Agilico’s Mission: Leading the Way to Net Zero by 2030

The climate emergency is just that – an emergency. It provides the single biggest challenge to
civilisation today, presenting us all with urgent global challenges that demand immediate action – from
individuals, communities, and organisations. By limiting the planet’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
by 2100, the hope is that we can stave off severe climate disruptions. Without it we will see
catastrophic climate disasters. That is sadly an irreversible predicament.
We all have a part to play in the climate emergency. As a major leader in the workplace technology
sector, Agilico recognises the role it has to play and the positive impact it can have.
Agilico has grown over the past decades, supporting businesses since the early 70s. Through a
combination of organic growth, coupled with key strategic acquisitions, it has become the sizable
player it is today in the workplace technology space.
Today it has around 500 colleagues throughout its UK operations. It has a UK-wide presence with
offices from southwest England to Inverness in Scotland.
Agilico serves more than 14,000 customers who are on a mission to build organisations fully equipped
for success in the face of rapid change in the business and economic landscape. A fundamental part
of that challenge is doing business in a better way – one which factors in both people and the planet.
A key aim for Agilico is to maximise operational effectiveness and make work easier for people
through the use of cutting-edge workplace technology. The company’s expertise and experience span
these key areas:
- Managed Print
- Accounts Payable Automation
- Hosted VoIP Telephony
- Information and Document Management
- Agile Working
For many years Agilico has seen sustainability as crucial to its identity. Its principles of ESG –
Environmental, Social, Governance – have been part of the Agilico fabric for many years now helping
it to define its commitment to the planet, people, customers and communities. This is very much part
of the business’ raison d’etre and built into its DNA.
However, Agilico has more recently taken a bold step – to reduce its impact on carbon emissions head
on and reach net zero by 2030.
Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by
removal out of the atmosphere. Agilico is committing to a net zero carbon emissions approach. The
company sees net zero as a fundamental platform in its future strategic vision, it intrinsically
understands the importance of it – for its own customers, colleagues and suppliers and for the survival
of the planet and future generations.
Agilico’s mission and its future growth strategy, is underpinned by a dedicated focus on sustainability
and supporting customers and suppliers to become more environmentally conscious.
There is a very clear reason for this approach. Agilico understands the simple but alarming science
behind climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruptions are
just some of the consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions.
To mitigate these effects and secure a sustainable future, businesses must take proactive measures
to reduce their carbon footprint. Agilico is taking the lead in the workplace technology sector, inspiring
other organisations to follow suit and prioritise sustainability in their operations.
The company has put its money where its mouth is and instigated numerous initiatives and projects
which have a real tangible impact on carbon reduction.
In terms of current sustainability initiatives, Agilico has already made significant progress in reducing
its carbon emissions and implementing sustainable practices. Some of the initiatives currently in place
include:
● Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Agilico has embraced electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce its
carbon footprint. 10% of the company car fleet is electric, while 50% consists of hybrid
vehicles, promoting cleaner transportation options for employees. Its commitment is hundred
percent to be EV or hybrid by 2024.
- EV Charging Infrastructure: To support the adoption of electric vehicles, Agilico has installed EV charging points at its sites across the country. This infrastructure encourages employees and visitors to choose electric vehicles and facilitates the transition to cleaner transportation.
- Solar Energy: Agilico has taken steps to harness renewable energy by installing solar panels at several of its premises, including its HQ. This initiative not only reduces the company’s reliance on fossil fuels but also serves as an example for other locations, where similar installations are planned, including the new Team Valley, Gateshead site.
- Circular Economy: Agilico’s national MFD (Multifunctional Print Device) refurbishment centres tackle circular economy challenges by giving used machines a new lease of life, reducing the impact on the environment in the process. This approach promotes resource efficiency, reduces waste, and extends the lifespan of electronic devices. It is estimated that 57% emissions savings come from using remanufactured technology.
Agilico’s commitment to the circular economy, one which repurposes equipment, reduces waste and
improves sustainability, is a key component of its net zero strategy.
The company is proactively working with a sustainability leader Circularity First who provide expert
consultancy services around sustainability and net zero strategies.
Agilico sees the importance of the role it can play in showing how technological services can support
the improvement of both energy efficiency and sustainability.
Technological and cloud-based services are not always seen as contributors to greenhouse gases.
But put simply, less data means less servers, less servers mean less energy, less energy and less
servers equates to less carbon.
In addition, Agilico’s refurbished devices support carbon reduction, by returning an average saving of
at least 600 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per device.
This focus on circular economy impacts Agilico’s processes and can provide huge savings for
customers but also the environment.
Equally Agilico’s mantra talks of investment in ‘premises’ and ‘people’ in addition to ‘processes’.
In terms of property, this circular approach touches on retrofit and refurbished premises too in addition
to new-build facilities. For instance, the new office facilities in Team Valley Gateshead in August will
have solar panels fitted to contribute to energy efficiency.
This modern new state-of-the-art premises will upgrade some existing plants, plus add newly created
offices and a brand new sizable showroom space. By creating a sustainable business environment,
Agilico aims to provide an inspiring workplace that aligns with its commitment to reducing
environmental impact.
Furthermore, the expansion of the office facilities will allow Agilico to bring together workers from two
sites into one upgraded facility. This consolidation enhances operational efficiency, reduces
duplication, and fosters a collaborative work environment. The transition will also provide opportunities
for job creation, as Agilico plans to recruit new business development personnel, account handlers,
and finance professionals. Agilico is a business with a national mindset and national customer-base,
but it clearly has a strong sense of local and regional responsibility – providing local jobs and a local
voice.
it’s not just about creating nice new or upgraded premises though and ‘people’ are also part of that
Agilico mantra. The premises provide new facilities so the company can retrain, retain, and attract
staff. It fosters an inclusive supportive environment across the whole operation with wellbeing
champions at each of its sites, supporting its people.
Agilico’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own operations. The company actively
supports its customers and suppliers in their efforts to become more environmentally friendly. By
providing innovative workplace technology solutions and consultancy services, Agilico helps its clients
optimise their operations, reduce waste, and lower their carbon footprint. Customers’ awareness of
the challenges is growing. They are asking whether partners have a sustainability agenda. Often they
need advice, services and solutions in this space.
Agilico’s mission to achieve net zero status by 2030 exemplifies its commitment to addressing climate
change and fostering sustainability as part of its business ethos. Through ongoing initiatives and
future growth strategies, Agilico demonstrates its dedication to reducing carbon emissions, adopting
renewable energy, and promoting a circular economy. Its intention is to emphasise the importance of
net zero – to its people, customers and supply chain. It will empower its people to make a difference –
adopting sustainable principles, technologies and processes across the working environment.
By leading the way in the workplace technology sector, Agilico inspires others to prioritise
sustainability, contributing to a collective effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change. As the world
faces the challenges of a changing climate, Agilico’s proactive approach serves as a benchmark for
businesses seeking to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.