Background
‘Sustainability should be naturally integrated into our operations.’ That was the feeling at Devoteam when conversations around sustainability started to gain real momentum. The usual corporate initiatives didn’t feel like enough. So when one team member came across Treeapp, it sparked a different kind of idea. What if every service delivered also planted trees? What if sustainability could grow with the business?
Devoteam is a UK-based cloud consultancy and AWS Advanced Partner, helping organisations make the most of cloud technology. AWS (short for Amazon Web Services) is the world’s leading cloud computing platform, offering businesses scalable, secure services over the internet, instead of relying on traditional IT infrastructure. One of Devoteam’ core offerings is the AWS Well-Architected Framework Review: an in-depth assessment that ensures cloud systems are efficient, cost-effective, and resilient.
At first, the idea was simple: plant 10 trees for every AWS Well-Architected Framework Review delivered. But… it didn’t stay that way for long. As Devoteam worked with Treeapp to calculate the real carbon footprint of these reviews, they realised 20 trees per review would better reflect the impact, and made the switch. Just as AWS introduced sustainability as the 6th pillar of their Well-Architected Framework, Devoteam had already integrated environmental action into their most frequent technical service.
Now, with close to 2,500 trees planted, Devoteam has embedded tree planting into the heart of their business, and their culture.
Why This Project?
Devoteam had a few key goals in mind when they began their partnership:
1. Make a measurable environmental impact
By linking tree planting directly to AWS Well-Architected Framework Reviews, they ensured a consistent, trackable contribution that scales as the business grows.
2. Embed sustainability into core services
With reviews being a high-volume service, this initiative didn’t sit on the sidelines, it became part of the day-to-day.
3. Inspire their team
The initiative created a sense of pride among staff, who now see how their everyday work translates into long-lasting environmental benefit. This year, members of the Devoteam team will also be joining Treeapp for an in-person planting day. A hands-on way to connect with the impact of their efforts and bring their commitment to life beyond the digital realm.
4. Strengthen client and partner relationships
The project also helped open the door to deeper, more authentic sustainability conversations, with clients and AWS alike.
A Global Footprint with Tangible Impact
“Our partnership with Treeapp has transformed how we approach sustainability by connecting our everyday work directly to real environmental impact.” - Cathryn Cust, Customer Success Manager and Well-Architected Lead at Devoteam.
What began as a simple idea sparked by the team has now grown into a global initiative, now spanning across 13 countries. Thanks to Treeapp’s global network, the trees planted by Devoteam are restoring ecosystems, absorbing carbon, and supporting local communities with fair work and education, where the trees are needed most. For Devoteam, it’s a powerful reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to feel distant. Every review they run has a visible, meaningful impact.
Lessons Learned
The key takeaway? Build sustainability into what you already do best.
By linking tree planting to a core service, Devoteam made sure their impact would grow with the business. Planting 20 trees per review was a data-backed decision that reflected the real carbon footprint of their work, adding credibility across the board.
For any business looking to turn sustainability from idea to action, Devoteam shows the way: start with what’s already working, keep it simple, and make it scalable. Small, consistent steps can drive real, measurable change.
Want to see how tree planting could fit into your business? Reach out to the Treeapp team, we’d love to help you build an initiative that grows with you.
