Carbon Reduction Policy

Introduction

This being our inaugural Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) marks a significant step in our journey towards sustainability. As this is our first such initiative, the plan outlines our intent to systematically reduce carbon emissions across our operations. Our strategy focuses on integrating energy-efficient practices and leveraging technology to minimise our environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence. By developing bespoke solutions in line with regulatory requirements, we aim to help clients and us, to reduce emissions and contribute to long-term carbon neutrality.

This CRP reflects our commitment to establishing a foundation for ongoing environmental responsibility. It also acknowledges the importance of aligning with global sustainability targets and preparing for future regulatory demands. Brighter Consultancy aims to foster an organisational culture centred on reducing environmental risks while maximising business value. By embedding transparency and accountability into our CRP, we plan to monitor progress rigorously and evolve our approach over time.

The launch of this CRP represents the beginning of a journey that will guide Brighter Consultancy in becoming a key player in the low-carbon economy, benefiting both our business and the wider community. Through a combination of technological advancements, policy changes, and employee engagement, we aim to achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets. Our plan includes a timeline for implementation, measurable performance indicators, and regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability and progress. By embracing sustainability as a core value, Brighter Consultancy seeks to inspire others in our industry and contribute to a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.

This policy covers all employees, officers, consultants, contractors, interns, casual workers, suppliers, and agency workers.

Commitment to Achieving Net Zero by 2040

Brighter Consultancy is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our approach involves implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimising resource use, and collaborating with clients to drive sustainable practices. This commitment reflects our focus on long-term carbon reduction across operations and supporting a low-carbon economy. By aligning with global sustainability goals and adopting innovative solutions, Brighter Consultancy aims to future-proof its business while fostering positive environmental change for both its clients and the wider community. Regular monitoring and transparent reporting will ensure that we stay on track towards this ambitious goal.

Baseline Emissions Footprint 1st Jan – 31st Dec 2023

Figure 1

Figure 1 demonstrates that we are already operating as a low-emission organisation, which makes achieving substantial reductions more difficult. Despite this, we are committed to minimising our carbon footprint wherever possible. Over the coming years, we will actively seek opportunities to reduce emissions by leveraging available technologies and improving our understanding of areas where reductions can be made. By adopting innovative solutions and continuously assessing our operational impact, we aim to identify new ways to improve efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that we remain proactive in our efforts to lower emissions where feasible.

 

 

Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): Our business operates within restrictive processes that do not generate direct emissions. As we do not own or control any combustion equipment or facilities, we have no direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, ensuring zero Scope 1 emissions.

Scope 2: (Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling): Our rent includes utilities, we currently lack specific data regarding these emissions. However, we have requested information from the landlord to gain better insight into the energy usage tied to our operations. Once this data is obtained, we will record and report the associated emissions in line with our environmental goals. These figures will be included in our reports as soon as they become available.

Scope 3 (Category 1–4): Our business activities do not contribute to Scope 3 emissions in Categories 1–4, which cover purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities (not included in Scope 1 or 2), and upstream transportation and distribution. As these categories involve activities that are outside the core of our business model, our processes do not generate emissions in these areas.

Scope 3 (Category 5: Waste generated in operations): Currently, waste disposal is managed by the landlord as part of our rental agreement. However, we have requested details from the landlord regarding the waste generated by our operations. Once this information is provided, it will be incorporated into our Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).

Scope 3 (Category 8–9 – Upstream and Downstream Leased Assets): Our business procedures are limited in these areas, as we do not own or lease significant assets that would contribute to upstream or downstream emissions, ensuring minimal to no emissions in these categories.

 

Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting.

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard.

 

Figure 2

Current Emissions Reporting 1st Jan - 31st December 2023

As this is the first year of implementing our Carbon Reduction Plan, the emissions data for our baseline year and the current reporting period are identical. Establishing this baseline is crucial as it sets the foundation for measuring and comparing future reductions. As we continue to refine our carbon tracking and reporting processes, this baseline will serve as a reference point for assessing our progress toward Net Zero emissions. By using the same emissions data for both baseline and current reporting, we ensure a consistent starting point for tracking our environmental impact moving forward.

Emissions Reduction Targets

Based on the identified emissions, Brighter Consultancy can set the following carbon reduction targets to meet our net zero commitment by 2040:

1. Business Travel: Reduce emissions from business travel (currently at 1.5032 tCO₂e) by 40% by 2030 and 75% by 2040 through virtual meetings and low-carbon transport options.
2. Hotel Stays: Aim to reduce emissions from hotel stays (0.8330 tCO₂e) by 35% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 by using eco-friendly accommodations.
3. Work From Home: Decrease WFH emissions (0.5935 tCO₂e) by 25% by 2030 through energy-efficient practices and employee engagement.

Tracking these reductions will help ensure alignment with our 2040 net zero goal.

Carbon Reduction Initiatives

To achieve meaningful carbon reductions, Brighter Consultancy will implement a range of strategic initiatives.

For business travel, the emphasis will be on reducing trips through virtual meetings and online collaboration tools where possible, while promoting sustainable travel options like public transport and carpooling. Additionally, a travel policy will be established to prioritise eco-friendly transport methods, such as trains over flights.

In terms of hotel stays, Brighter will partner with eco-friendly hotels and implement policies that encourage local accommodation and shorter stays.

To enhance work from home practices, resources and training will be provided to help employees adopt energy-efficient behaviours, along with flexible work arrangements to reduce energy consumption during peak hours.

Employee training will focus on sustainability, with programs designed to raise awareness about carbon footprints, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. We are looking into incentives which can be offered to encourage environmentally friendly behaviours in both work and personal settings.

In addressing the supply chain, we will collaborate with suppliers to assess and reduce their carbon footprints. By setting sustainability criteria for supplier selection, we can prioritise those who demonstrate robust carbon reduction strategies.

Together, these initiatives will reinforce Brighter Consultancy's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation and extending these values throughout our operations and partnerships.

Declaration and Sign Off

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.

Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting.

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard.

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).

Signed on behalf of:

Dean Manning

Position: CEO

Date: 21/10/2024

 

This document is updated annually every January for updated emissions by: Operations Dept.