Auditel is a leading solution provider for carbon and procurement services and has joined forces with Milsted Langdon to support businesses on their journey to Net Zero.
Auditel have more than 30 years’ experience in helping organisations measure, reduce and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your climate goals and reduce costs.
Here in this guest blog, we speak with Auditel to give clarity to three key questions around what companies need to do to start their journey to Net Zero.
1. What Does Net Zero By 2050 Mean?
The term “net zero” is often used to describe targets for greenhouse gas emissions. A net zero target means that, over a set period, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere.
The UK Government has set a target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This means that, by 2050, the UK will need to have removed as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it has emitted.
There are a number of ways that this can be achieved, such as planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon dioxide. Businesses will also play a vital role in helping to achieve this target.
Many businesses are already taking steps to reduce their emissions, but there is still more to be done. Companies like Auditel work with businesses to help them measure their carbon emission and footprint, become more energy efficient, and move to cleaner forms of energy.
By working together, we can make sure that the UK meets its net zero targets and helps to tackle climate change.
2. What is meant by Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions?
Scope 1 Emissions
Scope 1 emissions are those that come directly from a company’s own activities. For example, if a company operates its own fleet of vehicles, the emissions from those vehicles would be considered scope 1 emissions. Other examples of scope 1 emissions include emissions from company-owned boilers, furnaces, and other combustion equipment.
While scope 1 emissions are directly controlled by a company, they are also the most difficult to reduce. This is because they often require significant changes to business operations, which can be expensive and disruptive. However, it is important to consider ways to reduce scope 1 emissions, as they are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. There are many ways to reduce Scope 1 emissions, such as improving energy efficiency, switching to cleaner fuels, or investing in renewable energy.
Scope 2 Emissions
Scope 2 emissions are those that result from the indirect consumption of energy, such as electricity, by an organisation. These emissions can come from both on-site and off-site sources of power generation. For example, if a company uses electricity generated from coal-fired power plants to run its operations, it would be responsible for the Scope 2 emissions associated with the indirect consumption of that electricity.
Organisations can take action to reduce their Scope 2 emissions in a number of ways. One way is to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) or offsets that offset the emissions associated with their electricity use. Another option is to invest in energy efficiency measures that reduce the overall amount of electricity needed to run their operations. Finally, companies can also explore switching to low-carbon or renewable sources of energy for their operations. By taking these steps, businesses can help mitigate their contribution to climate change and improve their sustainability profile.
Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions are those that result from the indirect activities of an organisation. These can include things like employee commuting, business travel, waste disposal, and the use of purchased goods and services. Many organisations are now working to reduce their Scope 3 emissions to help mitigate climate change.
One way to reduce Scope 3 emissions is to encourage employees to use alternatives to car travel, such as public transportation, biking, or walking. Businesses can also purchase green power for their operations, and source their products and services from suppliers that have low carbon footprints. By taking these actions, businesses can significantly reduce their contribution to climate change.
3. What is a Carbon Reduction Plan?
A Carbon Reduction Plan is a strategy implemented by a business or organisation to reduce its carbon. It typically includes measures such as energy efficiency, renewable energy and transportation, amongst many others.
The goal of a Carbon Reduction Plan is to help businesses and organisations become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In some cases, a carbon reduction planning can also lead to cost savings for the company or organisation.
There are many different components that can be included in a Carbon Reduction Plan. Some of the most common measures are listed below:
- Efficiency: Implementing energy-saving measures such as lighting upgrades, insulation and heating/cooling system improvements.
- Renewable energy: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower.
- Transportation: Encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles and alternative transportation methods such as carpooling, biking and public transport.
Each company or organisation will tailor its Carbon Reduction Plan to fit its specific needs and goals.
However, all Carbon Reduction Plans should aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the business or organisation to help protect the environment and achieve the Government’s target of 1.5 degrees by 2050.
Why Create a Carbon Reduction Plan?
There are many reasons why UK businesses may need to develop a Carbon Reduction Plan. One key reason is climate change. The UK is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent and for businesses to reach net zero emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. This means that businesses need to find ways to become more efficient and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Another reason businesses may want to develop a Carbon Reduction Plan is to save money. Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses for many businesses and reducing energy usage can lead to significant savings. In addition, carbon-intensive businesses may face penalties under the UK’s climate change levy.
Developing a Carbon Reduction Plan can be a complex process, but there are many resources available to help businesses get started. The UK government offers a free online toolkit that provides guidance on how to develop and implement a plan. Our expert Carbon Reduction Advisors at Auditel can also help you with tailored and hands-on advice and guidance to develop and implement a Carbon Reduction Plan. See more info here: https://auditel.co.uk/carbon-solutions/
If your business is looking to reduce its carbon footprint, a Carbon Reduction Plan can help you achieve your goals.
But the best place to start is by undertaking a carbon inventory, you cannot reduce what you cannot measure. For best results, a carbon inventory should be conducted with a robust methodology, such as that provided by PAS2060 or ISO14064-1. At Auditel, we only work to these standards, and all our Carbon Footprint Reports and Carbon Reduction Plans follow the methodology laid out in these standards.
Identifying and tackling the Carbon Hotspots
Once you have a meaningful and robust Carbon Footprint Report, you can then start to identify the hotspots in your organisation. This will enable you to create a plan to reduce your carbon emissions in an achievable way.
However, it is not just about saying you will switch to renewable energy, you need to calculate what the saving is in the tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent or tCO2e that is emitted from your organisation. These reductions are then documented in your reduction plan and your stakeholders, customers or just the reader of your plan can understand the level you will achieve.
Reducing Carbon will Reduce Costs
Reducing carbon will reduce costs. Although there will be some initial investments that you need to make to reduce your carbon, with energy prices at an all-time high, the return on your investment in renewables has never been faster.
There are many things a business or organisation can do that have no cost attached, and this is where Auditel’s experience will benefit you as you embark on this important journey.
Carbon reduction is a must if we are going to reduce the impact we are having on climate change. Producing a robust carbon footprint coupled with a meaningful and achievable reduction plan is an excellent place to start.
On 10 September from 12.30pm – 2pm, Milsted Langdon is pleased to be hosting a roundtable event in their Bristol office, alongside Auditel, to explore some practical tips on starting and maintaining a sustainable journey and the impact this can have on your business.
To register your interest in this event, please email events@milstedlangdon.co.uk