Sustainability

We have implemented new working practices as official company policy since 2016, encouraging all of our team to work flexibly whenever possible

Since 2020, we have moved to a full remote working model, removing daily workspace energy use and daily office travel altogether

OWA has operated on a completely paper-free project and administrative basis since 2015 – none of our workflows involve the generation of hard copies or use of printers

We aim to avoid any unnecessary work-related meetings through facilitating and encouraging remote internal working practices and customer meetings, whenever practicable

We still love to meet our clients in person, of course – when this happens, we use trains and public transport as a primary means of travel and local journeys are made on bike or on foot, wherever possible

OWA's primary data centre is in a facility where carbon emissions are being reduced by 50% by 2030, and which is committed to achieving net zero by 2050 under the Science Based Targets initiative. It is powered by 100% renewable electricity and offsets 100% of direct greenhouse gas emissions through assured, good quality projects

OWA’s secondary data centre is located in a facility which operates a ‘zero carbon’ agreement with its power supplier, meaning all electricity is provided from a mix of renewable and nuclear sources

OWA is an ethically run, socially responsible company that pays all of its taxes in the UK and is not involved in any tax avoidance or tax reduction schemes

We operate with social accountability and are committed to the wellbeing of our local environment and communities

Each year, our team chooses a charity to which we make an annual company donation in lieu of client Christmas cards or gifts. In 2025 James' Place has been selected, which is working to prevent male suicide through free crisis therapy

As a company we always try to make a decision for the planet as well as the business. This involves using suppliers that reflect our values, whenever possible, and responsible use of materials and consumption in all of our operations

We treat our team with respect and promote staff retention through a positive company culture and affirmative work environment. This includes flexibility to support our team with family or personal commitments as needed

We are an accredited living wage employer and pay all of our team a living wage

Gender equality and diversity are fully embedded within our workplace policies

With an eye on mentoring and, of course, future development, we are also proud to sponsor the Postgraduate Award for Best Dissertation in Computing at Oxford Brookes University