Effective 19.12.2019. Updated 20.10.2024.

We are living in an era where human activities have crossed the limits of the Earth’s planetary boundaries. This has put both humanity and the natural world at significant risk. At Runbox, we recognize our responsibility to mitigate our impact on the environment, however small it may be, and to strive for a sustainable future. 

Runbox is a small company, and our direct impact on the ecosystems around us is also minimal. Our email services produce no emissions to air, water, or ground. However, we recognize that other activities necessary for running our business do contribute to an ecological footprint. Every small impact matters, as the cumulative actions of each of us can lead to significant environmental consequences—“many a little makes a mickle.”

To address this, we are committed to reducing our ecological footprint as much as possible and compensating for any impacts our activities may still have. Our goal is not only to minimize our own environmental impacts but also to join a growing movement towards environmental responsibility. We hope to inspire other companies and individuals to take similar actions for a more sustainable future.

Our Commitment

In accordance with our Company Values we are dedicated to acting in an environmentally conscious and sustainable manner on all levels of our company. 

Renewable Energy

The Runbox email service runs on renewable energy sourced from Norway’s clean hydropower (and solar, wind). Our data center is powered by 100% renewable energy, ensuring our servers have a minimal environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability aligns with our values and supports Norway’s efforts to maintain a green economy.

This is important because servers and data centers use a lot of electricity for data processing and cooling of computer components. Knowing that our services are hydro-powered and environmentally sustainable is essential to Runbox and in harmony with our Company Values.

Sustainable Hardware Procurement

We prioritize responsible procurement and resource-saving practices. Our guidelines ensure safe recycling of electronics. We use ethical consumer resources for all purchasing decisions, including office supplies and technology.

We reuse or donate obsolete servers whenever possible and return outdated hardware to recycling centers for dismantling. Components like memory chips are repurposed, while metals are smelted for new electronics.

Any waste that can’t be reused or recycled is converted into electrical or thermal energy, further reducing our environmental impact.

Greener Workspaces

Runbox facilitate greener working conditions by utilizing renewable energy for our office. We encourage our employees to adopt sustainable practices at home. We promote the efficient use of office supplies and ensure proper waste sorting according to Oslo’s recycling standards. Additionally, we provide our team members and consultants with coverage for electricity expenses when it comes from renewable energy sources.

Recycling Procedures

Our headquarters in Oslo benefits from the city’s advanced waste management system, which prioritizes recycling and a circular economy. We actively participate in Oslo’s recycling initiatives. This includes separating waste into five categories: food waste, paper, plastic, glass, and metal. This process enables us to minimize waste and support the recovery of materials for new products.

Transportation and Communication

As an internet-based organization, we use telecommuting technologies to minimize transportation needs. With our headquarters in Oslo and a global team, we rely on digital communication tools like chat and videoconferencing to limit in-person meetings.

This model enables us to collaborate with top talent worldwide, boosting productivity while supporting sustainability. Although some travel is necessary for meetings, our approach significantly reduces our carbon footprint by minimizing the need for physical offices.

Compensation Initiatives

When our operations result in greenhouse gas emissions, we actively compensate for them by doubling our efforts, even though our email service runs entirely on hydropower. We achieve this through donations to Trefadder, a Norwegian tree-planting initiative. This not only offsets our emissions but also ensures a carbon-negative impact, furthering our commitment to sustainability.

When our operations do necessitate greenhouse gas emissions, we pledge to compensate for this despite our email service being entirely hydropowered. 

Trefadder (“Tree sponsor”) is a Norwegian initiative to grow forests as a coordinated effort between local farms in Norway. Their work has the following main objectives:

  • Planting is based on scientifically verifiable effects.
  • Documented implementation and results.
  • Lower costs than international climate offsets.
  • Positive synergies for Norwegian farms.

We encourage other companies to compensate for their own emissions in order to help achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.

Support for Environmental Organizations

Runbox is proud to support non-profit organizations focused on environmental causes by providing free email services to those with an environmentally oriented mission. We believe in fostering collaboration and empowering organizations dedicated to making a difference. Please get in touch with us via Runbox Support to apply.

Engaging Partners and Stakeholders

We encourage our partners and stakeholders to adopt similar sustainable practices by reducing consumption and increasing recycling efforts. Together, we can amplify our positive impact on the environment.

Projects We Support

Runbox collaborates with organizations and prioritizes projects that contribute to sustaining and protecting our planet.

Runbox is proud to be a member of the Ethical Consumer organization since 2020, which champions responsible and sustainable business practices. This membership underscores our commitment to ethical values, including user privacy, data protection, and environmental sustainability.

The organization evaluates companies based on a range of ethical criteria, and Runbox’s focus on renewable energy—operating entirely on hydropower—sets it apart in the tech industry.

This partnership reinforces Runbox’s commitment to sustainable practices and connects us with a community of like-minded organizations striving for positive change. As a member, Runbox is dedicated to continuous improvement and encourages its customers to make informed choices that support ethical consumerism.

Since 2008 we have volunteered for Concerned Scientists Norway, an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization contributing to a more sustainable society. Concerned Scientists is a group of researchers dedicated to addressing pressing environmental issues. They advocate for evidence-based policies to protect the planet and promote sustainability.

In 2014 we worked closely with cChange, in developing their original website. cChange is a Norwegian organization focused on driving climate action and fostering collaboration between businesses, governments, and communities to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

We also support The Spaceguard Centre, the official National Near Earth Objects Information Centre in the UK. The Spaceguard Centre is the only organization in the UK dedicated to addressing the hazard of nearby asteroids and comets that may collide with the Earth.

Summary

At Runbox, we are committed to acting in an environmentally conscious and sustainable manner at every level of our organization. Our goal is to mitigate climate change through minimized energy and resource consumption.

We invite you to join us in this essential journey toward sustainability and environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a healthier planet for all inhabitants of Earth.