How Miai aced their Microsoft supplier sustainability surveys with Leafr

Overview

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Miai, a seasoned creative agency with deep roots in the video game industry, works with high-profile clients like Microsoft to deliver brand-defining work. When Microsoft introduced new sustainability survey requirements for its suppliers, Miai found themselves needing to report emissions data, fast. Without in-house expertise and no appetite for a full-time hire, they turned to Leafr to find a specialist who could get them over the line.

Challenge

As part of the supply chain for one of the world’s largest tech companies, Miai was asked to provide detailed emissions data across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 for both 2019 and 2023. This wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise: the data needed to be accurate, third-party assured, and submitted via Microsoft’s dedicated portal by a hard deadline. Miai had never undertaken a project of this nature before, and needed an expert who could handle both the technical requirements and the pressure of client-facing compliance.

However, a rapid turnaround project like this was not suitable for a permanent hire, the team didn't have the skills in-house, and consultancies were far too slow moving and expensive.

Solution  

Miai used Leafr to quickly source a carbon footprint consultant with direct experience in supply chain reporting for large tech clients. The expert hit the ground running: collecting and analysing emissions data, guiding internal stakeholders, securing validation for baseline years, and ensuring full compliance with Microsoft’s submission protocols in just a few weeks.

Results

The project was completed on time and to a high standard, so much so that Miai has since returned to Leafr multiple times to bring in similar expertise for other client-led sustainability initiatives. The ability to access niche consultants as-needed, without long-term commitments, proved to be exactly what Miai needed.

- On-time compliance: Miai met Microsoft’s emissions reporting deadline with fully validated data and a clear, complete submission.
- Specialist access on demand: Leafr connected Miai with an expert who understood both the technical and stakeholder sides of the project.
- Repeat success: Impressed by the speed and quality of delivery, Miai has returned to Leafr several times for support on similar sustainability projects.
- Flexible resourcing: Instead of hiring full-time, Miai found a lean, cost-effective way to meet growing compliance demands.

Conclusion  

Sustainability reporting is becoming table stakes for companies in major supply chains, but it doesn’t always warrant a full-time hire. With Leafr, Miai was able to meet complex client requirements quickly and confidently, and built a model for accessing expertise that scales with their needs. For project-driven businesses facing new compliance pressures this kind of flexibility isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

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