A genuine contribution to more sustainability
Sustainability is a matter of concern to all of us and is embedded in Translingua’s DNA. However, what does it really mean for a language services provider? Is separating waste, saving energy or planting trees enough? We decided against occasional symbolic gestures and in favour of an ambitious and holistic strategy. Our actions are based on the UNO’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs for short, also known as the 2030 Agenda). These are recognised by the Swiss Confederation and serve as an implementation framework for the national “2030 Sustainable Development Strategy” (2030 SDS).
In 2020 Translingua decided to participate in the Swiss Triple Impact Program (STI) in order to familiarise ourselves with the goals and review their relevance to translation and language services. STI was initiated by B Lab Switzerland and helps Swiss companies in defining concrete measures to achieve the sustainability goals.
Ambitious sustainability goals
We are the first Swiss translation service to examine the ecological and social impact of our activities in a multi-stage process together with STI experts and to set ambitious, industry-specific and measurable goals:
- We will increase the proportion of revenue we generate from services that contribute to sustainability from the present level of around 1% to 5%.
- We will use a survey to assess and ensure that at least 90% of freelancers we work with are treated fairly, that at least 75% of freelancers we work with consider the rates they are paid to be fair or very fair, and that there is no gender-based disparity in pay.
- We compensate for 100% of our tCO2eq emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3).
The goals, the plans for their implementation and the current status of their fulfilment were validated and approved by the independent STI Committee at the beginning of 2022. We are highlighting our ambition to contribute to public welfare as the most sustainable Swiss language services provider with the “CEO Commitment Letter” and publication in the STI Directory. In addition to the STI pledges, Translingua has analysed the areas of energy, heating and mobility together with the City of Zurich’s Öko-Kompass consultancy service and defined further goals for reductions in these areas.
We believe that sustainable management is the basis for long-term success. Does your organisation also measure its sustainability performance? As the first Swiss translation service with validated and measurable targets, we will complete your language projects sustainably and support you in achieving your own sustainability goals.
We would be pleased to discuss this further with you.