Optec is a specialist network & security company, providing Professional and Managed services to companies across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our. core technical team operate primarily from our Cardiff based Network Operations Centre (NOC) and frequently collaborate with partners and external suppliers, to provide our services.

Our Sustainability Policy covers our office operations, consulting and management activities, travel, and relationships with staff, suppliers and service providers. Our goal is to align with the wider IT industry drive towards halving carbon emissions by 2030 and meeting net zero by 2050, in order to meet the international goal of limiting climate change to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. We are also committed to reducing any negative impacts we have on nature. 

This policy is embedded in our values of personal responsibility and honesty. We aim to grow responsibly, ensuring we use resources efficiently and manage risks, by factoring environmental considerations into our decision-making at every level.

Responsibility

Optec’s Directors, Stuart Harper and David Golding, are responsible for overseeing our sustainability strategy and ensuring it is implemented. 

Reducing Direct Carbon Emissions 

We will reduce the environmental impact of our day-to-day office operations by:

• Requesting that our building management switches to and maintains a renewable energy tariff for electricity supply and considers how to transition from gas heating systems.
• Minimising energy use by turning off equipment when not in use.
• Working with building management to ensure any future office space upgrades prioritise  energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting and insulation.
• Continuing to choose electric options for the company vehicles where practical.

Reducing Indirect Carbon Emissions 

Our monitoring and management activities are where most of our emissions occur, and we are actively implementing the following measures to reduce them:

Power

• Requesting energy-efficient equipment, reusable batteries and LED lighting from our suppliers 
• Prioritising using the grid to power our equipment

Travel and Transport

• Considering the carbon emissions impact when reviewing locations (travel/transport requirements and availability of sustainable travel/transport options like electric vehicles).
• Prioritising, where possible, trains over air travel, especially within the UK and Europe.

Reducing Your Waste

We actively aim to reduce our waste by:

• Applying the principle of reduce first, repair and reuse second, recycle third – for example reusing and renting materials where possible – to avoid creating waste 
• When we do buy, avoiding single-use plastics and disposable items wherever possible
• Using digital mediums where possible to reduce paper use
• Implementing clear waste separation and recycling protocols on set and in the office for unavoidable waste 

Engagement 

To ensure our staff understand our commitments and the role they play in helping to deliver them we will:

• Publish our sustainability commitments on our website and circulate our policy 
• Ensure our internal processes flag and facilitate low carbon choices
• Require end of production sustainability debriefs to share learnings across our company

Measuring and Monitoring

• We will review carbon emissions of previous years to ensure our current year delivers lower carbon emissions where possible 
• We commit to upskilling as a company using resources to work towards a company level footprint and targets 
• We will review this policy every 12 months