Setting High Standards
We have been working with a leading healthcare software and solutions company in the UK to support their carbon footprinting requirements over the past few years. As a company that sets high standards, they wanted to partner with an equally ambitious sustainability consultancy to help them achieve a positive impact on the environment. Our footprinting team were able to collaborate closely with them to calculate their 2021 and 2022 carbon emissions, achieve Natural Carbon Solutions certification and set realistic reduction targets.
Calculating and Re-calculating
Eight Versa began with taking the organisation through the process of completing their first baseline carbon footprint in 2021. This included weekly calls with key stakeholders including those from their finance and procurement teams to identify primary data collection sources and methods. This was an invaluable part of the process as we could collaborate closely with them to ensure the quality of the data remained high. It also meant that we could develop and agree where certain estimates and assumptions need to be made if the primary data was not available.
When coming back to calculate their carbon footprint for the second year in 2022 we had to address some significant changes to the business that impacted their emissions. This involved a reassessment of the structure of the organisation and retrospectively adjusting the 2021 baseline footprint as they had acquired an additional asset during this period. However, due to setting a strong and accurate foundation in the first year, we were able to successfully recalculate for 2021 and complete the 2022 footprint with ease.
Upon completion of both the 2021 and 2022 carbon footprint assessment, the results were verified by the official third-party certifier Natural Carbon Solutions, whereby they were awarded Carbon Measured certification. This confirmed that the methodologies adopted for the assessment followed best-practice and internationally recognised footprinting standards. Following Natural Carbon Solution’s third-party verification of the results, we uploaded the results onto our digital platform, Vero, so that they could monitor their carbon footprint each year.
A Meaningful Carbon Reduction Plan
During our initial carbon footprint assessment in 2021, we developed a carbon reduction strategy report for the organisation. Within this strategy document, we identified key emission hotspots across the organisation which were addressed through targeted reduction measures. Through our regular catch ups we were able to discuss the feasibility of our recommendations and work collaboratively on developing a meaningful and effective carbon reduction strategy.
When reflecting on the previous year in 2022, our team worked on updating the original carbon reduction strategy that was developed, including the re-baseline figures from 2021. The reduction recommendations were quantified to highlight the realistic emissions savings that could be achieved. As we built a clearer picture on what was achievable, they were able to set a Net Zero target of 2040. Helping the organisation see how they can realise their ambitious goals was a critical turning point for their sustainability strategy. It was also essential that all the necessary datasets were measured under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements to disclose in their annual report.
