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Sustainability at freispace

An Overview of Our ESG Efforts

The Importance of ESG

From the beginning, we made it a priority to incorporate ESG criteria into our corporate philosophy and structure. Here are some of the reasons why early engagement with ESG matters to us

🌍 We only have one planet.

😊 We strive for better collaboration.

🔁 Transparency and exchange can influence not just ourselves, but others as well.

🔮 We are already prepared for tomorrow's regulations.

Why we disclose our information.

When choosing software providers, it is important to consider ESG criteria. A provider that prioritises the environment, social responsibility, and good corporate governance demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and ethical conduct. This builds trust with customers and stakeholders and enables positive impact. Therefore, choose service providers who share your values and allow for a responsible partnership

Service providers who do not disclose ESG information will not live up to it, even if they have it, due to a lack of transparency.

Our ESG Policy

Scope

We are committed to following this ESG policy within our own organization and with the partners we work with.

We will strive to encourage our partners, clients, etc. to agree to our ESG policy and commit to pursuing our ESG values. Additionally, we will seek to collaborate with partners and market participants who implement such ESG values themselves or can at least identify with them.

Our Values

Environment

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Through internal waste management, energy efficiency, and resource reduction

Sustainable Software Development

Data minimization, use of efficient code, monitoring resource consumption

Promoting Responsible Resource Management

Internal promotion through transparency, disclosure, and establishment of an environmentally conscious corporate culture

Supporting Our Customers

Calculating the environmental impact of a project in post-production; providing transparent data to promote responsible handling

Environmentally Friendly Supply Chains

Evaluating suppliers and supply chains with the goal of reducing unnecessary deliveries, consolidation, and using environmentally friendly shipments

Social

Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Culture

Ensuring diverse teams throughout the company, promoting tolerance

Team and Work Environment

Building a strong culture and responsibility as a conscientious employer (avoiding pay disparities, parental leave, living wages)

Inclusive Language

Using inclusive language in all areas (e.g., vocabulary, website, application, contracts)

Customer-Centricity

Involving our customers in product and company development; transparency toward customers; continuous feedback gathering

Supporting Local Businesses

Strengthening the local community through partnerships and preference for local businesses over multinational corporations

Governance

Highest Level of Data Privacy

We ensure the highest level of data privacy through internal measurements and regulations, and by storing all data within the EU

Data Sovereignty

We guarantee customer data sovereignty through various export functions and automated deletion

Data Security

Our backup systems, fail safes, access controls, and digital protection systems ensure data security

Transparency

Through responsible disclosures, we demonstrate transparency and accountability

Integrity and Responsible Action

We advocate for human rights, diversity, and fair treatment of stakeholders. Through sustainable business practices, we strive to make a positive societal impact and foster long-term partnerships.

Evaluation & Disclosure

Some of our actions, metrics, and improvement goals are presented in detail in the following paragraphs.
This is a summary of our efforts without claiming to be exhaustive.

Environment

Website & Application

CO2-Efficiency* WebsiteMeasurement conducted.
Average: 0.20g CO2 per page view
96% of pages: 0.09g CO2 per page view, better than 91% of the internet — Measurement: websitecarbon.com
Home page: 2.75g CO2 per page view, worse than 93% of the internet — Measurement: websitecarbon.com
CO2-Efficiency* Web ApplicationMeasurement conducted.
0.05g CO2 per page view, better than 85% of the internet
Measurement: websitecarbon.com
Sustainable Hosting

Main provider: Hetzner

  • CO2-neutral energy (hydroelectric), 100% renewable
  • energy-efficient hardware
  • mostly passive cooling

More Information

Secondary provider: IONOS

  • 100% renewable energy
  • energy-efficient hardware
  • ISO 50001 certified energy management systems

More Information

Sustainable Development
  • Implemented: Resource consumption monitoring
  • Implemented: Inefficient code monitoring
  • Implemented: Code reduction (e.g. removal of unused components)
  • Implemented: Data consumption reduction (files, images, videos, etc.)
  • Implemented: File compression
  • Implemented: Server scaling according to consumption
  • Implemented: Accuracy level optimization
  • Implemented: Code reuse where possible (components)

* This is not an actual value, but rather a calculation made by a service provider based on the website code and infrastructure.

Office & Company

Office EquipmentExclusive purchase of used equipment.
For electronics: refurbished or reconditioned hardware.
Deliveries (outbound)Climate-neutral shipping and post services provided by PIN AG.
Deliveries (inbound)Sustainable shipping whenever possible. No same-day deliveries.
Beverages
  • Implemented: Only reusable packaging
  • Implemented: Use of local delivery services
  • Implemented: Bean to cup coffee machine (no use of capsules)
  • Planned improvement: Tap water carbonation to avoid water bottles
Waste Management
  • Implemented: Reduction of packaging waste
  • Implemented: Waste separation
  • Implemented: Proper disposal of hazardous waste
Energy Consumption
  • Implemented: Turn off all devices when not in use (unplug instead of standby mode)
  • Implemented: Use energy-efficient devices (laptops, lights, etc.)
Green EnergyProvider: schwarzwald energy
Water Consumption
  • Planned improvement: Use water-saving flushes

Social

Purchases (general)Use local providers whenever possible.
Avoidance of (international) conglomerates.
Customer Proximity
  • Implemented: Regular feedback
  • Implemented: Involvement in development, roadmap, and prioritization of features
  • Implemented: Industry proximity through events and invitation to company celebrations
Customer Transparency
  • Implemented: Publication of ESG values and efforts
  • Implemented: Publication of data protection information
  • Implemented: Public app status
  • Implemented: Public change log
Website Accessibility
  • Implemented: WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
  • Implemented: WCAG 2.1 AAA compliance
Diversity in Management (LGBTQIA+)50%
Diversity in Management
(Gender Identity)
Management identifies as:
0% diverse or other / 0% female / 100% male
Diversity in Management
(Migration Background)
50%
Employee Participation (VSOP)Planned improvement, not yet implemented
Above-Average Pay
(Regular Employees)
Needs improvement
Above-Average Pay
(Student Workers)
Yes, €15/hour
Working HoursCompany-wide 30 hours/week
Work LocationBased on personal preference:
office / hybrid / remote
Equal Opportunity

Within the company

  • Implemented: Performance-based evaluation
  • Implemented: Elimination of wage gaps
  • Implemented: Opportunities for promotion

In job applications

  • Implemented: No requirement for applicant photos
    (applicant photos are still a standard in Germany)
  • Implemented: No requirement for certificates
Office Equipment BudgetEvery person in the company receives an annual budget for discretionary spending on office equipment.
Individual credit cardsEvery person in the company receives their own credit card to enable independent decision-making and reduce bureaucracy.

Governance

Data Privacy

GDPR Compliancefreispace is 100% GDPR compliant
Data Processing Agreements (DPA)We enter into data processing agreements with both service providers and customers.
Our data processing agreement can be viewed here.
Technical and Organizational MeasuresEstablished.
Provided along with contracts.
Sub-Processors
  • Implemented: Subject to strict controls
  • Implemented: Reduction of sub-processors to a minimum
  • Implemented: Only German companies subject to the GDPR
  • Implemented: Data processing agreements have been signed with all sub-processors

Transparency

Data Protection

Disclosure of our documents:

We are happy to share our technical and organizational measures (TOM) upon request; we do not make them public to enhance data security.

Service StatusOur availability can always be tracked online:
Service Status
ESG DirectivePublicly available — this document!
ChangelogOur changelog can be viewed here:
Changelog
Internal Company Resources
  • Implemented: Internal company wiki for information gathering
  • Implemented: Shared, private file storage
  • Implemented: Development wiki
  • Implemented: Code documentation
  • Implemented: Weekly meetings