Syntezia Sàrl Sustainability Report: 2022-2024

Company Name: Syntezia Sàrl

Company Type: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Date of Creation: November 9, 2022

Reporting Period: November 9, 2022 – December 31, 2024

Report Date: July 29, 2025

1. Introduction

At Syntezia Sàrl, founded on November 9, 2022, we firmly believe that sustainability and ethics are not merely business practices but fundamental values driving our daily operations.

As an SME based in Geneva, we are committed to responsible, environmentally, socially, and ethically sound management. This report outlines our initial steps and progress towards integrating sustainability across our operations, guided by our Ethical Charter and comprehensive Materiality Assessments.

While a full SBTi validation requires specific emissions data and formal submission, this report reflects our commitment to science-based climate action and responsible business conduct, laying the groundwork for future formal certifications.

We are dedicated to minimizing our ecological footprint, acting with integrity and transparency, and contributing positively to our communities, in full respect of Swiss and anticipated EU regulations.

2. Governance and Ethical Framework

Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in our governance structure and ethical principles.

2.1. Ethical Charter (Established October 3, 2024) Syntezia Sàrl's Ethical Charter serves as our guiding document, establishing our core values and principles. Key tenets include:

• Sustainability: Commitment to minimizing ecological footprint.
• Ethics: Integrity, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders.
• Social Responsibility: Positive contribution to communities.
• Responsible Purchasing: Criteria for human rights, working conditions, environmental practices, traceability, local priority, and sustainable materials.
• Production Practices: Focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation.
• Working Conditions: Guaranteeing safety, health, equality, diversity, and employee development.
• Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing CO2 emissions and protecting biodiversity.
• Community Engagement: Collaboration with external partners and awareness actions.
• Transparency and Communication: Commitment to ethical reports and open dialogue.
• Compliance and Continuous Improvement: Adherence to Swiss law and continuous evaluation.

2.2. Governance Structure As an SME, our governance is streamlined, with the Associate Manager, Yves Zieba, directly overseeing the integration of sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring principles from the Ethical Charter are cascaded throughout the company. Decisions related to sustainability are integrated into strategic planning processes.

3. Materiality Assessment (October 9, 2024)

Our Materiality and Double Materiality Matrices (dated October 9, 2024) identify the most significant ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) issues impacting Syntezia Sàrl and its stakeholders, considering both financial impact on the company and impact on society/environment.

3.1. Key Material Topics (2022-2024 Focus)

Material Topic

Impact on Company

Impact on Stakeholders/ESG Issues

Key Actions (2022-2024)

Protection of Data & Confidentiality

Very High

Very High / Moderate

Established robust data management protocols. Prioritized client trust through strict confidentiality agreements. Continuously reviewed and updated data security measures in line with industry best practices and anticipated GDPR-like principles.

Ethics and Governance

Very High

High / High

Formalized ethical principles in the Ethical Charter. Maintained open dialogue with stakeholders. Ensured foundational compliance with Swiss business and ethical regulations.

Innovation & Social Responsibility

High

High / High

Integrated principles of responsible innovation from project outset. Focused on developing solutions with clear societal and client benefits.

Diversity and Inclusion

Moderate

High / High

Promoted equal opportunities and diversity in recruitment and project teams. Fostered an inclusive work environment.

Environmental Sustainability

Moderate

High / Very High

Implemented basic energy efficiency measures (e.g., efficient lighting, responsible heating/cooling). Initiated waste reduction efforts (e.g., recycling programs). Focused on digital-first operations to reduce paper use.

Training and Development

High

Moderate / Low

Invested in professional development and continuous training for personnel, particularly in emerging technologies (AI, Blockchain) and the principles of corporate digital responsibility.

Social Impact of Innovations

Moderate

High / Very High

Emphasized the positive societal impact as a key criterion in project conception and execution.

Regulations and Compliance

Very High

Moderate / Low

Maintained continuous monitoring of relevant Swiss laws and regulations. Ensured operational practices aligned with current legal requirements for business conduct.

Community Engagement

Low

Moderate / Moderate

Began early-stage engagement with local Geneva professional networks. Participated in initial discussions with potential NGO partners to explore collaborations promoting sustainable practices.

4. Environmental Performance (2022-2024)

As an SME in the strategy and innovation services sector, our direct environmental footprint (Scope 1 and 2) is inherently lower than manufacturing industries. However, we acknowledge our responsibility to measure and reduce even these impacts, alongside our significant Scope 3 emissions.

4.1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Initial Approach)

• Data Collection (2022-2024): During this initial period, Syntezia Sàrl focused on establishing foundational business operations. While a comprehensive, validated GHG inventory was not yet completed, efforts were made to identify primary emission sources.
• Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): Minimal, likely limited to company vehicles (if any) or direct consumption of fossil fuels on premises (if applicable). Initial operations primarily involved remote or client-site work, reducing direct stationary emissions.
• Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy): Related to electricity consumption in office spaces. Efforts focused on choosing efficient equipment.

Scope 3 (Other Indirect Emissions): Recognized as the most significant category for a service-based SME. Key sources identified include:

• Business travel (air, rail, road for client meetings, conferences).
• Purchased goods and services (IT equipment, professional services, cloud computing).
• Employee commuting.
• Waste generated.

Emission Reduction Activities (2022-2024):

Prioritized remote working where feasible to reduce commuting and office energy use.

Encouraged virtual meetings to minimize business travel.

Adopted a "digital-first" policy to reduce paper consumption and waste.

Implemented office recycling programs.

4.2. Resource Management

• Energy: Focused on mindful energy consumption in office and operational settings.
• Water: Minimal water consumption, primarily for domestic use.
• Waste: Implemented basic recycling and waste minimization practices.

5. Social Performance (2022-2024)

Our people and our community are central to our social responsibility.

• Employee Welfare: Guaranteed safe and healthy work environments.
• Equality and Diversity: Actively promoted equality of opportunity and diversity, reflected in our team composition.
• Professional Development: Invested in continuous learning, particularly in areas like AI, Blockchain, and corporate digital responsibility, enhancing employee skills and employability.
• Community Engagement: Initiated exploratory dialogues for partnerships with NGOs and local associations to promote sustainable practices and awareness.

6. Responsible Purchasing (2022-2024)

Our commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing is a foundational element.

• Supplier Selection: Began incorporating ethical criteria (human rights, working conditions, environmental practices) into the selection of service providers and procurement of goods.
• Traceability: Prioritized suppliers able to provide clear information on the origin and production of services/products.
• Local Sourcing: Favored local suppliers where possible to reduce transportation emissions and support the Geneva economy.
• Sustainable Materials: Opted for sustainable alternatives for office supplies and equipment, prioritizing durability and recyclability.

Syntezia Sàrl Sustainability and Net-Zero Roadmap: 2025-2050

Syntezia Sàrl is committed to accelerating its sustainability efforts and aligning with the global ambition of a net-zero future. This roadmap outlines our strategic direction from 2025 towards achieving net-zero by 2050, in line with climate science and SBTi principles for SMEs.

1. Our Net-Zero Ambition and SBTi Alignment

Syntezia Sàrl commits to defining and achieving a long-term science-based net-zero target by 2050, in line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard for SMEs. This will involve significant decarbonization across our value chain.

Key Principles:

• Science-Based: Our targets will be based on the latest climate science, consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
• Comprehensive: We aim to address emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3.
• Prioritize Reduction: Our primary focus will be on absolute emissions reduction, with residual emissions addressed through carbon removals only as a last resort.
• Transparency: We will report on our progress regularly.

2. Roadmap for 2025

The year 2025 will be critical for establishing robust foundations for our long-term sustainability and net-zero journey.

2.1. Environmental & Climate Action

• GHG Inventory & Baseline (Q1-Q2 2025):
• Action: Conduct a comprehensive, professional GHG emissions inventory for a baseline year (e.g., 2024 or latest full year), covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions according to the GHG Protocol.
• Rationale: Essential for setting accurate science-based targets and understanding our true footprint.
• Target: Complete baseline inventory and identify major emission hotpots.
• SBTi Target Setting (Q3-Q4 2025):
• Action: Formally engage with SBTi to set near-term (5-10 years) and long-term (Net-Zero by 2050) science-based targets.
• Rationale: Provides a clear, validated pathway for decarbonization.
• Target: Submit near-term targets to SBTi for validation.
• Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (Ongoing 2025):
• Action: Explore options for procuring renewable electricity.
• Rationale: Direct reduction of Scope 2 emissions.
• Target: Transition to 100% renewable electricity where feasible.
• Sustainable Travel Policy (Q2 2025):
• Action: Develop and implement a formal sustainable travel policy that prioritizes train over short-haul flights, encourages public transport, and explores virtual meeting technologies.
• Rationale: Address significant Scope 3 emissions from business travel.
• Target: Reduce business travel emissions (target to be set after baseline).
• Waste Management Enhancement (Q3 2025):
• Action: Implement advanced waste sorting and reduction programs, exploring composting and responsible disposal of electronic waste.
• Rationale: Minimize landfill waste and associated emissions.
• Target: Increase recycling rate.

2.2. Social & Ethical Responsibility

• Ethical Report Publication (Q1 2025):
• Action: Publish Syntezia Sàrl's first annual Ethical Report, detailing progress against the Ethical Charter and Materiality Matrix priorities.

Rationale: Enhances transparency and accountability.

• Target: Publicly available report on company website.
• Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan (Q2 2025):
• Action: Develop and implement a formal Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) action plan, including unconscious bias training.

Rationale: Foster an inclusive workplace.

• Target: Implement D&I training for all employees.
• Employee Well-being Program (Q3 2025):
• Action: Launch a dedicated employee well-being program that includes mental health support, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.

Rationale: Enhance employee satisfaction, health, and retention.

Target: Introduce at least two new well-being initiatives.

• Supplier Code of Conduct (Q4 2025):
• Action: Develop and implement a formal Supplier Code of Conduct, requiring suppliers to adhere to environmental, social, and ethical standards.
• Rationale: Address Scope 3 emissions and enhance ethical practices in the supply chain.

Target: All key suppliers formally acknowledge and agree to the Code of Conduct.

2.3. Governance & Compliance

• Formal Governance Framework (Q2 2025):
• Action: Develop and document a formal governance framework outlining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for sustainability initiatives.

Rationale: Ensures clear accountability and integration of sustainability.

• Target: Formal governance document approved by leadership.
• Whistleblowing Policy (Q3 2025):
• Action: Implement a robust and accessible whistleblowing policy to encourage reporting of ethical concerns without fear of retaliation.

Rationale: Strengthens ethical oversight and transparency.

Target: Policy communicated to all employees and easily accessible.

Compliance Review (Ongoing 2025):

Action: Conduct regular internal reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant Swiss and EU regulations related to data privacy (e.g., GDPR principles), environmental standards, and labor laws.

Rationale: Mitigate legal and reputational risks.

Target: Zero non-compliance incidents.

3. Long-Term Net-Zero Roadmap (2026-2050)

This long-term roadmap outlines key strategic pillars for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Pillar 1: Deep Decarbonization of Operations (2026-2035)

• Continued Energy Efficiency: Optimize IT infrastructure for lower energy consumption.
• Renewable Energy: Ensure all purchased electricity is from certified renewable sources.
• Sustainable Procurement: Deepen engagement with suppliers to encourage their own emissions reductions and sustainable practices. Prioritize low-carbon services and products.
• Minimizing Business Travel: Embed virtual collaboration tools and culture to significantly reduce the need for physical travel. Implement carbon budgeting for essential travel.
• Green Fleet : Transition vehicles to electric or zero-emission alternatives.

Pillar 2: Value Chain Engagement & Scope 3 Reduction (2036-2045)

• Supplier Collaboration: Work actively with key Scope 3 suppliers to support their decarbonization efforts (e.g., through shared best practices, capacity building).
• Client Solutions: Develop and promote services that actively help clients reduce their own environmental footprint and promote sustainable business models.
• Employee Engagement: Empower employees to contribute to emissions reductions through sustainable commuting incentives, home energy efficiency advice, and waste reduction challenges.
• Circular Economy Principles: Explore applying circular economy principles to IT asset management (e.g., extending lifespan, responsible recycling), reducing waste and resource consumption.

Pillar 3: Residual Emissions and Carbon Removals (2046-2050)

• Identify Residual Emissions: By this stage, remaining emissions will be highly difficult to abate. Rigorous re-assessment to ensure all feasible reductions have been made.
• High-Quality Carbon Removals: Invest in certified, high-quality carbon removal projects (e.g., direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, or verified nature-based solutions with robust permanence) to neutralize any remaining emissions. These must be additional and verifiable, avoiding offsetting current emissions.
• Continuous Innovation: Invest in or collaborate on emerging technologies that could further reduce emissions in the service sector.

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification

• Annual Reporting: Publish a detailed sustainability report annually, including progress on SBTi targets, GHG emissions data (Scopes 1, 2, and 3), and performance against material topics.
• Third-Party Verification: Seek external assurance or verification of GHG emissions data and sustainability performance to enhance credibility and transparency.
• Regular Review: Conduct annual reviews of the sustainability strategy and roadmap to ensure alignment with business objectives, evolving climate science, and regulatory requirements (Swiss and EU).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain open dialogue with employees, clients, suppliers, and the wider community to gather feedback and ensure our sustainability efforts are relevant and impactful.

Conclusion

Syntezia Sàrl is dedicated to becoming a leader in sustainable and ethical business practices within the strategy consulting and innovation sector.

Our journey from November 2022 to the present has established a strong foundation, guided by our Ethical Charter and Materiality Matrices.

The 2025 roadmap sets concrete, actionable steps to deepen our commitments, particularly in climate action, with the long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in alignment with SBTi.

We recognize that this is an ongoing process of continuous improvement and adaptation, and we are committed to transparently reporting on our progress to all stakeholders, thereby actively contributing to a more sustainable and ethical future.