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BirdDog Interactive, founded in 2008, is a creative powerhouse, crafting compelling marketing campaigns for high-profile clients like Microsoft. 

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However, as sustainability and compliance standards evolved, BirdDog Interactive faced a new kind of challenge. Microsoft's rigorous sustainability requirements presented a novel opportunity that BirdDog needed to navigate to maintain their partnership and keep their business operations flowing smoothly.

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Overcoming Compliance Challenges with a Strategic Partner

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The journey to compliance was daunting at first. Microsoft's supplier portal, detailed with its sustainability demands, required a careful approach. One of Microsoft’s recommended partners for fulfilling this challenge was Green Project, which provided a streamlined, efficient service with a dedicated Sustainability Manager that simplified the compliance process into a seamless experience.

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“When I got the request from Microsoft, I thought: I need to get this done as fast as I can,” said Eric McConnell, CEO of BirdDog Interactive. “Green Project’s turnaround was super fast. It was extremely easy, and the process was just simplified. I have so many other things I have to deal with all day long, and Green Project made my life easy. I got all the information I needed, I had the letter of attestation, and then Microsoft said: Okay, you’re compliant.” 

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Green Project’s expertise not only demystified Microsoft's demands but also enhanced BirdDog Interactive’s understanding and execution of sustainability practices.

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“Now there’s an additional selling and marketing point when we’re trying to get in the door with other clients and we can say: Look, this is what we’ve done and this is what we’re compliant with and this is what we’re working on next. Sustainability is a huge initiative and will be for most corporations for the foreseeable future.” 

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Strategic solutions for sustainable success

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With Green Project's guidance, BirdDog Interactive implemented a series of strategic initiatives:

• Streamlined compliance processes: Simplifying complex procedures allowed BirdDog Interactive to meet Microsoft's requirements efficiently.
• Effective data management: Accurate and timely management of sustainability data ensured that BirdDog Interactive remained a trusted partner.
• Operational and strategic advisory: Green Project didn’t just solve immediate compliance issues; they provided BirdDog Interactive with strategies that turned regulatory compliance into competitive advantage.

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Read more: 6 Ways Carbon Accounting Can Help SMBs Win Contracts and Build Loyalty

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Transformative outcomes

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Through its partnership with Green Project, BirdDog Interactive not only resumed its critical business operations, securing continued purchase orders from Microsoft and other sustainability-minded partners, but they also saw a significant reduction in operational costs through recommended practices like remote work and reduced travel. 

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“This process also made me think about how we do things internally,” McConnell said. “Do we need to drive into the office, or fly to visit customers? Can we work from home, and do these meetings over a video call? These simple changes have saved us emissions, time, and money, and our employees love being able to work from home more. It’s a massive benefit, and it increases their focus and ability to get things done quicker.”  

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Looking ahead

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Today, BirdDog Interactive stands as a testament to the power of adaptive strategies and innovative partnerships in the face of evolving business landscapes. Their journey with Green Project has not only ensured compliance with one of their key clients but has also set a benchmark in sustainability that resonates with potential and existing clients alike.

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“Working with Green Project was one of the most efficient processes that I’ve gone through. The attention to detail, the communication speed, the proactivity — making sure I can follow the process alongside them. As a business owner, it made my life simpler. 

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For more insights, explore our detailed discussion with Eric McConnell and other small- and medium-sized suppliers in the webinar “Carbon Accounting for SMBs: Lessons from Microsoft's Supplier Standards.”

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Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, and whether or not you’ve been asked to comply with stringent regulatory requirements yet, consider how embracing carbon neutral practices and regulatory compliance can help future-proof your business, win new deals, and transform challenges into strategic opportunities.

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