23rd June 2023

Charting Our Course to Net Zero: Gemstone’s Ambitious Journey 

We at Gemstone firmly believe that even the smallest pebbles can create ripples in the biggest ponds. With roots in creating digital solutions, we understand the transformative power of seemingly minor actions and their ability to create widespread impact. Based on this understanding, we have set our sights on an ambitious goal: attaining Net Zero. 

For those who are less familiar with the term, Net Zero essentially means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount removed, thus achieving a zero-net effect on the environment. Understandably, this might seem like a Herculean task, especially for a small digital company. However, we truly believe that change begins at home, or in our case, within our own organisation. 

To many, the digital sector might seem intangible in terms of its environmental footprint. After all, our output is often ‘invisible’ and stored in the cloud. But, when you delve deeper, you’ll find that our industry has a surprisingly significant environmental impact. From the electricity consumed by our servers to the e-waste produced by obsolete equipment, our digital carbon footprint is much larger than one would initially suspect. 

Our commitment to achieve Net Zero stems from acknowledging this reality and taking steps to not only offset our emissions, but also to actively reduce them. 

Our first port of call on this journey will be to measure our existing carbon footprint. This will involve tracking and calculating our direct and indirect emissions, from the energy consumed by our servers and office spaces to the emissions associated with business travel and the lifecycle emissions of our products and services.  

The next step will be to start strategising ways to further reduce our emissions. We are already a remotely operated organisation, favouring digital meetings which substantially reduces the need for business travel. We will review our current sustainability policies to include a robust e-waste policy, ensuring that our obsolete equipment is recycled or disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible. 

While reducing emissions is crucial, we acknowledge that some emissions are unavoidable in our line of work. Hence, we plan to embrace carbon offsetting strategies to balance these residual emissions. This includes investing in certified projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gases, such as tree-planting initiatives and renewable energy projects. 

However, our commitment to Net Zero goes beyond our own operations. We aim to empower our clients and partners to join us on this journey. We are actively exploring ways to incorporate sustainability into our digital solutions, such as creating energy-efficient software and promoting digital minimalism. We are also transparent about our own sustainability efforts, hoping to inspire other small businesses to take similar steps. 

Our journey to Net Zero will be ongoing and certainly not without challenges. The process will require consistent commitment, regular evaluation and continuous improvement. But we are heartened by the potential and excited for what lies ahead. We believe that no company is too small to make a difference, and we’re committed to proving this through our actions. 

In conclusion, our ambition to achieve Net Zero may seem lofty, but we believe it is both achievable and necessary. If our digital solutions can transform businesses, then our commitment to sustainability can transform the future. With every step we take towards Net Zero, we not only reduce our environmental footprint, but we also add another pebble to the pond of change, creating ripples that we hope will encourage others to follow suit. 

We aim to demonstrate that change isn’t just about size, sector, or resources at your disposal – it’s about determination, dedication, and a deep-rooted desire to protect our planet for future generations. 

Our industry is rapidly evolving, and with it comes the responsibility to evolve our practices, too. The digital world of tomorrow needs to be one that works in harmony with our environment, rather than against it. We can’t wait for new standards to be established or regulations to be imposed. Instead, we’re proactively driving the change, transforming our operations, and leading by example. 

Achieving Net Zero is a collaborative endeavour. We can’t do it alone, nor can we expect the burden to rest on the shoulders of the few. We’re calling upon our peers in the digital sector, both big and small, to join us on this journey. It’s a shared responsibility, and every step we take together brings us closer to a sustainable digital future. 

Our Net Zero ambition is ambitious, yet achievable. It’s bold, yet necessary. Above all, it’s a testament to the power of small businesses to effect big change. 

Gemstone’s commitment to Net Zero is about more than just achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases we emit and those we remove. It’s about pioneering a new way of operating in the digital sector. It’s about turning the tide on digital carbon footprints and forging a new path for a sustainable digital future. 

By sharing our journey towards Net Zero, we hope to inspire other small digital companies to join us. Together, we can ensure the digital age is a sustainable one, built on innovation, responsibility and respect for our shared environment. 

So, here’s to the next chapter in Gemstone’s sustainability journey. We’ll face challenges, but we’ll also seize opportunities. We’ll celebrate our progress, but we’ll always strive for more.  

After all, the road to Net Zero isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the journey, and every step we take towards a more sustainable future is a step worth taking. 

Together, we can turn the digital industry green. Small actions, big impacts – we look forward to sharing our progress.