A key focus was refining data sets to eliminate inconsistencies, allowing the business to gain a clearer picture of emissions sources. With this foundation in place, RDM implemented targeted actions, including improving waste management solutions, optimising business travel, leveraging peak save hours for electricity efficiency, and embedding the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle wherever possible.

RDM’s biggest achievements in 2024 include earning a Bronze Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis, maintaining zero Scope 2 emissions, and overhauling their waste management strategy, which not only reduced operational costs but also enabled the business to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Transitioning towards sustainability and achieving net zero has been a transformative journey for RDM, but not without its challenges. As with any meaningful change, it has required commitment, adaptation, and a shift in mindset across the organisation.

One of the most significant hurdles has been driving behavioural change and securing full engagement from all stakeholders. Implementing best practices for sustainability requires not only structural or policy changes, but also a collective shift in habits, decision-making, and long-term thinking. Encouraging teams to adopt more sustainable approaches in their daily operations, whether in waste reduction, energy efficiency, or travel choices, has been an ongoing process.

Another challenge has been navigating data complexities. Early on, RDM faced difficulties in determining which metrics to track, how to structure reporting, and which methodologies would provide the most accurate representation of their emissions. Establishing a robust and reliable framework for emissions calculations, particularly when dealing with Scope 3 emissions, required extensive data refinement and prioritisation to ensure accuracy and alignment with industry standards.

Additionally, balancing priorities and resources was a key consideration. Sustainability initiatives often require investment, both financial and operational, so identifying which areas to focus on first, and ensuring alignment with wider business objectives, was essential.

Despite these challenges, RDM have continuously adapted and refined their approach. As the business has progressed, they have gained valuable insights, refined their strategies, and strengthened a commitment to embedding sustainability into the business model. While there is still work to be done, the foundation RDM has built allows them to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Sustainability is not just about policy updates, it requires a shift in daily operations, from waste management to energy efficiency and travel choices. To support this, RDM has prioritised staff awareness and training, ensuring that teams understand their role in reducing emissions and adopting best practices.

Looking ahead to 2025, the organisation plans to expand their emissions reporting across all relevant Scope 3 categories. While anticipating an initial increase in reported emissions due to the inclusion of new categories, their goal is to reduce emissions related to business travel while maintaining progress in other areas.

As RDM supports other companies in their net zero journey, they recognise the importance of leading by example. Transforming their own building into a smart facility, monitoring real-time energy use, and demonstrating key performance metrics will reinforce the business’s sustainability strategy and showcase a commitment to continuous improvement.

RDM will be looking to map their supply chain and understand its weight in Scope 3 emissions. This will help identify their top green suppliers and introspect the connections. Going forward, the organisation also aims to begin their journey towards the life cycle assessment of products, aiming to provide customers with more transparent and sustainable products by 2030.