Design Advantage has not set up a specific initiative or project but runs its entire business on a sustainable basis. The company is home-based, with all its staff working from a place of their choice. The directors believe that this is the way that society/work is evolving and that home-based working helps the company attract and retain high calibre people.

If a project involves print work, the pros and cons of recycled vs FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper and soya-based inks are explained to clients. The company will not print on plastic (unless made from recycled material) or non FSC paper. It offers a range of environmentally friendly alternatives for most marketing requirements.

The business operates without generating any waste. All work, correspondence and bills are electronic. Large files are either posted on reusable CDs or transferred via servers. In the home/office, energy usage is carefully monitored and every effort is made to keep it as low as possible. By using Good Energy electricity, all energy powering the computers is 100% renewable. The rest of the team have also started to convert to 100% renewables, and have also adopted 'green' practices such as cycling, walking and energy saving. The home/office building has solar powered hot water and very efficient insulation. Heat is provided via a wood burning stove using locally coppiced wood or wood waste from building projects. All coffee/tea and food is Fairtrade and/or sourced locally. 'Hippos' have been installed in the toilets to reduce water usage and the building has a water meter. Outside is a wildlife paradise.

• Significant financial savings due to lower energy usage
• Increase in business from customers who require ethical/environmentally aware suppliers
• Improved employee retention from staff who take pride in the ethics of the business and have themselves adopted sustainable working practices
• Recognition in the 2007 Kent Sustainable Business Awards, where Design Advantage received a 'highly commended' accolade.