Walking the talk: how Otonomee’s remote culture powers real sustainability

At Otonomee, sustainability is more than a brand value—it’s a commitment we embed into our operations, our people, and our partnerships. As a B Corp-certified company, we hold ourselves to high standards of environmental and social impact. But these principles come to life through the everyday choices of our team members, all of whom are working remotely across multiple countries with home office setups.

In March 2025, 290 employees—84 percent of our workforce at that time—participated in our employee sustainability survey. Their responses offer a compelling picture of how our remote-first culture contributes to meaningful environmental outcomes and how aligned our people are with the values that underpin our certification.

One of the clearest takeaways is the environmental benefit of reducing commutes. Let’s take Portugal, for example. According to data from Numbeo, the average one-way commuting distance in Lisbon is 14.4 km, making the round-trip 28.8 km per day. Based on figures from the European Environment Agency, new passenger cars in the EU emit an average of 106.4 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. That equates to 3.06 kg of CO₂ per employee per day, or 673 kg annually across a typical 220-day work year. Multiply that by the current 251 employees in Portugal, and Otonomee’s remote model has prevented approximately 168 metric tons of CO₂ emissions in a single year—equivalent to removing around 37 petrol-powered cars from the road or avoiding over 400 transatlantic flights between Lisbon and New York.

This impact is only part of the story. Sustainability is also reflected in the choices our people make at home. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say remote work has positively influenced their ability to live more sustainably. Over 90 percent turn off their computers at the end of the workday, 89 percent consistently switch off lights, and 88 percent dispose of waste in designated bins. These are simple, repeatable actions that, practiced daily and at scale, make a measurable difference.

Otonomee employees are also rethinking consumption. More than 87 percent regularly use reusable water bottles and coffee containers. About 90 percent bring reusable bags when shopping. Composting and food waste reduction are growing areas of interest, with over 100 employees expressing a desire to begin composting and more than 80 percent actively trying to reduce food waste at home. 

Still, challenges remain. 

Cost, uncertainty, and lack of time were cited as the main barriers to sustainable behaviour. Just 7 percent currently power their homes with renewable energy, and transportation choices still lean toward diesel and petrol vehicles, which account for 56 percent of vehicle ownership.

That said, our team members are clearly engaged and values-aligned. Ninety-four percent agree sustainability should be a key consideration for Otonomee, and 93 percent say strong sustainability practices make the company a more attractive place to work. Eighty-three percent feel empowered to contribute to sustainability through their roles, and 76 percent believe our client partners share our mission to support a sustainable and equitable future.

Employees also told us what they’d like to see next: better access to sustainability tools, clearer communication about current initiatives, and more community-based opportunities like volunteering and local events. There's a strong desire for practical, shared action, whether that's reducing waste at home, upgrading energy systems, or connecting with others around a shared cause.

What’s clear from this year’s survey is that sustainability at Otonomee is not a top-down initiative. It’s embedded in how we work, where we work, and how we think. Being a B Corp means more than meeting a checklist, it’s about continually aligning our actions with our purpose, and empowering our people to do the same. That alignment is already evident in the data and in the everyday choices our teams are making around the world. In fact, 56 percent of Otonomee employees reported they are actively involved in volunteer work within their communities. 

We’re proud of the progress so far and committed to doing more. Together, with the momentum of over 400 voices currently behind us, we’ll continue to build a more sustainable future and better-connected communities, one action at a time.

About Otonomee

Otonomee is an award-winning Customer Management Outsourcing business that delivers scalable, tech-driven, people-focused solutions. Leveraging our remote-first operating model, we optimize customer interactions, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Our focus on remote work, automation, and data-driven insights makes us a next-generation partner for leading brands and scaling companies.

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