our commitments
social value, environment and people
Carbon Reduction and Net Zero
environmental measures in place
The Alternative Studio Ltd is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in the UK, in line with the UK Government's legally binding target under the Climate Change Act 2008.
Travel and Commuting
We operate a remote-first, hybrid working policy — all team members work remotely by default, significantly reducing daily commuting emissions. We prioritise rail over air travel for all UK client meetings; flights are only taken when no reasonable rail alternative exists.
Energy
Our studio operates on a 100% renewable electricity tariff. We use energy-efficient equipment throughout (LED lighting, Energy Star-rated hardware) and actively manage device power settings.
Digital Infrastructure
We use cloud-based tools hosted by providers with published sustainability commitments, including Google Workspace. We conduct regular digital hygiene reviews to reduce unnecessary data storage and minimise large asset streaming in production workflows.
Print and Production
We default to digital-first delivery for all creative outputs. Where print is required, we specify FSC-certified paper stocks and UK-based printers with environmental accreditations.
Waste
We operate a zero-to-landfill approach: general waste, recycling, and electronic waste are separated and disposed of responsibly. Old hardware is donated or recycled via certified WEEE disposal partners.
our net zeo roadmap
Measure and Reduce
2025-30
Establish baseline emissions; implement quick-win reductions in travel, energy, and digital
Transition and offset
2030-40
Transition remaining fossil fuel dependencies; offset residual emissions via verified schemes
net zero
2040-50
Achieve verified net zero by 2050 at the latest
This plan is reviewed and updated manually, within six months of our financial year end.
greenhouse gas emissions information on our goods and services
Estimated carbon impact of print runs based on paper weight, stock type, and print process
We can provide information on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the work we deliver.
As a digital-first creative agency, the majority of our output — strategy, creative, digital design, content — is delivered digitally and carries a low inherent carbon footprint. Where physical production is involved (print, exhibitions, branded materials), we can provide:
Guidance on lower-carbon production alternatives
Carbon footprint estimates for video and film production activities
We are committed to developing more formalised lifecycle emissions reporting for our services and to sharing this transparently with clients who request it.
Information on the cloud infrastructure underpinning our digital work, including provider sustainability data
real living wage
The Alternative Studio Ltd is committed to being a Real Living Wage employer. We pay all employees and regular contractors at or above the Real Living Wage rate as set by the Living Wage Foundation, and we are in the process of obtaining formal accreditation as an Accredited Living Wage Employer through the Living Wage Foundation (a Citizens UK initiative).
We believe that fair pay is foundational to good employment practice, and we actively encourage our supply chain partners and freelance collaborators to adopt the Real Living Wage.
equality, diversity and inclusion
recruitment
All roles are advertised with inclusive language. We use structured, criteria-based assessment at every stage. We actively seek to attract candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and are open to flexible and part-time arrangements.
working environment
We foster a culture where everyone can contribute fully and be themselves. We address any discriminatory behaviour promptly and take all concerns seriously.
ethical employment in supply chains
Paying the Real Living Wage to all workers
Opposing the use of zero-hours contracts where workers have no choice
Actively engaging with our supply chain to promote these standards
in our creative work
Our commitment to diversity extends to the work we make. We apply systematic representation standards in casting, photography, and creative development — ensuring the communications we produce for clients genuinely reflect the diversity of the audiences they serve.
Providing all workers with clear written terms and conditions of employment
Opposing the use of exploitative practices including unpaid internships
our edi policy
The Alternative Studio Ltd is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our business — from how we recruit and develop our team, to how we create work for our clients.
We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation (the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010). This applies to recruitment, employment, promotion, training, pay, and the day-to-day experience of working at The Alternative.
training
All team members receive regular training and guidance on our EDI policy, what it means in practice, and how it shapes the way we work together and with clients. This is embedded in our onboarding process and reviewed annually.
armed forces covenant
The Alternative Studio Ltd is proud to support the Armed Forces community and endorses the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
our commitments
The Alternative Studio Ltd will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognise the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business and wider society, and we will seek to honour the Covenant by:
Promoting the fact that we are an armed forces-friendly organisation in our communications and website
Supporting Reservists in our team, including accommodating training and deployment commitments where reasonably practicable
we believe that
No member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen
Supporting the employment of veterans and working to establish fair and accessible employment pathways for Service Leavers where opportunities arise
Supporting Service spouses and partners in seeking employment, and striving to offer flexibility around deployment periods where possible
Offering flexibility and understanding to any team members or applicants connected to the Armed Forces community
We will publicise these commitments through our website and literature, and we welcome feedback from the Service community and our clients on how we are doing.
For further information on the Armed Forces Covenant, visit armedforcescovenant.gov.uk
Observing Armed Forces Day and recognising the contribution of the armed forces community
In some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved
governance
All commitments on this page are owned by Angel Gaskell, Founder & Managing Director. This document is reviewed annually and updated within six months of our financial year end.
Questions about any of our commitments
angel@wearethealternative.co.uk
The Alternative Studio Ltd | Registered in England and Wales The American Barns, Banbury Road, Lighthorne, Warwick, CV35 0AE