Sustainability

How important is sustainability for Designed for Humans?

Our mission statement is to design for a net zero planet. From the inception of Designed for Humans, we sought to embody sustainability. We committed to planting trees with Ecologi, designing with efficient and lightweight codes, and operating as a remote-first studio. As parents, we wish to maintain and, if possible, improve the environment for our children. We recognise that our actions have consequences, and strive to make the best informed decisions that will have the most beneficial impact on the planet.

What is Net Zero?

Net zero is when the greenhouse gases we emit are reduced to the point where they can be balanced out by the greenhouse gases we remove from the atmosphere. In other words, it means no negative impact on the climate overall.

Why is Net Zero important?

The environmental and social importance of each business achieving Net Zero cannot be understated. Put simply, and regarding carbon dioxide, Net Zero is the state at which global warming stops (https://netzeroclimate.org/what-is-net-zero-2/). Carbon dioxide is responsible for warming the Earth’s atmosphere to a habitable level, but an increased level of carbon dioxide (resulting from human activities) has contributed to the ocean's acidification, which harms marine life, as well as respiratory problems for humans, and rising sea and temperature levels globally. Sea level rise has a direct and disproportionate impact on communities with low-lying geographies, causing mass displacements of people. Achieving Net Zero is therefore important for the health and wellbeing of every inhabitant on Earth.

How will Designed for Humans achieve Net Zero?

We are currently completing our carbon emission calculations for last year (2024-2025). When this is complete, we can identify the areas of the business which contribute the most to our overall emissions. Following this, we can research and implement the best strategies which will engender the largest reductions to our emissions. We have already started to develop a sustainability roadmap and strategy, which will be published soon. The roadmap will display in greater detail the actions we will take to achieve Net Zero.

Who is responsible for sustainability at your work place?

At Designed for Humans we have a dedicated Sustainability and Content Executive, Tiff Huxley. However, as we embodied sustainability as a core value of the business, we believe that every member of the team is responsible for sustainability, and urge all employees to make the decisions that have the most beneficial impact for both people and planet.

How can I measure carbon emissions?

Broadly speaking, to generate your companies carbon emissions you must input the relevant data together with the relevant emission factor, which generates a carbon emission estimate. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol splits this data into three Scopes: Scope 1 relates to emissions directly created by your company, through activities such as manufacturing. Scope 2 relates to indirect emissions from the generation of the energy source used for the company, such as electricity. Scope 3 relates to indirect emissions occurring due to business activity, such as employee commuting.

There are several free carbon emission calculators available which facilitate the inputting of your companies data and generate a carbon emissions estimate. One such example can be found on the SME Climate Hub. The UK Government have a handy PDF guide on how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the ONS have a useful summary guide. For emission factor sources, DEFRA provides a database which is updated yearly. Always ensure you are using the most recent emission factor data published, as these can change annually.

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is a marketing tactic used by businesses to make themselves appear more environmentally conscious or sustainable than they actually are. Not only does this mislead consumers, it also undermines companies that have a genuine sustainability commitment. An example of greenwashing is the literal incorporation of green colours or natural symbolism into a companies website, which suggests sustainability, but have no underlying supporting actions. Another example is vague language used by the company, such as ‘natural’, which is not linked to specific proof. If you suspect a company is greenwashing, look for transparent sustainability reporting, such as reports featuring dates and goals, and third party certifications such as B Corp Certification. The inclusion of these two facets mean that a company is directly addressing sustainability concerns and is not greenwashing.