Joist Software - Sustainability Policy

1. Introduction

At Joist Software, we recognise our responsibility to operate in a manner that minimises our environmental impact and contributes positively to a sustainable future. This Sustainability Policy outlines our commitment to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of our business operations, from our software development processes to our office environment and supply chain.

We believe that sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but also encompasses social and economic considerations. Our aim is to achieve long-term viability by balancing these three pillars, ensuring that our growth does not come at the expense of natural resources or societal well-being.

2. Our Vision for Sustainability

Our vision is to be a leading software company that demonstrates excellence in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic performance. We are committed to continuous improvement in our sustainability efforts, fostering a culture where every employee plays a role in achieving our sustainability goals.

3. Key Areas of Focus and Commitments

3.1. Environmental Stewardship

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting ecological well-being through:

• Energy Efficiency: Actively seeking to reduce energy consumption in our offices and data centres (where applicable) by optimising equipment use, utilising energy-efficient technologies, and encouraging responsible energy habits among employees.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling: Implementing robust programmes to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste generated from our operations. This includes reducing paper consumption, promoting digital alternatives, and ensuring proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).
• Water Conservation: Implementing measures to minimise water usage in our facilities.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Measuring, monitoring, and striving to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This includes exploring options for renewable energy, encouraging sustainable commuting (e.g., public transport, cycling), and reducing business travel where possible through digital collaboration tools.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Prioritising the procurement of goods and services from suppliers who demonstrate strong environmental credentials, offer sustainable products, and adhere to ethical supply chain practices.
• Digital Sustainability: Designing and developing software solutions that are efficient in their resource consumption (e.g., optimised code, energy-efficient algorithms) and that can help our clients achieve their own sustainability goals.

3.2. Social Responsibility

Our commitment extends to fostering a positive societal impact:

• Employee Well-being: Maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional development.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and have equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
• Community Engagement: Engaging with and supporting our local communities through initiatives such as volunteering, charitable giving, and knowledge sharing, particularly in areas related to education and technology.
• Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency in all our business dealings, including fair labour practices, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption.
• Customer and Data Privacy: Ensuring the utmost care in protecting customer data and privacy, adhering strictly to relevant data protection regulations and best practices.

3.3. Economic Performance

We believe that sustainable economic performance is intertwined with environmental and social responsibility:

• Long-Term Value Creation: Focusing on creating long-term value for our stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders) through sustainable growth strategies rather than short-term gains.
• Responsible Innovation: Investing in research and development that leads to innovative software solutions addressing societal and environmental challenges.
• Financial Prudence: Managing our financial resources responsibly to ensure the stability and longevity of our business, enabling continued investment in sustainable practices.

4. Implementation and Governance

This policy will be integrated into our business strategy, decision-making processes, and daily operations. To ensure effective implementation, we will:

• Assign Responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilities for managing sustainability initiatives across all departments.
• Employee Engagement: Educate and engage all employees in our sustainability efforts, encouraging their active participation and ideas.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish measurable objectives and targets for key sustainability areas and regularly monitor and report on our progress.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review our sustainability performance and policies, seeking opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with our stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community, to understand their expectations and incorporate their feedback into our sustainability approach.