Leveraging Sustainability for Business Growth: DigitalXRAID’s journey to industry leadership and remarkable carbon reduction effort
DigitalXRAID is an award-winning managed security services provider with over 25 years of experience, dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions. Recognising the growing importance of sustainability in the IT sector, in 2022, DigitalXRAID embarked on a journey to enhance its environmental practices and align with client expectations. We recently sat down with Laura Galyer, Marketing Director, DigitialXRAID to find out more about its journey so far and discover how leveraging sustainability has been key for business growth.
The Challenge
Before engaging with Positive Planet, DigitalXRAID found the sustainability landscape to be complex and challenging. The team lacked the crucial knowledge needed to navigate this space effectively and determine the best sustainability route for their company.
DigitalXRAID participated in local government sessions as an initial effort to gain insights into sustainability practices. However, as employees operate in a shared office space, the company faced unique challenges and limitations, particularly regarding control over their office environment. These sessions provided some guidance but left DigitalXRAID seeking more comprehensive support.
From these initial efforts, DigitalXRAID identified several key areas where further guidance was needed:
- Understanding the components to include in its carbon footprint.
- Navigating sustainability practices in a shared office space.
- Accessing expert advice to drive its sustainability initiatives.
The Positive Planet Solution
Recognising the need for expert guidance, DigitalXRAID partnered with Positive Planet as their sustainability advisor starting in 2022. This collaboration aimed to address the challenges they faced and position DigitalXRAID as a leader in sustainable practices within the cybersecurity industry.
DigitalXRAID has now completed two years of full carbon footprint measurement and reduction planning for both years. With this, the company has been able to monitor its footprint and over the last year, has successfully reduced it by an impressive 17.4%. DigitalXRAID has not only set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility within the cybersecurity industry but also demonstrated its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2038.
The C-suite at DigitalXRAID has played a pivotal role in driving the sustainability agenda forward. Their commitment was crucial in integrating sustainability into the company’s core strategies and operations and collaborating closely with the Positive Planet team to ensure a successful partnership.
“We’re immensely proud of the strides we’ve made in reducing our carbon footprint, achieving a 17.4% reduction in just one year. This wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with Positive Planet, helping us to understand our baseline and get advice on how we can achieve our targets. This milestone is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work, and it reflects our deep commitment to protecting the environment as part of our core values.
At DigitalXRAID, we believe in leading by example, not just in delivering unparalleled cybersecurity solutions to our clients but also in our efforts to protect the planet. We remain committed to our Net Zero targets, and this achievement motivates us to continue our pursuit of sustainability in every aspect of our business.”
Rick Jones, CEO, DigitalXRAID
The Benefits
The cybersecurity industry is highly competitive, and DigitalXRAID’s proactive approach to sustainability has yielded significant benefits. A key benefit, supporting business growth, is linked with improved client relationships. With clients, especially in the public sector, increasingly aware of environmental issues, DigitalXRAID’s sustainability initiatives have resonated well. Including sustainability achievements in proposals and communications has positively influenced new client acquisitions and the renewal of long-standing contracts.
DigitalXRAID’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The organisation has been shortlisted for awards recognising its commitment to sustainability, setting it apart from industry peers and positioning it as an early adopter in the cybersecurity space.
Sustainability has also bolstered employee engagement. Employees are increasingly motivated to work for a company that is actively contributing to environmental and social causes. One tangible benefit introduced for employees is the Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme, which underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Next Steps
DigitalXRAID has set an ambitious Net Zero target for 2038. The company has lots of plans for 2024 and beyond, including continuing to collaborate closely with Positive Planet to refine and expand its Carbon Reduction Plan as well as:
- Establish a Green Team to further drive internal sustainability initiatives.
- Implement a Sustainable Procurement Policy. Encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and improve their carbon footprint through supplier engagement, procurement policies and contracts, and monitoring reporting mechanisms.
- Review logistics partners/couriers and utilise the above Sustainable Procurement Policy.
- Develop and implement a Sustainable Travel Policy to support the environmental impact of choices when travelling, staying in hotels and commuting.
- Continue electrifying the company vehicle fleet.
DigitalXRAID’s partnership with Positive Planet has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of sustainability in the IT sector. The organisation’s proactive approach has not only met client expectations but also set a positive example within the cybersecurity industry. With ongoing efforts and a clear vision for the future, DigitalXRAID is well-positioned to continue leading by example.
