Sustainability in Assessment: How RM Compare Is Leading the Green Revolution

By Mark House

As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a necessity. At RM Compare, we believe every assessment is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet. By harnessing the power of digital technology, we’re not only transforming how assessments are delivered but also dramatically reducing the environmental footprint of educational institutions and professional bodies.

Every Assessment Is a Step Toward a Greener Planet

Traditional assessment methods—paper exams, physical moderation meetings, and extensive logistics—have a significant environmental cost. From paper waste to carbon emissions from travel and shipping, the impact adds up quickly. RM Compare’s Adaptive Comparative Judgement (ACJ) platform is designed to change that, offering a more sustainable solution for modern assessment needs.

How RM Compare Supports Sustainability

Paperless, Digital Assessment

By digitising the assessment process, RM Compare eliminates the need for paper, printing, and shipping. This not only reduces waste but also slashes the carbon emissions associated with traditional exam logistics. Schools, educators, and awarding bodies can now conduct robust, fair assessments without leaving a trail of environmental harm

On-Demand, Remote Access

RM Compare’s 24/7 availability means assessors and learners can participate from anywhere in the world. This flexibility reduces the need for travel, further lowering the carbon footprint of every assessment cycle

Scalable Cloud Efficiency

Our cloud-based model ensures that as demand grows, the environmental impact per assessment remains low. Whether you’re running a small internal moderation or a large-scale national assessment, RM Compare’s infrastructure is designed to be efficient and sustainable at every scale.

Powered by AWS

RM Compare is proud to be an AWS-qualified software solution and an AWS Partner. This partnership brings a host of sustainability benefits:

  • Massive Carbon Reductions: AWS data centres are among the most energy-efficient in the world.
  • Renewable Energy by Design: AWS is committed to powering its operations with 100% renewable energy.
  • Water Positive Goals: AWS aims to be water positive by 2030, returning more water to communities than it uses.
  • Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency: Hardware recycling and resource efficiency are built into AWS operations.
  • Industry-Leading Sustainability Ratings: AWS provides tools to track and report on carbon emissions, supporting transparency and continuous improvement for RM Compare and our customers

Sustainability at RM Group

As part of the wider RM Group, RM Compare benefits from a strong organisational commitment to sustainability:

  • Carbon Reduction: RM Group has already reduced its carbon impact by 67% since 2015 and is targeting net zero direct emissions by 2035.
  • Zero Waste to Landfill: RM is working towards eliminating landfill waste by 2030 through smarter packaging, recycling, and circular procurement.
  • Sustainable Procurement: RM partners with suppliers who share our values, offering eco-friendly products and recycling services.
  • Recognition: RM Group’s leadership in sustainable IT has been recognised with awards and industry accolades, including a top 35% sustainability rating on the EcoVadis platform.

Why Sustainability in Assessment Matters

Environmental responsibility in education extends far beyond the classroom. By choosing digital, cloud-based solutions like RM Compare, schools and organisations can:

  • Reduce their environmental impact
  • Support national and global sustainability goals
  • Model responsible citizenship for learners
  • Future-proof their assessment processes against regulatory and societal changes

Conclusion: Join the Movement for Greener Assessment

RM Compare is more than just an assessment platform—it’s a catalyst for positive environmental change. By leveraging sustainable technology and partnering with leaders in green cloud infrastructure, we empower educators and organisations to deliver high-quality, scalable assessments with a fraction of the environmental impact of traditional methods.

Choosing RM Compare means joining a community committed to educational excellence and a sustainable future. Every assessment you run is a step toward a greener planet.

For more on our sustainability initiatives and how you can make your assessments greener, visit our Sustainability Help pages.