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Global Impact Report 2025 Back

Committing to sustainability

 

In 2025, we celebrated a significant milestone: hitting our target of sourcing 80% renewable energy for our global offices ahead of schedule.

 

Behind the scenes, we overhauled how we track our impact. We realigned our Social impact team to an outcome-centric model and introduced a new “Operational Health” pillar to anchor our ESG governance structure and compliance strategy. By centralizing ESG data that previously sat across different business units, we created a consolidated, auditable view of our footprint. This ensures we are fully prepared for mandatory global disclosure regulations.

 

Long exposure illustration of a forest, which looks like we are moving away from it, with AI cubes on the journey
Long exposure illustration of a forest, which looks like we are moving away from it, with AI cubes on the journey

 

On the ground, we continued our mission to drive corporate sustainability while building sustainable tech for the broader ecosystem. Key initiatives included:
 

  • Upgrading our open-source Cloud Carbon Footprint (CCF) tool to help the wider tech community reduce emissions.

  • Rolling out an eco-friendly global laptop policy.

  • Promoting low-carbon booking habits through our Fair Travel Pilot in India.

  • Advancing our UK Carbon Reduction Plan and proudly achieving ISO14001 certification for a UK office.
     

Finally, we know lasting change starts with our people. We refreshed the sustainability training at Thoughtworks University (TWU) to educate our newest technologists on our 2030 decarbonization goals. By completing the Green Software for Practitioners course, they are empowered to champion green practices on every future project.

 

Our SBTi targets

 

Thoughtworks’ near-term, SBTi approved and validated targets [1] are to:

 

Move to 100% renewable energy in our offices.
Reduce our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50%.
Reduce our Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 87% per employee.

Travel
 

Travel is one of our highest emissions areas, as we must meet and co-create with our clients. We are focused on optimizing travel, choosing sustainable routes, providers and partners, an approach that is helping us step towards our 2030 goal: 
 

  • Our global travel policy commitments continue, simplifying decision workflows and continuously building greater visibility into data.

  • Choosing industry partners who are committed to sustainability, not just Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAFs).

  • Collaborating with three major airlines in their sustainability working groups.

  • Continued partnerships with sustainable vendors / transportation management companies who enable carbon emissions reporting and analysis.

  • Improving data quality (from spend-based to activity based tracking). 

A visual of our Greenhouse gas inventory, comparing emissions from our base year (2019) to 2025 as a series of shapes. Overall emissions numbers are as follows: Scope 1 from 957 to 453 CO2E, Scope 2 location based, from 2011 to 2798 CO2E. Scope 2 market based, from 1976 to 0 CO2E. Scope 3 total from 44145 to 20555.
A visual of our Greenhouse gas inventory, comparing emissions from our base year (2019) to 2025 as a series of shapes. Overall emissions numbers are as follows: Scope 1 from 957 to 453 CO2E, Scope 2 location based, from 2011 to 2798 CO2E. Scope 2 market based, from 1976 to 0 CO2E. Scope 3 total from 44145 to 20555.
A group of technologists watching a talk in our Vietnam office which is decorated with balloons and plants hanging from the ceiling.
A group of technologists watching a talk in our Vietnam office which is decorated with balloons and plants hanging from the ceiling.

Workspaces 

 

Sustainable office strategy 

 

By embedding sustainability into every real-estate decision, we have already cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions since we launched our carbon reduction initiatives in 2024. Strategic steps include revising our global site-selection checklist to favor high-efficiency buildings and implementing green build-outs. 

 


Waste management 

 

  • Wherever possible, we have comprehensive recycling programs for paper, aluminum and plastic containers, compostables and e-waste. 

  • Most offices are stocked with dishes and silverware to reduce single use consumables. 

  • Our housekeeping services are requested to use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid paper goods whenever possible.

Progress towards our targets in 2025

Infographic, showing looping arrows with the key milestones - 100% renewable energy, 86% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 year over year, and 75% per employee reduction in scope 3 emissions from baseline. Some initiatives that helped achieve these reductions are listed.
Infographic, showing looping arrows with the key milestones - 100% renewable energy, 86% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 year over year, and 75% per employee reduction in scope 3 emissions from baseline. Some initiatives that helped achieve these reductions are listed.

Explore in depth

Why data quality matters

In Carbon accounting, data quality goes far beyond compliance.

Read more

Forward-thinking laptop policy

 

Considering lifetime and right-sizing laptops helped us achieve a 34% reduction in this category of carbon emissions.

Read more
Cloud Carbon Footprint

Cloud Carbon Footprint

Cloud Carbon Footprint (CCF): Our open source tool which measures and reduces cloud carbon emissions.

Read more
Wearing a multicoloured top, this Thoughtworker is smiling to herself while she writes on a sticky on the wall. AI cubes are in the background.
Wearing a multicoloured top, this Thoughtworker is smiling to herself while she writes on a sticky on the wall. AI cubes are in the background.

Environmental policy 

 

Thoughtworks' Environmental Sustainability Policy outlines its commitment to managing environmental impact and reducing carbon emissions globally, in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative. The policy applies to all Thoughtworkers and third parties, and the organization commits to embedding sustainability into its business strategy, operating in compliance with environmental legislation, and reporting performance annually consistent with standards like CDP. Specific commitments focus on improving the environmental sustainability of operations and engaging employees, suppliers, and clients to advance sustainable practices. Our ESG Council reviews policies and progress quarterly to ensure continuous improvement.

 

Explore other chapters

Advocating for responsible tech
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Leading with inclusion
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Stewarding good governance and ethics
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Attracting, growing and retaining our people
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Footnotes 

 

[1]  Our SBTi-aligned targets have been validated by a third party, Ruby Canyon Environmental, in 2022, and have passed limited assurance

[2] Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) were purchased to achieve this goal. EACs are used as a viable, traceable alternative where our leased offices do not have renewable energy options available.

Explore the full Global impact report

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Thoughtworks acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, and their continued connection to Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the world's first scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land. 

 

As a company, we invite Thoughtworkers to be actively engaged in advancing reconciliation and strengthen their solidarity with the First Peoples of Australia. Since 2019, we have been working with Reconciliation Australia to formalize our commitment and take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. We invite you to review our Reconciliation Action Plan.