With Net Zero being a topic du jour, more and more specialists are piling in on ways companies can reduce their carbon emissions.
However, suggested interventions are usually high-level and theoretical very rarely providing the associated carbon reductions in absolute figures.
In response to this, below, we provide some examples of Scope 1-3 interventions which also aim to demonstrate how simple changes can result in large carbon reductions & effective decarbonisation strategies. All of these examples are interventions that have been implemented by companies we've worked with.
In addition to the % of carbon reduction, it is also important to note the amount of carbon (in tCO2e) being saved, as the primary goal is to save as much CO2 as possible. The comparison boxes below help to illustrate this point.
Scope 1
Replace 100 litres of Gas Oil (often used in generators on site) with 100 litres of Biodiesel HVO.
This results in a 91% carbon reduction (0.307 tCO2e).
Please note: this example does not take into account biogenic emissions which are associated with the use of Biodiesel HVO. Although biogenic emissions do not need to be reported alongside scope 1-3 emissions, they are useful in understanding the true impact of alternative fuels. For this example, the reduction in carbon emissions would be 19% if biogenic emissions are taken into account.
Improve company car fleet with the introduction of hybrid or electric vehicles.
Hybrid cars result in a 29% carbon reduction (0.006 tCO2e)
Electric cars result in 56% carbon reduction (0.012 tCO2e).
Please note: this example compared average-sized hybrid and electric vehicles with an average-sized diesel car, driving 100km.
Scope 2
Procure 1,000 kWh of REGO-backed electricity supply.
Location-based results in 0% carbon reduction. This is calculated using the average emission intensity of the local grid where power is sourced and doesn't factor in any green measures companies may adopt such as renewable energy credits.
Market-based results results in a 100% carbon reduction (0.207 tCO2e). This direct carbon emissions (i.e. no WTT or T&D) is the result of REGO-backed electricity supply having an emissions factor of zero under this reporting scenario.
Scope 3
Change company policy to disallow business class flights without a strong business case.
Flying economy results in a 66% carbon reduction (2.37 tCO2e)
Please note: this example compares flying long-haul from London to New York (5555 km) in economy class with business class.
Change company policy to encourage working from home.
This results in a 61%carbon reduction (0.004 tCO2e) per day.
Please note: this example compares commuting into an office for one day with working from home for one day. The commuting scenario used is 20 miles by an average-sized car with unknown fuel.
If you would like to take your first steps towards decarbonisation, why not get in touch at hello@bemari.co.uk
Content by Laura Asnong
Edited by Elspeth Alexander
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