SDG Awards 2024

Finalist Profile

Welcome to the SDG Awards, a distinguished recognition program honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in championing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finalist Profile

SilentClicks

About Company

SDG Awards 2024

Category - SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Promotes the reuse and resale of used electronics and office furniture.

➜ Promotes the reuse and resale of used electronics and office furniture.

➜ By facilitating internal company auctions for items like laptops and office equipment, they help extend product lifecycles, reduce waste, and lower the carbon footprint.

➜ Their platform also integrates with company processes, ensuring security and efficiency, while contributing to a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.

1. What is the local impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

INNOKREA created and has been developing for the last 7 years the online platform silentclicks.com, which allows to re-use products by selling different types of equipment in closed groups. The main purpose of the platform is to sell old electronics to the employees through in-companies sales. To date, almost a hundred businesses have actively used our auction platform. During this time, we have made an impact on the local market by: 1. Acting under the motto "REcommerce - Reuse before Recycle" we reduce waste and carbon footprint of the resources such as, but not limited to: • Electronic equipment: By enabling the resale of depreciated electronic devices, the platform has helped to extend the life cycle of these products. In this way we have reduced the need to purchase new equipment, thereby minimizing the amount of e-waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of new items. In Poland alone, we estimate that more than 2,500 pieces of electronic equipment have already been auctioned off at employee auctions (giving them a "second life"), resulting in a reduction of at least 500 tons of CO2e. • Furniture: Resale of used office furniture helps reduce waste by giving these products a second life instead of ending up in a landfill (or being incinerated). Approximately 20% of the responding companies have used our service in this way, including a significant number of smaller organizations. • By selling products locally, companies reduce the emissions associated with the production, transportation and logistics of new products. Each used product sold means less energy is used to make a new one. 2. We promote sustainable practices in organizations nationally and locally: • INNOKREA and our online platform promote responsible purchasing and resource management policies in companies (encouraging the creation of local circular economies within companies and their employees in the form of our own REcommerce process). In order to popularize the idea of circular economies and to increase accessibility and engagement, we have introduced a fully functional, free version of the platform for organizations with smaller needs. This makes it easy for smaller companies with a local footprint to join the global network and implement sustainable practices in their operations, while reducing costs. 3. We increase social awareness and consumer responsibility: • Platform users, both companies and employees, are more aware of the value of reusing resources. The platform promotes attitudes and knowledge about sustainable consumption practices, including the benefits of a circular economy. In the local market, we were the first initiative of its kind in Poland to promote the idea of REcommerce in such a way. 4. In conclusion, by promoting the idea of REcommerce, the platform has already achieved a significant impact in terms of shaping responsible corporate resource management policies, creating local circular economies among corporate employees. We have also enabled smaller organizations to implement sustainable practices through the free version of the tool. These activities reduce local energy consumption and emissions associated with the production of new items. As the first initiative of its kind in the country, the silentclicks.com platform has increased local environmental awareness by educating companies and employees about sustainable consumption and the value of reusing resources. With our experience in the local market, we are very well positioned to scale our tool in Europe and globally.

2. What is the global impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

1. Promoting the idea of REcommerce internationally: • Promoting the idea of giving electronics a second life in a digital world is one of our key global activities. We run a number of outreach and promotional campaigns, including through LinkedIN, where we connect with executives around the world. In addition, the platform's presence at trade shows and conferences (including Las Vegas, Beijing, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Hanover, and most recently in Frankfurt as an exhibitor at the International E-waste Conference & Expo 2024) increases its visibility and global awareness of REcommerce practices. At these congresses, we build new relationships and collaborations with foreign companies. Such partnerships can lead to joint initiatives, research projects or sharing of best practices further afield. We believe that our activities are increasingly inspiring other companies and organizations around the world to undertake similar REcommerce efforts (especially in electronics). • Showcasing the success of the internal auction model from Poland encourages foreign companies and startups to implement REcommerce strategies in their organizations and regions, contributing to the global reduction of resource waste. 2. Influencing international policy and regulation: • INNOKREA as the owner of Silentclicks.com participates in international associations (such as EUTECH) where we can get others interested in the idea of REcommerce. We believe that only together with larger organizations will make our voice be heard at the level of global decision-makers. • Through presentations, speakers and panel discussions at international conferences, the platform influences the global community on the topic of resource efficiency and the potential of REcommerce. Silentclicks.com promotes the idea of sustainable consumption, showing how local initiatives can have a significant environmental and economic impact. • Active participation in global events can contribute to shaping policies and regulations for a circular economy and sustainability. The platform provides real-life examples of successful implementations in companies, which, from the business side, can make a strong case for engaging in discussions with policymakers in different countries. 3. Inspiring global startups and technology companies: • The silentclicks.com platform can easily be used by third party service providers around the world, such as those involved in the purchase and refurbishment of electronic equipment. These companies do not need to invest capital in building their own IT solution. They already can access our tool, which allows them to conduct employee or B2B auctions for depreciated or undepreciated equipment at their clients' facilities. • In addition, Silentclicks.com can become an inspiration for startups from other countries, showing that even small local initiatives (promoting new business models - economically profitable and environmentally related) can influence the global market through innovative approaches to resource management and promoting sustainability. 4. Sharing the concept of a new business model worldwide. • The platform shares its experience in auction management technology and recommends process innovations that can be implemented in different markets. Our proposal is not just a tool, but a new model of profitable business that can be replicated by other companies (not necessarily using our solution). In our journey to help build a circular economy, we have encouraged many companies to implement sales to their because we have shown them that implementing such a process is not only good for the planet, but also financially profitable for these companies (because they are selling equipment that has zero book value and do not incur the cost of disposing of this equipment). 5. Summary: The silentclicks.com platform already boasts a wide range of international activities, but above all it has great potential for the overseas expansion of its solution. Examples of many successful implementations show that companies that have decided to take this step have not only created an additional revenue channel for themselves, but have also offered to their HR a solid tool for employee motivation (employee benefit). Popularizing this idea can inspire and influence a global approach to sustainable consumption and production. A key challenge today is to raise awareness, share knowledge, co-create global networks. Additionally seek to influence international policies and regulations in the field of circular economy.

3. What is the scalability of your innovation and how do you plan to achieve it? (No Word Limit)

Key aspects of scalability and strategies to achieve it are: 1. Building global awareness of the REcommerce idea and our brand: . • Popularizing the concept of giving objects a "second life" through the employee auctions is a long-term process that requires painstaking work. In this regard, we plan to significantly increase marketing activities for our brand. Among other things, we plan to increase the visibility of our websites through SEO and content activities (including silentclicks blogs with the new content) and continued intensive participation in relevant trade show and conference events. Digital marketing will also be supported by paid advertising, social media campaigns, and collaboration with influencers to increase brand awareness. • Building brand image and promoting oneself as a leader in the REcommerce space is necessary to attract more clients and media interest. 2. Global availability of the tool: • Silentclicks.com is a tool accessible worldwide via the Internet, allowing companies and organizations from different markets to implement REcommerce and the circular economy. The platform is designed to adapt easily to local needs, languages and regulations, enabling rapid entry into new markets. For today our tool is available in English, German and Polish.. 3. Analysis and expansion in foreign markets: The company focuses on countries where the idea of REcommerce is gaining popularity (e.g. France, Poland, DACH countries). The strategy includes researching markets to understand local needs, legislation, partner potential and competition. 4. Increase client base and engagement: Increase the number of B2B clients: To focus on getting more companies interested in selling their surplus assets, such as depreciated equipment, furniture or vehicles, and to engage with large corporations. 5. Free version for smaller organizations: To popularise the concept of REcommerce and to increase accessibility and engagement, we offer a free version of the platform for organizations with smaller needs. This makes it easy for companies with limited resources to join the global network and implement sustainable practices in their business, while reducing costs. 6. Development of new functionalities and technology optimisation: The platform is constantly being developed and we plan to add new features in the future, such as: • Loyalty and incentive programmes that reward companies for active participation in REcommerce. • Automation and artificial intelligence: Implement AI and machine learning to optimise processes, such as market-based product pricing. • ESG Reporting: integration with client’s ESG reporting systems within their organizations, to measure the exact amount of environmental carbon footprint of the items sold. 7. Building broad partnerships and alliances around the idea of REcommerce: Popularising the idea of REcommerce is attracting more companies and institutions by small steps. Through cooperation with organizations such as EUTECH, it will also be possible to take action to interest political decision makers to build an incentive system for entrepreneurs to support the idea of REcommerce in companies. • We plan to undertake further activities with companies and industry groups offering services complementary to our offering. For example, we have signed an agreement in recent weeks with a global company offering data erasure services for electronic equipment. As a result, we are able to more broadly encourage companies to implement REcommerce without worrying about data security. Further complementary areas are planned, i.e. partnerships with companies providing services related to repair, product quality certification or logistics, which could increase value for clients and attract more companies to the platform. 8. Helping to reduce CO₂ globally by 50% by 2030: Silentclicks.com supports the global challenge to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030, enabling companies to minimise waste and carbon footprint through optimal asset management, selling depreciated equipment and promoting the reuse of items. Our actions contribute to reducing the need to produce new goods, which has a direct impact on reducing emissions. 9. In summary, from the technological point of view, the scalability of silentclicks.com is the easiest task. The hardest part is gaining people's global awareness and belief that it is worth giving objects a second life. Societies are used to buying new things all the time. We, with our idea, promote an approach that is not popular. All manufacturers want to increase sales of their new products. We at silenclicks.com say that you should first and foremost give those old devices still in working order a chance before shopping for new ones.

4. What is your organization’s unique strategy for using technology to achieve your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Our unique strategy is based on delivering an innovative SaaS solution for companies to quickly and efficiently implement the REcommerce process worldwide. Our tool provides easy access to an advanced platform that allows you to start managing your inventory of depreciating equipment such as electronics, office equipment, fleet vehicles, etc. in minutes. It also demonstrates a new business model that allows you to combine environmental protection with revenue generation and company savings. In addition, we want to activate employees to support the circular economy by continuing to use depreciated company equipment as personal devices. We show you a way to avoid buying new phones and laptops every year.

5. What challenges did you encounter while working for your selected SDG, and how did you address them? (150 Words Limit)

The biggest challenge is to educate and change the lifestyles (consumption habits) of users and companies. People are often unaware of the benefits of using REcommerce in their workplace and how it can contribute to building a circular economy model. So far, the idea has been little known in many organizations, and some are encountering it for the first time. To address this, we have intensified our educational activities, including information campaigns and cooperation with national institutions such as local business clubs and international organizations promoting sustainable development, such as EUTECH. We also actively promote our offerings at international conferences and trade shows (including Las Vegas, Beijing, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Hanover, Frankfurt, and many others). Educating companies and their employees about sustainable lifestyles and consumption is the key to promoting more conscious consumer choices. It's an integral part of our daily business.

6. How did you engage local communities and stakeholders in your work, and what was their feedback? (150 Words Limit)

One of the ways we achieved this was by adopting silentclicks.com solution to promote charity auctions within companies. The people involved were mostly employees in the corporate and SME sector. The objects of the auctions were all kinds of items belonging to the employees, very often acting in the REcommerce stream. We worked with companies that wanted to support local NGOs by donating auction revenues to social causes. This allowed the organizations to show their commitment to pro-social activities while minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. Employees of the companies involved in the campaigns - as well as the charities participating - positively evaluated these initiatives, highlighting the reputational, social and environmental benefits. We also gained the support of local communities who appreciated our support for their projects and activities. These initiatives have helped to raise awareness of the circular economy and strengthen ties between companies and municipalities.

7. Which organizational skills and resources did you use to deliver goods/services without harming the environment or society? (150 Words Limit)

We have been effectively implementing the idea of REcommerce for more than 7 years - we already have the necessary knowledge and experience of how to do it effectively without harming the environment and society. We have used project management and multi-dimensional relationship building among clients. We focused on effective communication with companies and local stakeholders, which enabled us to promote REcommerce of depreciated equipment, furniture and vehicle fleets. Key resources were flexibility in technology implementation and specific deployments. In addition, universal standardization enabled platform scalability and operational optimization. Working with local organizations that promote sustainability has helped raise public awareness and minimize resource waste.

8. In your view what roles do businesses, governments, and civil society should play in achieving the SDGs, and how can they collaborate effectively? (150 Words Limit)

Companies should adopt more responsible business practices, such as implementing and promoting own REcommerce processes for strengthening the circular economy. Silentclicks.com showed how companies can minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint by selling used resources. Companies can also engage in educational and charitable activities to raise awareness and support local initiatives. Governments have a key role to play in creating regulatory frameworks and policies that promote sustainability. Governments should support companies in implementing REcommerce practices in their own operations, for example through financial incentives or tax breaks. Civil society - including company employees in different sectors - should actively participate in REcommerce initiatives and support responsible purchasing and management of the organization's resources. Collaborative projects and partnerships, such as those implemented by silentclicks.com in the workplace, can effectively advance sustainability goals.

9. What advice do you have for individuals or organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs? (150 Words Limit)

• Recognizing the value of collaboration and transparency is the key. Education and awareness-raising of employees, customers and business partners about sustainable practices such as circular economy and REcommerce is a good start. • At the same time, appropriately tailored European policies that actively support companies in deploying REcommerce models are crucial. These policies, which include financial incentives, tax breaks and technology support, can realistically enhance ESG (Environment, Society, Governance) activities. Companies should work with governments and NGOs to influence the development of such policies. • Investing in innovation, developing partnerships, and continuously monitoring progress toward goals are the next steps in driving positive change that benefits all stakeholders.

10. How would winning this SDG Award help you enhance your impact and expand your project? (150 Words Limit)

• Winning the SDG award would help us to significantly increase our impact and expand the project, promoting the idea of REcommerce and giving objects a second life. With the prestige of the award, we would be able to reach a wider range of companies and institutions interested in sustainable development. • The award would increase our credibility and facilitate new partnerships, both locally and internationally, encouraging more companies to implement the idea of REcommerce in their structures. • With the award and increased visibility, we would be able to more effectively communicate the benefits of the circular economy and help companies to adapt these practices in an easier way. This support would help reduce waste and increase sustainable consumption and production globally.

11. What are your future objectives regarding your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

• Our future goals related to Responsible Consumption and Production include promoting a new business model that combines environmental protection with revenue generation and savings for companies. We want to activate employees to support a circular economy by encouraging the continued use of depreciated company equipment, such as laptops or phones, for personal use. • We want to show that electronic devices don't have to be replaced every year - they can be used effectively for up to 5-7 years, which significantly reduces waste and CO₂ emissions. We also plan to expand the silentclicks.com platform internationally, increasing the scale of our activities and involving more companies in REcommerce efforts. We want to show that both - care for the environment and achieving economic goals are possible at the same time.