Brand Institute (BI) is a virtual-first, private branding consultancy that has grown through a successful hub-and-spoke business model for the past 30 years. Since 2020, the company has successfully transitioned to operating fully remotely, which has resulted in the most significant reduction in our carbon footprint in the company’s history. Even in a remote setting, we strive to find and embrace new ways to operate sustainably and serve our global clientele in an environmentally responsible manner. Because we operate without a central office, this policy outlines the qualitative and quantitative objectives that will serve to guide us towards further reducing our overall carbon footprint an additional 10% by 2030.

1. Virtual Operations and Digital Practices:
   • Paperless Operations:
     In a remote work dynamic, BI maintains a digital-first approach, both as a matter of practicality and sustainability. What does this mean? Printing is discouraged company-wide and only done if necessary to comply with legal obligations of our global offices, i.e., a wet signature on a legal document. Otherwise, the company’s standard operations rely solely on digital documents and signatures, cloud collaboration and electronic invoicing.
   • Virtual Meetings:
     All employees utilize video conferencing (primarily Zoom and Microsoft Teams) as the primary method of communication with colleagues and clients to mitigate unnecessary business travel.
   • Digital Footprint Management:
     On a bi-annual basis, employees are reminded to clean up their digital infrastructure by deleting unused files, unsubscribing from spam or junk mailing lists, and archiving old data to reduce server energy consumption.
2. Employees are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices in their remote workspaces:
   • Energy Efficiency:
     Maximize natural lighting during daylight hours and minimize electricity usage when feasible (e.g., turn off lights when you leave a room); during the hotter parts of the day, use blinds or curtains to mitigate the need to use air conditioning as frequently; power down computers at the end of the workday and use smart power strips; install Smart thermostats that reduce cooling costs while away from home.
   • Hardware:
     Enable energy-saving modes on all devices (for example, use Sleep Mode when taking short breaks away from your computer); ensure that 100% return broken company hardware to IT for proper e-waste recycling.
   • Waste Reduction:
     Make mindful consumption a daily habit and utilize local recycling and composting programs if available.
3. Sustainable Business Travel & Client Visits
   • Reduced Travel:
     Office commute is no longer necessary for global employees. Additionally, traveling for client visits and conferences should occur only when strictly necessary for business operations or if clients specifically request an in-person meeting.
   • Low-Carbon Transit:
     When travel is required, employees are encouraged to first use public transportation, carpooling or walking if feasible. More details are available to employees in the company’s Travel & Expense Policy.
4. Sustainable Procurement
   • Green Vendors:
     When making purchases, employees and management prioritize vendors that adhere to strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
   • Merchandise:
     BI has gone fully digital, avoiding purchasing or accepting single-use promotional materials.
5. Responsibility, Training and Review
   • Employee Responsibility:
     Employees are encouraged to share ideas on how to improve the company’s sustainability and environmental performance. Additionally, employees are educated about this policy and provided any new suggestions on sustainable practices for remote work environments when applicable.
   • Employee Training:
     Employees participate in relevant annual training regarding the importance of a sustainability mindset in the remote work dynamic.
   • Policy Review:
     This policy is reviewed annually by HR to evaluate progress, adopt any new sustainability standards, and monitor any potential adverse impacts of our operations.
6. Public Availability
   This environmental policy is publicly available on the company website at www.brandinstitute.com to ensure transparency and accountability.

Brand Institute is committed to continuous improvement in environmental practices and will adapt the policy to reflect changing circumstances and emerging sustainability practices. By implementing and adhering to this policy, we aim to further minimize our environmental impact, contribute to a sustainable future and demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Last Updated: 1/2026