Building a sustainability foundation for a national freight & logistics provider.
NuQuest approached Circle³ to help establish a clear sustainability foundation, identify material priorities, and build the systems needed for long-term measurement, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
The Challenge
NuQuest needed more than a sustainability statement — they needed a real foundation. That meant defining their key sustainability topics, establishing baseline data, and building systems that could support credible reporting and decision-making for years to come.
The Approach
Circle³ led a phased engagement covering strategy development, operational implementation, and communications — from initial research and stakeholder engagement through to a custom tracking system, on-the-ground waste programs, and a refreshed brand presence.
Real numbers, not projections.
Across waste sorting, metal recovery, and e-waste recycling, here's what the engagement has delivered so far.
Of end-of-life dental scanning equipment — including electronics, casings, and components — routed to R2 certified recycling facilities with a 97% recycling rate instead of landfill.
Of metal recovered and recycled, generating $2,005.80 in rebates back to NuQuest.
Created internally — a warehouse sustainability coordinator and an office sustainability representative — to oversee waste sorting, data tracking, and accountability.
Six steps, from research to results.
The engagement moved through clearly defined phases — each building on the last.
Key Topic Identification
We began with targeted market and industry research to pinpoint the sustainability issues most relevant to transportation, logistics, and warehousing. This created the initial focus areas for all future tracking and planning.
Stakeholder Engagement
To ensure buy-in and internal alignment, we conducted:
- A sustainability rollout announcement (newsletter)
- One-on-one staff conversations
- Internal surveys to assess understanding, priorities, and operational insights
This helped us understand NuQuest's current practices, challenges, and opportunities directly from the teams involved.
Building a Sustainability Tracking System
Using insights from research and engagement, we developed a custom Sustainability Dashboard for leadership (CEO & CFO), built in Airtable. The dashboard tracks the company's core environmental indicators:
- Carbon footprint & fleet fuel usage
- Waste streams (warehouse + office)
- Energy consumption across facilities
This gives NuQuest the baseline data required for future reporting, goal-setting, and compliance.
Identifying Sustainability Value & Revenue Opportunities
We focused on how sustainability could create internal value for NuQuest's operations, with early exploration into how this work could strengthen the company's credibility externally. Our assessment identified opportunities to:
- Access rebates and incentive programs
- Explore material reuse and diversion pathways
- Reduce internal costs through more efficient waste management and energy use
- Improve route efficiency to lower fuel consumption and strengthen customer value
- Enhance long-term market positioning through responsible operations
Operational Improvements & Waste Management
Circle³ designed and implemented new waste practices across both the warehouse and office:
- Warehouse waste sorting system
- Office sorting station
- Waste tracking spreadsheet
- Partnership with Reworld for streamlined waste collection
- Assigned internal sustainability leads for warehouse and office
These systems help ensure accurate, long-term data collection and improved operational efficiency.
Internal Sustainability Structure
To embed sustainability into daily operations, we supported NuQuest in appointing a warehouse sustainability coordinator and an office sustainability representative. Both roles oversee waste sorting, data tracking, resource reduction, and internal accountability measures.
Communications & Brand Support
Alongside building their sustainability strategy foundations, Circle³ supported NuQuest in elevating their brand and communications to align with their new direction.
Our work focused on strengthening their external presence, improving clarity, and ensuring that sustainability was embedded into their brand identity and storytelling.
Project Status & Timeline
Strategy implementation and data tracking are ongoing, with a clear path to the next phase.
- Strategy implementation & data tracking 2024 – 2026
- Baseline completion January 2026
This foundational work positions NuQuest to move forward with confidence.
With the data and structure now in place, NuQuest is ready to support credible long-term strategy, reporting, and communications — and we're proud to be part of that journey.
See how we can help your business ↗