Sustainability at Vert
We are a small company with a global reach. Our challenges with environmental, social and governance responsibilities are both easy and hard. We have direct impact in our office and business travel. As we grow, we are setting a foundation of good policy and a practice of continual reappraisal and modifications.
Certified B Corp
We are a Certified B Corporation. B Corps model their business as a force for good. We are proud to challenge our firm with better business practices. The certification has helped us reflect on our choices and promotes improvements.
1% for the Planet
Think of this as a voluntarily tax for doing business on Planet Earth. Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, originated the concept as a business owner’s responsibility to demonstrate care for our only physical home. The commitment is donating 1% of our gross revenue to non-profit’s who are working to protect, restore, or conserve the environment and its ecosystem services.
Energy Use Reduction
We’ve installed reflective film on windows to reduce solar gain in our offices. This helps regulate the interior temperature without the use of air conditioning. The film also reduces glare and allows the window blinds to be up to take advantage of natural light.
Reusing Glass and Ceramics
We use glass plates, cups, and ceramics every day. When hosting events we are mindful to not default to single-use plastic.
Recycling
We recycle everything we can. There are separate recycling bins to ensure recycling paper, glass and aluminum is convenient and easy.
Sourcing
We choose environmentally-friendly suppliers where possible. We also assess key suppliers against a checklist, which includes reviewing their environmental, social, and governance practices. When an eco-solution is not offered, we open the conversation to what we’re ideally looking to achieve.
Commuting
We are a remote-first business. When we commuted to the office, the best part was biking there.
Business Travel
Business travel is not discouraged as we believe in the value of developing relationships face-to-face. Even so, over 80% of meetings take place on the phone and using online presentation tools. We use public transport where possible for business travel.
Workplace Well-Being
Our flexible work policy allows our team to work remotely and still be connected. We trust our team to get things done. This allows team members to work their own schedule. Additionally, we encourage our team to volunteer in the community regularly.