Project: Climate Toolkit 4 Business (Gov.ie) by Matrix Internet

The Brief

Mobile Website - Climate Toolkit 4 Business (Gov.ie)

Ireland was one of the nearly 200 countries who signed the Glasgow Climate Pact at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, and has committed to halving emissions by 2030.

Sustainability is now part of our everyday lives, and businesses must reduce their carbon footprint to meet the demands of eco-conscious customers, and a planet in the grip of a climate crisis.

Matrix has emerged as an expert in the green energy sector, having developed several high-profile online energy calculators and working for the European Environment Agency.

We were therefore perfectly placed to develop a new sustainability-focused online tool for Irish businesses, and to meet the needs of the high-profile client — the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Website - Climate Toolkit 4 Business (Gov.ie)

Climate Toolkit 4 Business is a new Government initiative that educates, informs and empowers Irish businesses to take control of their carbon footprint through a personalised action plan. The Government trusted Matrix to deliver this important project, after a high-profile nationwide tender process.

We have delivered a new, informative website whose core feature is a carbon calculator. A business can input some simple information and receive a detailed measurement of their carbon footprint and an action plan to reduce it. Each plan includes straightforward practical instructions, and highlights all the available help through various State agencies.

A project of this scale needed to go beyond mere figures, to communicate to Irish businesses through an inclusive, unified content strategy and branding process.

Many people feel alienated by the science behind energy efficiency, not being able to see the wood from the trees, so to speak. Our designers worked closely with our content strategists to craft a message that would be accessible and digestible, that complemented the simple but powerful functionality of the carbon calculator and action plan.

Carbon calculator

Action report

Matrix created a design system to ensure consistency across all of the project’s digital touchpoints, unifying hundreds of design elements in a unique and engaging look and feel. This design methodology was a transparent and collaborative process that evolved and improved as the project progressed.

From powerful functionality, to inclusive messaging and distinctive branding, Matrix is proud to be a part of a nationwide project that will help Irish businesses rethink their sustainability goals.

Website

See the project

Key Features

01
Public-facing website with mobile-first design;
02
Bespoke graphic design and branding for the site;
03
Simple to use carbon calculator tool for businesses;
04
Modelling and algorithm design for all projections;
05
Content strategy with straightforward background information and advice;
06
Backend dashboard for engaged users;
07
Site hosting, training and ongoing technical support for key stakeholders.

Goals

To create an informative and practical hub for climate action, that appeals to Irish businesses of all sizes.

Develop a site that combines simple and powerful functionality with practical, personalised action points;
Develop an instantly recognisable brand identity;
Add context beyond the figures — inform and educate on the need for a zero-carbon strategy.

Process

From workshops to implementation, user experience, design thinking and unified messaging leads each stage.

UX and design/branding discovery workshops to set project goals and develop messaging strategy;
Branding process, involving hundreds of design assets, and creating new custom logos, colour palette and typography;
UI and UX design with multiple phases;
Development phase — unifying carbon calculator functionality, advisory reports and content strategy;
Key stakeholder training, hosting and ongoing support.

Results

Matrix has played a vital role in a landmark initiative that unites Irish businesses under the most pressing issue facing the planet.

High-profile media launch in December 2021 placed zero-carbon goals high on the business agenda;
High level of engagement and feedback from Irish businesses since launch;
Online tool is now a crucial element in the Government’s overall communication strategy around carbon pledges.
Irish businesses now have a user-friendly carbon calculator that provides a clear roadmap to a greener future.

Testimonial

To whom it may concern,

I am pleased to highly recommend the services of Matrix Internet Applications. We engaged Matrix Internet to design and build climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie after a competitive tender process. Throughout the project, from branding and logo design to UX development, building of the website, and right up to launch and post-launch, working with Matrix has been a very positive and productive experience. Their helpful and experienced staff brought us through the various project stages in well-organised, clear and professional manner. Their knowledge and expertise in the area of UX design, development, hosting, and overall web services is impressive. They constantly challenged our brief and helped us think through the process from our end user’s perspective. I want to particularly commend their approach to project management; communication was excellent, and issues were responded to and addressed without delay.

We would happily recommend the services of Matrix Internet to those considering planning a new or redesigned online presence, looking to ensure that it meets the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.