In QUARKS, we live in the future. We live in a time that demands fresh thinking and innovation to create new solutions to old problems. A time where sustainability takes center stage in business strategies and new markets emerge. We are a part of this, and we are proud of it.
Sustainable profitability
According to the Sustainability Hubs survey from 2021, a staggering 87% of Norwegian companies have sustainability as part of their strategy. This is great news for both the environment and the climate, but there is another reason why nine out of ten businesses in Norway are actively working towards implementing sustainable practices: It pays off.
Already in 1995, a Harvard study conducted by Michael E. Porter and Claas van der Linde demonstrated that there is no contradiction between sustainability and profitability – rather quite the opposite. The study revealed that companies integrating sustainability into their strategies viewed it as a competitive advantage since it reduced costs, improved operational efficiency, and positively influenced their reputation. However, sustainability was often deprioritized for many years due to the abstract nature of the climate crisis threat for both businesses and the general public, as well as reluctance from politicians to impose regulations and taxes on the business sector. The consequences of this are well-known.
Today, almost thirty years and a Paris Agreement later, sustainability is no longer a vague concept limited to political speeches and annual reports. It has become an essential part of every serious company's business strategy, driven by new laws and regulations, as well as the demand from employees and customers. Companies themselves are also experiencing the benefits of shifting their operations towards a more sustainable direction. Consequently, the demand for expertise in sustainability, technology, and innovation is growing. This is where QUARKS comes into the picture.
How do we help our customers?
Simply put, we help our customers identify opportunities within sustainability. With our knowledge, expertise, and technology, we develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to be well-equipped for future challenges. Because one thing we are certain of is that sustainability and climate considerations will play an even more crucial role in the competitive strength of businesses in the years to come.
If you would like to learn more about how we can assist you in your sustainability efforts, we encourage you to get in touch with us.
We aim to be a good example
QUARKS strives to be at the forefront of sustainable practices in our industry. Therefore, we have implemented several initiatives to promote what we call "a healthy and sustainable lifestyle."
Donation to charitable organizations. We have incorporated into our bylaws that a percentage of our annual profits will be donated to a charitable organization. The recipients of these funds are nominated and selected by the employees of QUARKS.
Digital awareness. Many people are unaware of the amount of CO2 emissions generated through their digital presence. By deleting two emails per day instead of keeping them on a server, Norwegians could charge one mobile phone with the saved energy. There are many examples, and we actively work to reduce our digital carbon footprint through efficient IT operations.
Planting trees through time tracking. When QUARKS employees log their working hours, they generate points that are converted into trees. It may sound somewhat exotic, but the result is that we save a lot of time (and emails) by eliminating the need for follow-up on time tracking. Good for the climate, good for us.
Volunteer involvement. We encourage and facilitate employee engagement in voluntary environmental activities, whether it's participating in beach clean-ups or advocating for climate action.
Saving time and money on travel. We minimize travel and conduct meetings digitally whenever possible. If we need to travel, we prioritize using public transportation. When flying is necessary, we invest in carbon offsetting.
Reuse over consumption. An essential aspect of sustainability revolves around consumption: the products we use and how we use them. We prioritize products that can either be reused or recycled effectively. One simple example that saves both us and the environment from unnecessary resource consumption is replacing impersonal plastic and paper cups with personalized coffee cups.
By implementing these measures, QUARKS aims to set a positive example and contribute to a more sustainable future.
These are some examples of how we think and act when it comes to our own sustainability. We are constantly working on generating new ideas to reduce our own carbon footprint. Let us know if you would like to be part of the team♻️🌿
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