Key initiatives, targets, and metrics

Optimising IT infrastructure

As part of the ongoing optimisation of our IT infrastructure, which includes the integration of cloud-based solutions, we are also working to enhance energy efficiency and incorporate renewable energy where feasible. Emissions from our core hosting services remain low (57 tCO₂e), as they are located in facilities powered by renewable electricity or with low-carbon electricity grids.

Additionally, we actively engage with our providers to ensure our services are hosted in data centers powered by renewable electricity when feasible. Through this ongoing process, we aim to further improve the sustainability of our IT operations while maintaining the reliability and efficiency needed to support our business.

Renewable energy for offices

All of our Swiss offices are powered by renewable electricity.⁷ In areas where we directly manage electricity contracts, such as our rented office spaces, we have already secured the contractual proof and certificates. For shared areas within these buildings, we are actively engaging with the respective stakeholders to obtain documentation confirming renewable energy supply.

Internationally, we are also progressing in our renewable energy transition by actively exploring clean electricity solutions in markets with limited renewable availability or carbon-intensive grid mixes. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to reducing Scope 2 emissions across locations.

Setting the benchmark for sustainable site selection: Bluefactory office, Fribourg, Switzerland

The relocation of our Flamatt office to the Bluefactory in Fribourg highlights how sustainability criteria guide our site selection process. Certified to Minergie standards, the building minimises its carbon footprint by running entirely on renewable energy for daily electricity needs and incorporating innovative water management systems. Advanced solutions, such as wastewater treatment to extend its lifecycle and rainwater harvesting for reuse in various applications, including cleaning public spaces, further enhance its sustainability.

With the relocation, we also prioritised a more efficient office layout, enabling us to reduce our occupied floorspace by more than half, while ensuring we maintain a quality environment for our employees. This optimised use of space lowers overall energy demand and reduces the energy intensity of our operations.

These measures showcase how environmental considerations are embedded into the design and functionality of our offices, aligning with SMG’s broader environmental goals.

Mobility

SMG’s vehicle fleet accounts for the vast majority of our Scope 1 emissions, while employee commuting (Scope 3) also contributes to the overall carbon footprint. To mitigate these impacts, we are systematically transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) as existing leasing contracts come to an end. This transformation is on track for completion in the short term and represents a key step in reducing emissions from mobile combustion.

Supplier engagement

Effectively addressing wider Scope 3 emissions begins with gaining a comprehensive understanding of our value chain. Therefore, we developed a supplier-specific emissions survey in 2024 to enhance data accuracy and completeness. The insights gathered represent an important first step in shaping effective emissions reduction strategies and supporting our broader sustainability efforts.

For our 2024 data, we engaged with a number of our most relevant suppliers, prioritising high-quality insights to refine the process for future reporting periods. The upcoming broader rollout will gradually include additional suppliers, fostering meaningful collaboration, and building a comprehensive understanding of our value chain’s emissions profile. By collecting GHG emissions data from our suppliers, we aim to improve data quality, identify targeted reduction opportunities, and strengthen Scope 3 emissions management, ultimately contributing to our broader sustainability goals.