With expertise in data analytics, AI and cyber security as well as know-how in compliance, cloudification and XaaS, x1F is setting new standards across the industry. The more than 1,300 employees develop effective end-to-end solutions, automate and optimize processes, drive digital transformation and take over operations in the form of managed services.
In this way, x1F helps clients to continuously meet regulatory requirements, minimize risks and protect their reputation – for sustainable growth and long-term market success.
With a current annual turnover of over 200 million euros, the company believes it has a responsibility to consistently implement ecological and social criteria not only internally, but also in its cooperation with customers and partners.
These include the introduction of a Group-wide climate strategy, the recording of greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol, measures in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion as well as clear governance structures such as a Group-wide Code of Conduct.
1300
Employees
40
Locations in Europe
15
Subsidiaries
OUTPUT SITUATION
Sustainability at x1F
In 2024, x1F exceeded the 1,000-employee threshold and at that time already had 15 subsidiaries at over 40 locations in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.
It quickly became clear that the individual companies had very different levels of maturity when it came to sustainability – from existing certifications such as EcoVadis to structures that were still lacking. At the same time, regulatory requirements are increasing, particularly as a result of the CSRDand the EU taxonomy, as well as the expectations of customers, who primarily come from regulated industries such as banking, insurance and the public sector.
x1F therefore decided to systematically embed sustainability at management level. Supported by direct sponsorship from the CFO, an ESG staff unit was created, which has been setting up a uniform sustainability management system under the leadership of Alessa Jewko since mid-2024 and acts as a central sparring partner for all areas of the company.
“Sponsoring directly at the highest management level lends weight to the topic and creates the necessary assertiveness. Sustainability is not a fig leaf for us, but a central component of corporate management” emphasizes Jewko.
Sustainability is not a fig leaf for us, but a central component of corporate management.
Alessa Jewko
ESG Manager x1F
CODE GAIA’S SOLUTION
Cooperation between x1F and Code Gaia
x1F has been working closely with Code Gaia since May 2024. The focus is on establishing a holistic sustainability management system based on two pillars: conducting a double materiality analysis as the basis for CSRD reporting and creating a company-wide corporate carbon footprint in accordance with the GHG Protocol.
The double materiality analysis was carried out over a period of several months. Key impacts, risks and opportunities were identified in a series of workshops and interviews with internal and external stakeholders . The intensive stakeholder dialog in particular – in the form of a combination of questionnaires and personal interviews – proved to be a success factor.
“We deliberately designed the dialog as a win-win. This not only allowed us to validate our own assessments, but also to gain valuable input for our sustainability strategy,” explains Jewko. Many customers were actively involved and confirmed that sustainability is now a decisive criterion in tenders.
In 2025, x1F began creating its corporate carbon footprint. As the first Group-wide package of measures, a company-wide travel policy was adopted that regulates sustainable mobility in a binding manner. Based on the CO₂ data, the next step will be a climate strategy with specific reduction paths.
Return on investment from sustainability
100x
The results were not long in coming: x1F was already able to reap tangible benefits from its sustainability ambitions in the 2024/2025 financial year.
- Around 16% of turnover – around 32 million euros – was directly linked to ESG criteria. This means that the financial added value of sustainability management exceeded the costs for software, personnel and consulting more than a hundredfold.
- In addition to climate strategy and carbon footprinting, topics such as anti-discrimination, diversity & inclusion and responsible corporate governance also contributed to the company’s success: customers – especially from the public sector – are increasingly demanding evidence in these areas.
x1F responded early on by developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy and implementing company-wide measures. This not only secures the company’s market access, but also reduces reputational risks in international business.
Sustainability is not a necessary evil, but a huge opportunity for companies to improve their management and tap into new growth potential
CONCLUSION
Outlook
30 %
In the coming years, x1F expects ESG criteria to play a role in up to 30% of all tenders – a significant growth driver for the company.
In order to fully exploit this opportunity, x1F also relies on data-based work, regular strategy workshops and the further professionalization of its sustainability management.
Read our guide to IRO-based materiality to find out how companies can use IRO-based materiality to turn ESG from a cost factor into a value driver.
