The impact of carbon footprinting in action
In an era marked by increasing environmental concerns and the recognition of the strategic significance of climate action, organisations of all sizes are proactively seeking ways to reduce their carbon impacts.
We recently partnered with Pobl, Wales’ largest social housing provider, to perform an extensive carbon footprint analysis for their 2021-22 and 2022-23 activities. This collaboration serves as an example of how public and social sector organisations can systematically measure and reduce their environmental impact.
Pobl's partnership with Mazars exemplifies a growing trend among public sector organisations wanting to understand their environmental impact and take active steps to mitigate it. By expanding the scope of their carbon footprint assessment, Pobl is not only meeting regulatory mandates, but also future-proofing its strategic agenda:
Resource efficiency
Stakeholder engagement
Opportunity for innovation
Reputation and responsibility
Our partnership with Pobl measured and analysed their carbon emissions comprehensively using our in-house carbon footprinting tool. The project focused on calculating emissions across all three scopes, offering a holistic view of Pobl’s environmental impact.
1. Assessing emissions sources
One of the first steps involved analysing Pobl's activities to determine which upstream and downstream activities were relevant for emissions reporting, aligning with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
2. Expanding scope
The scope of the emissions assessment was broadened compared to previous reporting periods. We worked closely with Pobl, to incorporate tenant energy consumption into the calculations as Scope 3 downstream leased assets – reflecting Pobl's commitment to accounting for all possible sources of emissions.
3. Data collection and quality assurance
Accurate data is the foundation of any meaningful carbon footprint assessment. Data for the carbon footprinting project was therefore collected by Pobl's dedicated team and rigorously quality assured by Mazars, which then generated a comprehensive output report. This output report will be included in Pobl's financial reports, transparently communicating the organisation's environmental performance to its stakeholders.
4. Continuous improvement
The project didn't stop at measuring emissions. Process and data collection improvements were identified and shared with Pobl to enhance data granularity for future reporting years. This commitment to improvement highlights Pobl’s dedication to ongoing environmental responsibility.
What is carbon footprinting?Carbon footprinting is a critical process that helps organisations assess the total amount of greenhouse gases they emit directly or indirectly. These emissions are typically categorised into three scopes: Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organisation, such as on-site fuel combustion. Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heating, or cooling. Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, including those from the supply chain, business travel, and the use of products or services by tenants or customers. | What is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a globally recognised and widely used standard for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions. It provides a structured framework that organisations can adhere to when evaluating and reporting their carbon footprint. |
To find out more about carbon footprinting, or to discuss your organisation’s environmental impact, fill out the contact us form and one of the team will be in touch.
With the UK committed to reducing all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, calculating your organisation’s carbon footprint should be high on the agenda. As a fundamental first step in implementing an emissions reduction plan, working out your carbon footprint also helps you to gain a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
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