Sustainability has always been at the heart of D360’s vision, but we knew that awareness alone wasn’t enough. While many of our team members understood the importance of climate action, we wanted to ensure that everyone – regardless of their role – felt equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make a tangible impact. That’s why we embarked on our Carbon Literacy journey, starting with training our entire team and then working towards becoming a Carbon Literate Organisation. Now, we’re so proud to have achieved Silver status, a milestone that reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and making sustainability and Carbon Literacy an integral part of how we work.To mark this moment, we caught up with our CEO, @Farah Asemi, to chat about the organisation’s journey towards Carbon Literacy, the challenges along the way, and what’s next for Diagnostics 360.

How did you first learn about Carbon Literacy training?

We kept coming across the term ‘Carbon Literacy’ and recognised the value of structured training in this area. After some research, we discovered Hattrick’s Net Zero Masterclass, which seemed like the perfect fit for our team. The practical, engaging approach aligned with our goal of driving down our carbon footprint an active part of our company culture. Rather than simply discussing climate action, we wanted a programme that would help our team understand the climate challenges we face and give them the tools to implement real change.

What was the training process like?

We made the decision to train as an entire organisation, which was a significant but necessary commitment. The training involved a deep dive into the science of climate change, its impact on businesses (good and bad), and the practical steps we could take to reduce our emissions. While some of the content was challenging, the interactive sessions kept us engaged and motivated. It was an eye-opening experience that gave us both the knowledge and the confidence to take meaningful steps toward a lower-carbon future.

What were some of the biggest challenges in completing the training?

Taking an entire day away from our usual operations was a logistical challenge, but we knew it was essential to do this properly. The hardest part was coming to terms with the stark reality of climate change and understanding the urgency of action. However, that only reinforced why we were doing this in the first place. Seeing the facts laid out so clearly made it impossible to ignore the need for immediate and sustained action.

How did the team respond to the training?

By the end of the session, there was a real buzz within the team. Everyone was not only engaged but also eager to take action. A core part of the Carbon Literacy training is for every trainee to set individual and collective pledges, which we’ve since embedded into our annual appraisal process to ensure accountability and ongoing progress. The discussions that followed were just as valuable as the training itself, as they continue to spark further thinking and a stronger sense of shared responsibility.

Can you share some of the changes you’ve been making so far?

Our team handles numerous supplies and materials, most of which are disposed of after one use. We’ll be introducing measures to reduce this waste including the use of glass containers for sample storage, getting recyclable pipette tip boxes and refillable containers to make a big difference over everyday items. We are also addressing the volume of waste from deliveries and packaging to cut this right down. The tracker we’ve introduced logs the amount of waste so we can constantly assess how we are tracking since implementing changes

How is Diagnostics 360 planning to maintain and build on its Carbon Literacy journey?

We have developed a multi-faceted approach to sustain our momentum. Carbon Literacy training is now mandatory for all new employees, ensuring that sustainability remains central as we grow. Having trained our team at the end of 2024, we have our first new starter joining @Hattrick’s Net Zero masterclass in May. A refresher course for all team members is also scheduled for November 2025 to keep our knowledge up to date, and we’ve also introduced quarterly sustainability education targets, where each employee attends at least one sustainability-related event and shares insights with the team. By embedding Carbon Literacy into our every day, we ensure that our commitment extends beyond a single training session and becomes a continuous learning experience.

Beyond internal changes, how is D360 engaging with its supply chain?

We recognise that reducing our footprint requires collaboration beyond our own operations. That’s why our Chief Sustainability Officer and Quality Officer are actively engaging with our suppliers, educating them on Carbon Literacy and working together to identify opportunities to reduce emissions – particularly in logistics, transportation, and packaging. By engaging with external partners, we can drive meaningful change across our entire value chain.

What role do you see D360 playing in advocating for Carbon Literacy more broadly?

We want to encourage others in our industry to take this step. We’re already sharing our journey but ahead of the next Carbon Literacy Action Day, we will remind all our partners, clients, and suppliers of how the Carbon Literacy training has benefited the business through an awareness campaign. By highlighting the tangible benefits, we hope to inspire other businesses to embark on their own Carbon Literacy training. We believe that by leading by example, we can help to accelerate industry-wide adoption of more sustainable practices. Our training taught us that it only takes 20% of people to take a stand to drive large-scale change.

What advice would you give to other organisations considering Carbon Literacy training?

Start today. The training is not just about learning – it’s about taking real, meaningful action. It has transformed the way we approach sustainability, and we’ve seen firsthand how it empowers teams to contribute to real change. The sooner you invest in Carbon Literacy, the sooner you’ll see its positive impact on both your business and the planet. The key is to view it not as a box-ticking exercise but as an opportunity to create lasting change and really get your team engaged on such an important issue.