Carbon Assessment 2021
In 2021 we decided to incorporate measuring our operational carbon emissions, and to make that an integral part of our accounts process. It's actually a very natural fit for accounting. We already know the distance traveled and type of transport used when the team make mileage and transport claims - so all we need to do is to add in the emissions factor for each type of transport and we gain an idea of the greenhouse gas emissions.
The aim of doing this is to identify and highlight areas where we can reduce our emissions and impact. Even this first year has been helpful to us and we now have a couple of improvements which we will make over the coming months. We used a service provided by Redshaw advisors called "One, Two, Zero". They have handy worksheets already prepared and a friendly specialist to help guide you through the process. After pinpointing areas for emissions reduction they then provide verified carbon offsets to bring our emissions to neutrality.
Here's how our scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions break down
- Scope 1: 1.32 tonnes CO2
- Scope 2: 0.71 tonnes CO2
- Scope 3: 19.33 tonnes CO2
Our warehouse is already powered by a renewable electricity supply, the heating is from a wood pellet boiler, the lights are low energy and on motion detectors. By far the bulk of our operational emissions are scope 3 emissions to do with transport.
Scope 3 breakdown
You can see that our main emissions are to do with transport. We will also encourage our suppliers and trade customers to think about going through a similar process. Because the emissions associated with our deliveries are inside of our influence, but outside of our control - however they are inside the control of the courier company that we use.
It is a really beneficial thing to go through and add to your business process. By doing it with a 3rd party provider you "force" yourself to do it, it adds in "thinking about emissions" to your approach, you have initial guidance, and external verification.
Our operational carbon emissions are just over 21 tonnes which have offset via certified carbon credits. The aim is of course to reduce those emissions year-on-year.
Looking ahead
Another task for us will be to attempt to quantify the emissions associated with the manufacturing and transport of our own brands. That is a chance to open up that conversation with our suppliers and in the short term might allow us to offset these emissions although of course ultimately the aim is to encourage our suppliers to address their scope 1 emissions. We will also investigate a solar installation at our warehouse as we do have a good area of roofspace there.
