SPS Global, a leader in digital transformation, operates across more than 20 countries and manages 60+ sites worldwide. With its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the company brings over two decades of expertise in guiding banks, healthcare and insurance firms through successful business transformations.
The company’s sustainability goals aim for net zero emissions and a transition away from fossil fuels wherever feasible. At SPS, sustainability goes beyond reporting; it’s about building trust and credibility. It’s a shared commitment across the entire team, unified in meeting the high expectations of valued clients who seek transparency and exceptional sourcing standards.
We had the opportunity to ask Christina Banahan, Global Director of ESG, and Adam McAleavey, ESG Compliance Lead for the UK and Ireland, how SPS Global went through a bold overhaul of its approach to sustainability work.
Challenge: Overly manual data management processes
As sustainability became a tipping point that prompted more companies to achieve data-driven environmental results, SPS Global had to take the initiative. The team’s sustainability efforts were robust but hampered by predominantly manual data processes.
The company was already on their way to reducing emissions across Scope 1-2-3, but they were struggling with recording and reporting on this progress. With so many sites, collecting accurate and traceable data posed a significant logistical challenge.
Adam explains the process was manual, error-prone, and painfully slow—taking up to three months just to compile the needed data:
“We were relying on scraps of information from all sorts of suppliers and businesses. It used to get to Christmas time, and I’d be happy for Christmas, but I’d be dreading January because I knew it was carbon time, and it was just very, very difficult to do.”
Scope 1 and 2 emissions—like gas, electricity, and fuel—were especially challenging, with fuel data being a “complete nightmare” due to inconsistent reporting formats across different geographies.
SPS Global was also looking to provide auditable and trustworthy data to maintain credibility and meet certifications like SBTi. However, collecting the quantitative data took up most of their time and very little of that was left for strategy or reductions.
The team’s previous data management tool was limited in scope, focusing mainly on environmental data and lacking the adaptability needed for evolving frameworks. Without integrated AI or cross-functional capability, managers often had to rely on their own interpretation, making it harder to scale sustainability efforts efficiently.
“The tool that we had previously wasn’t aligned with evolving sustainability disclosure expectations and upcoming regulatory frameworks.” Christina said.
Solution: One data management platform for all sustainability needs
Tracera’s sustainability data management platform transformed SPS Global’s approach to data. Recognizing that meaningful impact requires more than quick fixes, Christina emphasized the value of choosing a partner with a forward-thinking vision.
“We chose Tracera not solely based of where the tool is today or what it has become, but for what it will become.”
The tool’s user-friendly design allowed them to access real-time data, monitor dashboards, and identify patterns, such as spikes or drops, at any time. This immediate visibility helps them address potential issues before they escalate. They also fully use the tool’s ability to consolidate data efficiently, enabling them to meet various legislative frameworks and reporting requirements with ease.
“Being able to scan, combined with the machine learning capabilities, means it can read emissions, costs, and everything it needs to while checking all the data. That eliminates the need for on-ground expertise, making it a very easy tool to use.” adds Christina.
Tracera’s sustainability management platform has revolutionized SPS Global’s data management, delivering significant time and cost savings while overcoming the constraints of their previous manual-based tool.
By leveraging AI, Tracera eliminates the need for time-intensive carbon calculations and streamlines the process of identifying missing data across their extensive portfolio of sites and suppliers.
Christina Banahan
Global Director ESGWe would have to have a whole team of people doing carbon calculation and reporting in each country to get what we can get from Tracera at the click of a button.
Now, I can immediately spot where data is still missing. Scope 1 and 2 is massive because we’ve got so many buildings and bills. So for me to be able to see immediately where invoices or data points are missing, something that previously would’ve taken weeks to identify.
Result: Complete data control for increased transparency, sustainable transformation, and regulatory success
With Tracera, SPS Global has prepared for a future where compliance and opportunity come from sustainability. Regulatory pressure from initiatives like CSRD and SBTi isn’t going anywhere, but Tracera makes meeting the requirements easier while providing better insight into opportunities.
“Compliance isn’t going anywhere—it needs to be done. With so many global standards and frameworks, like the CSRD and SBTi, having a tool that streamlines everything, captures the necessary data, and is simple enough for anyone to use is essential. It frees you up to focus on introducing and meeting reduction targets, instead of spending all your time gathering data—the tool handles that for you.” said Christina.
Tracera supports an incremental approach, providing a strong foundation for SPS Global to build and achieve larger sustainability goals.
As for the future, SPS Global has already taken proactive steps to use Tracera to boost their sustainability and emission reduction targets. By saving valuable time, the team can now prioritize strategic initiatives that drive meaningful, sustainable transformation, positioning themselves as leaders in the evolving world of sustainability management.
As Christina stated, “A tool like this, having AI seamlessly integrated in the background brings immense value by improving efficiency, consistency, and confidence in the data”
The Tracera team is happy to support businesses like SPS Global with understanding their data, identifying emission sources, and starting small to win big.
