In a world riven by the worldwide web more connected than ever, a lot is communicated per minute. Not just those cute cat videos and your mum's apps, but especially a lot of business communication. This makes good translations more important than ever. Translation agency Perfect helps companies make those perfect translations. Because the devil is in the details... A difference in meaning or an unintentionally blunt formulation can cause a lot of hassle. How do you recognise a good and sustainable translation agency? One that operates both perfectly and sustainably? We asked Translation Agency Perfect.
Perfect, a sustainable translation agency
In cooperation with Translation Agency Perfect
Communication is the way to stay in touch, inform each other and teach another person or yourself something. In recent years, there has been a lot of development in the world of communication. For instance, since the end of 2022, people worldwide have been using ChatGPT, a handy AI tool that allows you to generate complete texts and get answers to a wide variety of (open) questions. Sam van Gentevoort of Translation Agency Perfect: ‘It is not very crazy to see what opportunities such a programme can bring. For instance, ChatGPT can serve as a tool for teaching and learning, it can provide information on complex concepts and, as a user, you can communicate more naturally with computers. Many an organisation uses it within their operations to simplify certain tasks or produce textual content for the website for a reason.’
A translation agency among all the AI chat robots?
‘But... at the same time, it is good to be aware that there are ‘dangers’ lurking. Not only because ChatGPT so far cannot be used for the full 100%, because the programme can provide incorrect or outdated information, but also because training this kind of large language model significant environmental effects has. Such processes consume huge amounts of electricity because training requires huge computing power from graphics processing units and other hardware. Once these models are operational, as ChatGPT is now, they are hosted on servers that need to run constantly. That too means ongoing energy consumption.’
This combination ensures that for really good and reliable content, you will still regularly hire a professional. A translation agency, in other words. And they too work more sustainably these days. At Vertaalbureau Perfect, for instance, you have come to the right place.
How do you recognise a sustainable translation agency?
Sam: ‘A sustainable translation agency is one in which sustainability is not just a small part of its operations, but is one of its main pillars. Translation agency Perfect, for example, can be recognised by the following sustainable characteristics.’
Less is more: green business practices
‘At Translation Agency Perfect, we do not have company cars and encourage people to travel to the office by bicycle or public transport. When hiring new colleagues, we always check whether they live within 45 minutes’ commuting distance at most; commuting doesn't make anyone happy and it's not good for the environment either. We also try to make our purchases as sustainable as possible: from sustainable coffee to second-hand office furniture and from green electricity from Dutch soil to refurbished equipment.'
Transparency of great importance at sustainable translation agency
Furthermore, you can recognise a sustainable translation agency by the transparency present about business practices, including environmental policies, working conditions and ethics. This information is often shared online and is accessible to anyone who wants to know more about it. ‘At Translation Agency Perfect, we are open about our working methods and everything involved. Incidentally, that is also a must for becoming a B Corp, but we like the idea of showing people how we work anyway.’
Working as Benefit Corporation
Sam mentions it briefly: good translation agencies can also be recognised by certification. For some time now, translation agency Perfect has been a B Corp (Benefit Corporation), demonstrating their commitment to a better world by creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy with consideration for people, the environment and society. Being a B Corp also gives you concrete tools to continuously improve your operations.
Meaningful business to contribute
One of the components you can also recognise a sustainable translation agency by is whether they do meaningful business. ‘With Vertaalbureau Perfect, we do that in the form that we help some Dutch non-profit organisations with their international communication without any obligation. One example is the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM).’
What about that environmental impact from all that data traffic?
With increasing attention being paid to the environmental impact of all that data traffic, companies need to look for sustainable solutions to this. Sam: ‘We are betting on local initiatives, this is where the TV programme Backlight also devoted a nice broadcast to it entitled Power to the people. Paradoxically, a bottom-up approach can actually make a valuable contribution to the pursuit of positive globalisation. One example is the transition to using 100% locally generated green electricity. At our place, we not only use green electricity, but we have also made the move to CO2-compensated gas through Energie VanOns. This means that the usual gas we use is offset with CO2 rights, generated by investing in sustainable projects or planting trees. Moreover, we host our website with an ISO27001-certified Managed Hosting provider called ShockMedia. The optimised computing power of their servers helps minimise unnecessary energy consumption.’
Also need a perfect sustainable translation?
In short: despite the advent of ChatGPT, it is still a must to hire a professional when it comes to texts and translations; if you want it to be sustainable and flawless. Want to know more about Translation Agency Perfect, want to work as a translator yourself or need a good translation? Then check their website.
How does Translation Agency Perfect work?
‘After we have received your texts and translation requirements, we carefully study your request. We then select the most suitable native translator (who always complies with the ISO 17100 standard) and send you a competitive quote. Do you agree? Then we will immediately start translating and revising the text. As soon as the text is ready, you will receive the translation by e-mail. At the same time, we want to make the world a nicer place by tailoring our services to our customers’ needs and by doing business in a meaningful way. For example, we maintain a focus on social profit by acting conscientiously with self-managing teams that can work flexibly and freely. Happy employees are the basis for a thriving business and add value for customers. In this way, we also do our bit for a better world.'
About Sam van Gentevoort
Sam works at Translation Agency Perfect and Fairlingo. Two translation agencies that are B Corp certified and want globalisation to contribute positively.
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Also see: all about translation agency Fairlingo, sister of...
- Also see: good habits in your sustainable office.
- Also see: compensate your business activities.
- Also see: A more sustainable venue for your corporate event at Valk Exclusive.
Photo credits: Tatiana Syrikova (Pexels).
