kläder till second hand

Naturvårdsverket (Swedish language): Så påverkar konsumtionen i Sverige

Clean-burning stoves in Kenya

The GoClimate community has recently added a new project to the roster – clean-burning stoves in Kenya! Not only does this initiative contribute to cutting emissions, but it also creates a healthy environment for cooking food. Families in rural Kenya traditionally use three-stone open-fire stoves for cooking. Apart from creating harmful smoke that leads to respiratory problems, this cooking method relies on gathering wood from nearby forests, which is both time-consuming and degrades the forest over time. Yet, many Kenyan families cannot afford to purchase fuel-efficient stoves – and as fuelwood is largely collected for free, there is no incentive to either.

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A sustainable business model

This project distributes affordable, durable and energy-efficient cookstoves to families across Kenya. The cookstoves reduce the amount of fuel needed by almost 40%. As well as producing nearly 100,000 stoves per year at a site near Nairobi, the project develops local market channels and supports affiliate companies to create sustainable distribution networks of cookstoves that are adapted to local needs. Over 60% of people involved in sales, manufacturing and distribution are women, allowing the project to create opportunities in a typically male-dominated environment. Each stove has a serial number which is scanned and assigned to a customer so sales can be recorded in a transparent and continuous way.

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Increased life quality for women and children

On top of cutting emissions and reducing pressure on forests, the cookstoves significantly ease the lives of women and children who are primarily responsible for cooking and collecting fuel. In fact, the type of locally-made stove distributed by the project is ranked in a study by UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago as the best household investment in Kenya.

The Global Sustainability Goals

This project contributes to the following Global Sustainability Goals; 1 (no poverty), 3 (good health & wellbeing), 5 (gender equality), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 13 (climate action) and 15 (life on land).

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