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Sustainability - A roadmap to a better world

Gislen Software wants to be a sustainable company and an excellent corporate citizen in the wholistic meaning of the word. Our clients, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders should expect that we are responsible in any aspect of our work. For Gislenites, it should also mean that they can help us improve and improve our development. For our clients, it means that we create sustainable, responsible solutions.
Sustainability means we want to create lasting value for our employees, clients, and the world.
Sustainability for us covers ethics, transparency, quality, equality, uplifting the less fortunate, and caring for the environment and society.

Read more about our social conscience and Green-IT.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Agenda 2030 is an action plan for sustainable development initiated and passed by the United Nations General Assembly. Gislen Software has the ambition to use these goals as a base for our sustainability initiatives. In particular, some of them are very relevant to us:

  • Goal 3 – Good health and well-being – We took the initiative to and sponsor an annual marathon in MEPZ – MEPZ Run
  • Goal 4 – Quality education – We founded and sponsor a school for underprivileged children – Little Lambs School
  • Goal 5 – Gender equality
  • Goal 8 – Descent work and economic growth
  • Goal 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 10 – Reduced inequality
  • Goal 12 – Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13 – Climate action – We are carbon negative, use solar panels and lithium batteries, and encourage others to invest in the same. We also offset three times our annual carbon pollution.

 

 

Carbon offset

Since we mostly worked from home from 2021-22, the CO2 we produced was lower than usual. Nevertheless, we still compensated three times our actual produced CO2. We totally produced 76 tons of CEO2 mainly from flying, food, transport and electricity, even though we use our own solar panels and lithium batteries to reduce our electricity consumption. Here are the certificates –

 

 

What is a sustainability roadmap for a software company?

A sustainability roadmap for a software company is a strategic action plan that integrates environmental, social, and ethical responsibilities into the core business model. For Gislen Software, this roadmap is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on creating lasting value for employees, clients, and the global community. By following a structured roadmap, a software provider ensures that digital solutions are developed responsibly while minimizing carbon footprints and promoting social equality.

How does Gislen Software define its commitment to sustainability?

Gislen Software defines its commitment to sustainability as being an excellent corporate citizen in the holistic meaning of the word. This commitment covers several key pillars:

Ethics and Transparency: Maintaining high standards in all business dealings.

Social Responsibility: Uplifting the less fortunate through education and community health.

Environmental Stewardship: Implementing Green-IT practices and aggressive carbon reduction.

Equality: Ensuring gender equality and reduced inequality within the workforce.

What role do the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play in this roadmap?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically the Agenda 2030 action plan, serve as the foundational base for all sustainability initiatives at Gislen Software. The company focuses on eight specific goals where it can make the most significant impact:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Goal 4: Quality Education.

Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequality.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Goal 13: Climate Action.

How does Gislen Software support Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3)?

Gislen Software supports “Good Health and Well-being” by taking active leadership roles in community health initiatives. A primary example is the MEPZ Run, an annual marathon in the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) which the company initiated and continues to sponsor. This initiative encourages physical fitness and community engagement among thousands of employees and stakeholders in the region.

What is Gislen Software’s contribution to Quality Education (Goal 4)?

Gislen Software contributes to “Quality Education” by founding and sponsoring the Little Lambs School. This school is dedicated to providing high-quality education to underprivileged children who would otherwise lack access to schooling. By funding infrastructure, teacher salaries, and educational materials, the company helps break the cycle of poverty through long-term educational empowerment.

How does Gislen Software approach Climate Action (Goal 13)?

Gislen Software approaches “Climate Action” by operating as a carbon-negative organization. The strategy involves a three-tiered system:

Direct Reduction: Using solar panels and lithium battery storage to power operations.

Carbon Offsetting: Purchasing Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

Multiplied Impact: Offsetting three times the actual carbon produced annually to ensure a net-positive impact on the environment.

What technical measures are used to reduce electricity consumption?

Gislen Software reduces electricity consumption through the implementation of advanced Green-IT infrastructure. The company has invested in its own array of solar panels combined with high-capacity lithium batteries. This setup allowed the company to remain highly efficient and environmentally friendly even during peak production periods, significantly reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based national grids.

How does Gislen Software handle carbon offsetting?

Gislen Software handles carbon offsetting by accurately measuring annual CO2 production from flying, food, transport, and electricity, and then compensating for that impact through verified international platforms. Despite a production of 76 tons of CO2 in recent cycles, the company purchased offsets totaling 228 tons (3x the production) through the United Nations Climate Neutral Now initiative.

Is Gislen Software considered carbon neutral or carbon negative?

Gislen Software is considered carbon negative because it offsets significantly more carbon than it produces. By offsetting three times its annual carbon pollution (300% compensation), the company goes beyond neutrality to actively remove more CO2 from the global atmosphere than its operations contribute, setting a benchmark for the software industry.

What does sustainability mean for Gislen Software’s clients?

Sustainability for Gislen Software’s clients means they receive software solutions that are developed responsibly and ethically. Partnering with a sustainable provider allows clients to:

Reduce Supply Chain Emissions: Benefit from a carbon-negative development partner.

Ensure Ethical Compliance: Work with a provider committed to UN SDG standards.

Support Social Impact: Contribute indirectly to initiatives like the Little Lambs School and MEPZ community programs.

How are gender equality and reduced inequality addressed?

Gender equality and reduced inequality (Goals 5 and 10) are addressed through transparent hiring practices, equal pay for equal work, and a culture that promotes diversity. As a Swedish-Indian company, Gislen Software focuses on bridging cultural and economic gaps, ensuring that all employees—regardless of gender or background—have the same opportunities for career growth and leadership roles.

How can stakeholders verify the company’s sustainability claims?

Stakeholders can verify the company’s sustainability claims through transparent reporting and third-party certifications. Gislen Software makes its carbon offset certificates publicly available, such as those registered with the United Nations Climate Neutral Now platform (e.g., Certificate 76 CERs and Certificate 152 CERs). This level of transparency ensures that the sustainability roadmap is backed by measurable and audited results.