Insights from Scottish Testing Group & 2i Webinar
Prefer to hear it directly from the speakers? You can watch or listen to the full webinar here:
Introduction
To mark Earth Hour 2026, the Scottish Testing Group, together with 2i, hosted a session on one of the most important topics in tech right now: sustainability.
Led by industry expert Sivaprasad Kunjanpillai, the session explored how software testing, often seen as purely technical, can actually play a key role in reducing environmental impact, particularly in retail.
Run as a “Lunch and Learn”, the session brought together people from across the testing and quality engineering community. It encouraged a simple but important shift in thinking: sustainability isn’t just about big strategies or new ideas. It comes down to how well things are implemented, and that’s where quality and testing make the difference.
The everyday impact of retail operations
The session started with something familiar: the paper receipt. Globally, around three trillion receipts are printed every year, using huge amounts of natural resources for something most people throw away almost immediately.
At the same time, the rise of online shopping has increased emissions through deliveries and returns. Faster delivery expectations and multiple small orders mean more vehicles on the road and more packaging being used.
These examples show that sustainability issues in retail aren’t just about supply chains - they’re part of everyday customer interactions.
Key sustainability initiatives
Retailers are already making changes to reduce their impact. Digital receipts are replacing paper, and electronic shelf labels are removing the need to constantly print price tags.
Fulfilment is also evolving. Options like buy online, pick up in store, and ship-from-store help reduce delivery distances. Predictive sizing tools are being used to cut down on returns by helping customers choose the right size first time.
Major retailers such as Tesco, Morrisons, and Amazon are already using these approaches, showing that sustainability can be built into both in-store and online experiences.
The complexity behind simple solutions
While these ideas sound simple, putting them into practice is not.
Take digital receipts as an example. Behind the scenes, multiple systems need to work together; point-of-sale, CRM, email platforms, and reporting tools. All of them must handle data correctly and securely.
Things become even more complex across different countries, where rules around tax, language, and compliance vary. Even small mistakes can lead to confusion, returns, or extra processing - all of which add to environmental impact.
Why testing is critical
This is where testing becomes essential.
Testing ensures that data is accurate, systems are properly connected, and everything works as expected. It also checks that the experience is clear and easy for customers to use.
In reality, this isn’t simple testing. Teams often need to cover hundreds of scenarios - different languages, devices, customer preferences, and platforms. In omni-channel retail, they also need to test full journeys, including purchases, deliveries, and returns across different regions.
Without this level of care, sustainability initiatives can easily fall short or even create more waste instead of reducing it.
The evolving role of testers
One of the key takeaways from the session was how the role of testers is changing.
Testers are no longer just validating requirements - they are helping shape them. This means asking the right questions, spotting gaps early, and making sure sustainability is considered from the start.
There’s also a strong need for collaboration, especially when it comes to localisation and compliance. In some cases, teams even work with local store colleagues to make sure content is accurate and culturally appropriate.
At the same time, testers need to protect quality in fast-paced environments, ensuring that speed doesn’t come at the cost of accuracy.
Driving adoption through trust
For any of these initiatives to work, customers need to trust them, for example, digital receipts require people to share their email address. If they’re unsure how their data will be used, they may not opt in. Clear communication and strong data handling are essential.
Testing supports this by making sure everything works consistently and predictably. When customers have a smooth experience and understand what they’re seeing, they are much more likely to adopt these changes.
Conclusion
Sustainability in retail isn’t just about having the right ideas - it’s about getting the details right.
Initiatives like digital receipts and smarter fulfilment can make a real difference, but only if they are implemented properly. That’s where testing comes in.
By ensuring systems are accurate, reliable, and easy to use, testing helps turn sustainability goals into real, measurable outcomes. In that sense, quality engineering isn’t just about better software - it’s part of building a more sustainable future.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to everyone who took part in and supported the session, including the organisers, speakers, and attendees who contributed to such an engaging discussion.
What’s next
The Scottish Testing Group will also be hosting its next session on accessibility, focusing on how to run a mini accessibility audit and improve inclusive design.
Next session details:
Topic: How to Conduct a Mini Accessibility Audit
Speaker: David Lucas
Date: 14th May 2026
Time: 12pm