What goes up must come down.

Coffee production is inherently carbon-intensive, from cultivation and processing to transportation and roasting. While Prolog had already taken steps to reduce emissions, they acknowledged the need to go beyond reductions and engage in high-integrity carbon removal. The challenge was identifying a solution that aligned with their values: scientifically robust, transparent, and impactful.

Recognising the environmental impact of coffee production and transportation, Prolog sought a long-term strategy to not just reduce their emissions but also actively remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Introduction by the B Corp Network ensures a partnership with aligned company values, passion, and importantly, trust.

“We want to take ownership of our emissions, not just through reduction but by actively contributing to solutions like carbon removal. Working with Klimate has helped us make informed and impactful decisions.”

-Jonas Gehl, CEO of Prolog

Setting Ambitious Goals‍

OC&C’s primary goal is to reduce its carbon emissions significantly. While they have signed up for net zero targets, they are realistic about the challenges ahead. Acknowledging that their most direct emissions come from their offices, this requires time-consuming changes such as moving buildings or altering leases. And, as a growing firm, emissions might increase in the short term, which poses a challenge in demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.

On the back of a recent B Corp Certification, OC&C’s recent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies have matured. Highlighting the firm’s historical commitment to good practices, this journey acknowledged the need for a structured approach. This recognition led to a pivotal decision: to take action on their ESG commitments and understand their carbon footprint in detail. And with that knowledge came the decision to do something about it.

“We had historically done a lot of good things, but we've never pulled it together into a sort of singular policy. We knew that this was going to be a long journey. But, as a small company, we were kind of lost on how to access quality, permanent, carbon removals.”

- Deidre Sorensen, Partner at OC&C

This is where Klimate stepped in, providing a diverse range of highly permanent removals tailored to their specific needs.

Sustainability as a core value

Montanaro’s journey into carbon removal was guided by a commitment to credibility, transparency, and impact. In 2019, they codified environmental issues into their official bylaws, bringing their sustainability agenda forward formally. And they expect the same from the companies they invest in. 

So, rather than engaging in traditional offsetting, Montanaro sought a rigorous, science-backed approach to carbon removal. Recognising the need to take responsibility for their impacts, the firm committed to addressing its future and historical emissions dating back to its founding in 1991.

"By its very nature, if you're setting long-term carbon goals, you need to build relationships that are reflective of that ambition. A one-time purchase won’t create a lasting impact—we need a partnership that aligns with our vision for the future. As a boutique asset manager rather than a large company, we still need to have access to these technologies in a way that works for us.” 

-Kate Hewitt, ESG and Impact Specialist  

‍

Brand Strategy, Business Strategy, and Sustainability Strategy 

As a strategic brand agency, Kontrapunkt encourages their clients to consider purpose and look ahead to what the next ten, twenty, or thirty years may have in store. This forward-thinking approach–coupled with a belief that good design and communication can influence positive change across individuals, organisations, industries, and societies–reorganises the hierarchy between brand, business, and sustainability strategy. This approach highlights the need for sustainability to not only be present but at the forefront of considerations, ensuring that purpose-driven branding aligns with long-term, sustainable business success. Aligning with these sustainability ideals, beyond just advising it, became a top priority. 

With responsible business practices top of mind, Kontrapunkt began to look for external expertise or frameworks on how to do so. They found the right fit with B Corp, whose focus on environment, people, and governance led them to address their emissions impact. Continuously developing these elements now holds an important place in their own strategy.

‍

We want to inspire our clients the best we can with the skills and capabilities we have as a creative agency. And to inspire our clients, we want to walk the talk ourselves. A big part of our sustainability strategy is to lead by example and show that change is necessary but also possible. And that it’s the sum of a lot of small actions over time.

–Johan Lawaetz, CEO of Kontrapunkt

‍