Environmental Statement

1. Our Approach

Subcontext is a software company, so our environmental impact comes mainly from the computing that runs our platform, our equipment and our travel. We aim to keep it low and to keep reducing it.

This statement describes where our impact comes from, what we do about it and how we will improve. It is proportionate to a small founding team that builds and runs software and does not manufacture physical products.

2. Where Our Impact Comes From

3. Computing

• The platform runs on Amazon Web Services' shared cloud infrastructure, which is more energy-efficient than running our own servers
• Servers scale with demand, so capacity is not left running unused
• AI models are chosen for each task, using smaller and more efficient models where they are good enough

In practice:

• The web and background services scale between 1 and 6 tasks according to load, so capacity is added at busy times and released at quiet ones
• Data is deleted automatically when it reaches the end of its retention period, as set out in the Data Retention & Deletion Policy, so we do not store data indefinitely. For example, inbound email is deleted after 30 days and application logs after 30 days
• New features are designed with efficiency in mind, for example by avoiding unnecessary AI calls and background work

4. Working Practices

• We work digitally and avoid printing
• Meetings are held online where that works as well as meeting in person
• When travel is needed, we choose lower-carbon options where practicable

Within the UK this normally means rail rather than domestic flights, and public transport rather than driving where it is practical.

5. Equipment

We buy equipment to last, keep it in use for as long as practical, and recycle or donate it responsibly at the end of its life.

Before any device is recycled or donated, company and customer data is securely wiped, in line with the Staff Security Policy.

6. Suppliers

We consider suppliers' environmental commitments when choosing them.

This is one of the factors we weigh under our Supplier Risk Management Policy, alongside security, data protection and resilience.

7. Responsibilities

The directors own this statement and decide on environmental improvements. Everyone at Subcontext is expected to follow the working practices in it.

8. Improving

As the business grows, we will:

• Review the carbon reporting available from our main cloud provider and use it to understand our largest sources of emissions
• Look for further efficiencies in how the platform uses computing and AI
• Consider setting measurable targets once we have a reliable baseline

9. Review

This statement is reviewed at least annually.

10. Related Documents

• Data Retention & Deletion Policy
• Supplier Risk Management Policy
• Staff Security Policy

11. Document Control