Blue Connections IT attains third year of carbon neutrality

Blue Connections IT has achieved carbon neutral certification for its business operations for the financial year ending June 30, 2024.

The certification was awarded by Climate Active and independently assessed by Pangolin Associates, making this the third consecutive year Blue Connections IT has met the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Organisations.

Certification process

Pangolin Associates conducted a comprehensive greenhouse gas assessment covering Blue Connections IT's scope 1, 2, and relevant scope 3 emissions sources. These included electricity consumption, business travel, employee commuting, freight and logistics, and use of professional services. For the 2023-24 financial year, the company's total emissions footprint was calculated at 1,040 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This total was fully offset using eligible carbon credits in compliance with the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard.

The independent verification process is underpinned by internationally recognised standards and Greenhouse Gas protocols. Climate Active, an initiative from the Australian government, requires that certified organisations undergo rigorous audits to ensure emissions are accurately measured, reduced, and offset. The process provides organisations a transparent and credible way to demonstrate emissions reductions and accountability.

Investments and initiatives

Blue Connections IT pursued a number of targeted initiatives during the period. Among these, more than 21,000 kilograms of electronic waste were diverted from landfill, with less than 0.04 per cent ultimately disposed of in landfill. The company expanded the capacity of its solar energy system to 170 kilowatts and installed on-site battery storage facilities to bolster energy resilience.

The business also increased investment in its fleet of electric vehicles and deployed new charging infrastructure. Sustainability training programmes were provided for leadership, operations, and front-line staff, reflecting a commitment to integrating environmental considerations into decision-making processes across the company.

Sustainable procurement practices, responsible lifecycle management, and energy reduction activities led by staff were also implemented. The Green Committee, comprising more than 20 employees from various parts of the business, including senior leadership, oversaw the progress of environmental initiatives and encouraged broad organisational participation.

Chief executive commentary

Gordon Brownell, chief executive officer, Blue Connections IT, said, "Achieving carbon neutral certification for a third consecutive year demonstrates the company's commitment to consistent, measurable progress. It reflects Blue Connections IT's determination to reduce emissions and deliver long-term environmental value for both the organisation and its customers.

He continued: "This includes investment in low-emission infrastructure, improvements in how impact is tracked and reported, and embedding sustainability into the services delivered every day. Blue Connections IT is also well advanced in collating data on its operations for the 2024-25 financial year, as it works towards a future certification."

Brownell acknowledged the collective effort behind the achievement, stating: "This is a team-wide accomplishment, and every staff member contributed to the outcomes achieved in FY24. From those who collect the data for annual assessments to the employees supporting customer sustainability goals, each person has played a role. This certification validates the company's collective efforts and motivates Blue Connections IT to continue raising the bar.

He also remarked on the growing importance of sustainability for clients and partners: "More organisations are looking for partners whose values align with their own, particularly around sustainability. Blue Connections IT's carbon neutral status and broader environmental, social, and governance credentials give customers confidence that they are making responsible choices, while also helping them meet their own goals through low-emission, future-focused technology partnerships."

Ongoing commitment

Blue Connections IT says it is preparing for future carbon neutral assessments by continuing to collect operational data for the current financial year. The company has maintained its stated goal of achieving measurable emissions reductions, along with supporting its customers and partners to realise their own climate-related objectives.