Our Net Zero Journey Since 2000

Resource Data Management (RDM) was founded on the principle of sustainability. Minimal use of resources and maximum efficiency in all aspects of the business have always driven our operating practices and product development.

Over the years, we have taken many steps towards reducing our emissions including free air cooling, LED lighting, insulated roofs, and occupancy detectors. We are now implementing more initiatives across the business to reach net zero. As part of these initiatives, our head office in Glasgow is taking part in Glasgow’s Step Up to Net Zero (SUTNZ) scheme.

The recently launched programme supports local SMEs in their efforts to achieve net zero. As part of Glasgow’s strategy to reach net zero by 2030, the Chamber of Commerce matches net zero advisers with local businesses to support their transition. Through this programme, Tanya Goyal joined us earlier this year as our Net Zero Coordinator to help advise on any future steps that can be taken to ensure the business is on the right track.

Introducing Tanya Goyal - RDM’s Net Zero Coordinator

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background relating to net zero?

My journey towards environmental sustainability began long before I started working at Resource Data Management (RDM). While studying at university, I had the opportunity to work on Net Zero policies and data sets. Urgent environmental and sustainability actions have always been central to my academic pursuits and principles.

My background and passion for environmental science gave me a solid foundation to understand the complexities of climate change mitigation strategies. Through SUTNZ, I can apply my theoretical knowledge by actively engaging with real-world challenges.

Joining RDM has given me the opportunity to be involved in crafting strategies, analysing data, and implementing initiatives aimed at reducing RDM’s carbon footprint and fostering a culture of sustainability.

What had RDM done before net zero targets were established by the government? 

We had already implemented energy-saving measures at our offices, including free air cooling for the IT and data suite, LED lighting, newly insulated roofs, and occupancy detectors. In 2008, we were also the first company in Glasgow to install wind turbines at our office to supply clean energy.

We also integrated our environmental standards into our manufacturing processes. As part of that we ethically source components and recycle the water used to flush away flux from PCBs. When it comes to packaging for our products, we use recycled cardboard and paper instead of polystyrene foam and plastic.

What other steps have RDM taken recently to reduce emissions?

We want to establish ourselves as a 100% circular business and have already taken necessary steps towards that goal. We switched to renewable energy and now have a fully electric car fleet. In addition, we are reducing scope 3 emissions by conducting virtual meetings whenever possible to reduce business travel. The business is making additional progress towards waste recycling, space conservation, and internal sustainable practices.

What options are you looking into to help RDM reduce emissions in the future?

Reducing emissions is a team effort which is why we are focusing on increasing employee engagement. We are currently developing internal communications on how employees can reduce the business’s carbon footprint.

Switching to more renewable manufacturing sources and tools, in the long run, is certainly on the checklist. This change will mainly affect our manufacturing hub in Taiwan.

And lastly, we will bring all our subsidiaries in line with our head office’s environmental goals and policies to achieve net zero on a group level.

All of the steps we have taken so far and are looking to take in the future will help RDM align with Glasgow’s net zero targets and the EU Taxonomy Goals.

How do you use data/what kind of data are you using to generate your recommendations?

We are using software to record our emissions, company portfolio, and other aspects quarterly. The data recorded is automatically displayed as bar graphs, comparison charts, or tables, which we analyse as needed.

We are also looking to use more analytical tools to read the datasets and have useful analyses available to work with and form recommendations for the future. 

Generally speaking, what do you think are some easy steps businesses can take to reduce their emissions?

There are a few basic steps that a company can incorporate as actionable tips that can help them reduce their emissions:

• In my opinion, the very first step for any business is to know and understand their current emission and set reasonable carbon reduction targets.
• The next useful step could be reducing energy use. This can be done by various methods such as purchasing more efficient equipment certified as efficient, sustainable, or environmentally friendly products.
• Lastly, unplugging equipment at the end of each day, and taking advantage of natural sunlight for lighting are easy steps that will have an impact in the long run. 

Other options are regulating business travel, using sustainable suppliers, eliminating waste where possible, and engaging employees to follow sustainable practices.