Corporate environmental awareness is no longer just a trend or a passing phase; today, it is an integral part of risk management for businesses. The demand for sustainability reports is growing, making rigorous background work and data utilization more critical than ever. Simultaneously, the methodologies for calculations and data processing are evolving. In Finland, climate consciousness has become a core element of business operations, competitive advantage, and global exports. By 2026, calculating the emissions has become a necessity for companies.
However, new EU directives and the “ban” on greenwashing are set to revise these calculations and operational standards. Corporate environmental claims will face unprecedented scrutiny, and concepts like carbon neutrality are becoming obsolete. On this Earth Day, we’ll ask if traditional “green” marketing is a thing of the past, what will replace it? Is it still possible to remain a responsible business admist of this all?
The Future of the Seravo Peatland
Environmental action is a matter of course for Seravo, as caring for the environment has been woven into our culture since the company’s inception. We addressed the emissions of our services early on, achieving carbon negativity in 2020, which positions us as a serious pioneer in climate work.
In light of shifting directives, however, it is time to declare certain concepts outdated and take an honest look at the situation. For example, regarding the peatland area Seravo acquired in Ranua, Finland, it is outdated to speak of carbon neutrality or offsets, or to claim that the peatland will undo our emissions. But even as the terminology changes, the peatland remains a valuable ecosystem and a protected area.
What is a Carbon Handprint?
If you’ve followed climate and sustainability discussions, you’re likely familiar with the carbon footprint: a measure of the negative impact a person or entity has on the climate. Now, a new concept has emerged alongside it – the carbon handprint.
The concept of a carbon handprint reflects the evolution of climate research and strategic thinking. It isn’t just a meter for emissions, but rather, it highlights the potential for positive climate impact. You can think of it as the other side of the carbon footprint coin. The carbon handprint is a constructive tool for strategic thinking, research, and emission calculations.
While calculating a carbon handprint is not without its challenges and is sensitive to assumptions, it allows for a new way to compare products and services. All actions related to renewable energy or recyclability – even beyond energy efficiency – are part of the carbon handprint. This is why we at Seravo recommend optimizing websites and encourage a culture of responsibility within digital environments, as well.
Carbon Handprint = Emission Savings
How to calculate carbon handprint?
- Baseline: What is the amount of emissions that would be generated if the customer used a standard product on the market?
- Your Product: What is the amount of emissions generated when using your company’s superior solution?
- The Difference: The amount of emissions that weren’t created thanks to your solution is your carbon handprint.
Carbon Footprint vs. Carbon Handprint
In short, the carbon handprint assesses positive impacts, while the carbon footprint measures total emissions, ie. the negative burden. The footprint calculates the climate harm resulting from operations, including all direct and indirect emissions. It is a metric that tells the story of an entity’s impact on the environment. Despite its negative connotations, the carbon footprint isn’t something to be afraid of. Instead, it is a tool and an opportunity to analyze and influence one’s own actions.
How to Stay Responsible
Last year on Earth Day, we discussed the threats and opportunities of Green ICT and reflected on the concept of the green transition. Now is the time for implementation and direct action. If you aren’t yet familiar with the concept of green code, now is the time to master it.
When you ensure that your website is energy-efficient, it’s green code. If a website has been engineered and implemented well, it reduces server load and performs well. Aside from the tangible results, green code is also a mindset that drives towards sustainable operational models.
Seravo Supports Green Code
Despite the updates to the EU directives, Seravo continues to ensure that our hosting service operates on the principles of green code. We challenge all site administrators and digital architects to ensure their websites use resources – such as memory, processing power, and ultimately energy – as meaningfully as possible. Our partner, Hion, has published materials to help you get started on reducing the carbon footprint of digital services.
Seravo strives for transparency, and we aim to maintain a culture of “due diligence.” At the same time, we want to make corporate responsibility visible and inspire others to do the same.
Seravo’s Environmental Actions
Our recent actions are based on concrete deeds and metrics that are regularly reviewed for relevance. We also pay close attention to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on building knowledge, adaptation, and resilience through Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Due Diligence Culture
A culture of due diligence is an ongoing process where, in the context of sustainability, a company seeks to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for its negative impacts, extending its influence throughout its entire stakeholder network.
Work for the climate and environment is never “finished.” That is why Seravo is reviewing and updating its content and sustainability claims in accordance with new directives, ensuring that our customers can trust the service they choose. Seravo is the right choice for those who value genuine environmental accountability and a holistic approach to reducing emissions.
Seravo is also a member of the Finland Chamber of Commerce Climate Community, which is a gateway for companies looking to get started or stay at the cutting edge of corporate climate work.
Got Questions About Sustainability?
Are you concerned about the sustainability of your website or hosting? Feel free to reach out to us!