Sustainability Strategy
At Designed for Humans, we believe great design should have a positive impact on people, and on the planet too. As a small creative team, we know our choices matter. That’s why we’re committed to building a business that is sustainable.
Sustainability mission statement
Our mission is to design for a net zero planet.
We aim to become a Certified B Corporation by 2040, and Net Zero by 2050, following the advice and guidance outlined in the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards.
This builds on our SME Climate Hub Commitment, where we pledged to halve our emissions before 2030, cut our emissions to zero before 2050, and share our progress on a yearly basis.
A word from our Founders
“Design has the power to shape how people live, work, and connect, and that means it also has the power to change how we care for the planet. I’ve always been passionate about reducing our impact and currently contribute to planting trees and carbon reduction schemes, but want to do more.”
“Our commitment to designing for a net zero future isn’t just about reducing emissions, it’s about rethinking how creativity, technology, and sustainability work together. From the tools we use to the experiences we design, every decision we make is a step towards a more responsible and resilient world.”
Paul Wilshaw
“Sustainability has always been at the heart of Designed for Humans. Our roadmap sets out clear goals and accountability, but more significantly, it reflects our team and what’s important to us. We’re excited to continue our sustainability journey and build a better future through design.
Niomi Wilshaw
Sustainability Commitment
Our Sustainability Commitment can be split into two categories; Design and Human.
The unity of design and human will allow us to deliver end-to-end world-class performance in resource efficiency, environmental protection, and community support.
Design
Design encapsulates our sustainable operations and innovation to thrive. It relates to our commitment to embody the most recent sustainability knowledge and practices within the multiple aspects of technology, inclusive products, accessible UX, and communication solutions we offer.
We commit to:
Designing for efficiency: We design websites and digital products with lightweight, efficient code and assets. This means faster load times for users and less energy consumed by servers. It’s good for the planet and good for user experience
Remote-first, lower impact: We run as a remote-first studio. By working from home and connecting digitally, we reduce unnecessary travel, commuting emissions, and office energy use. This also gives us the flexibility to focus on what matters most: delivering thoughtful design
Reducing carbon emissions: For every website we complete, we contribute to reforestation and climate projects through Ecologi. This means that each client's collaboration directly supports the planting of 60 new trees around the world.
Human
Human encapsulates our commitment to enhance the health and wellbeing of people and communities, as well as our commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in our workforce and beyond. We recognise the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN, and strive to promote gender equality and good health and wellbeing, as well as reducing inequalities (Goal 5, 3, and 10 respectively).
We commit to:
Promoting diversity: We’re building a culture where everyone can bring their unique strengths to the table every day. When people feel seen and included, great ideas follow. That’s how we stay innovative. We’re proud of our ability to design for all kinds of audiences and businesses, no matter what the size. We champion designs that feature accessibility and inclusion in every step. We never design for the few or overlook accessibility. From language to UX to visual design, everything we create strives to be welcoming and usable by all humans
Protecting and enhancing employee wellbeing: We believe in supporting our team, not just at work, but in all parts of life. When employees feel well, safe, and balanced, they show up stronger for themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s why we’ll put together a starter pack (for both new and current team members) with tools for movement, healthy eating, and mental health support. Because we know people can only really thrive at work when their personal goals, family needs, and community roles are also in harmony.
Sustainability goals
Our Sustainability goals are:
To halve our Scope 2 emissions by 2030
To achieve B Corp Certification by 2030
To become Net Zero by 2050
How we will meet our sustainability goals
To meet Sustainability Goal 1, we're focusing on boosting renewable energy use across everything we do. We’ll start by measuring how much energy we use, how intense that usage is, and how much of it already comes from renewable sources. We'll carry out an annual energy audit of our offices and introduce practical upgrades like sensor-based LED lighting to make our spaces smarter and more efficient.
Each year, we’ll also publish a detailed scope 2 emissions report, following the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. This gives us a clearer picture of where we stand and helps us keep improving.
All of this doesn’t just support Goal 1. It also pushes us closer to reaching Goals 2 and 3.
To hit our Sustainability Goals 2 and 3, we’re taking a close look at our carbon footprint across everything we do. Each year, we’ll dig into our scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to figure out where the biggest impact lies. Based on what we find, we’ll research, test, and roll out the sustainability solutions that make the most sense for us, and track how well they’re working, year over year.
We’re also tightening up our policies around energy use, business travel, and rental services. These areas play a big role in our scope 3 emissions, and to keep ourselves accountable (and ahead of the curve), we’ll publish our data and progress annually.
Our goal? Make real change, stay competitive, and hopefully inspire others to raise the bar on sustainability too.
Sustainability Roadmap
Our Sustainability Roadmap shows the actions and activities we will take in order to meet our goals.
Read our sustainability blogs
