Introduction
Recent scientific discoveries in the field of climate studies indicate that the current lifestyles of human beings are having a detrimental impact on the Earth’s climate. The consequences of climate change, such as widespread forest fires and droughts, are becoming increasingly evident. Extensive scientific research has confirmed the continuous rise in sea levels.
Experts widely agree that unless significant changes are made to our behaviour, the future remains uncertain, particularly in terms of social, environmental, and economic stability. The 2015 Paris Agreement established a global objective to limit the increase in global temperatures to well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, with an ambition to strive for a limit of 1.5°C.
In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a warning, stating that if the rate of global warming does not decrease, the temperature increase could surpass 1.5°C, resulting in severe global consequences.
Taking a leading role, the United Kingdom became the first major economy to pass legislation mandating Net Zero emissions in 2019, thereby committing the government to achieve this target by 2050.
The release of the UK government’s procurement policy notice 06/21 (PPN 06/21) emphasized the significance of rebuilding the economy with a strong focus on sustainability. Furthermore, PPN 06/21 requires any business seeking government contracts to commit to a Net Zero target and implement a comprehensive plan for reducing carbon emissions.
Commitment to achieving Net Zero
BSP Consulting is committed to a 100% reduction in scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions by 2040, with an interim target of reducing our baseline no later than 2030.
Carbon Reduction Plan
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Our Company carbon reduction targets
BSP Consulting is committed to creating a sustainable future. We commit to working towards this in a transparent, measurable, credible, and impactful way.
Our aim was to complete a thorough inventory of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by the end of 2023, while following the established guidelines of the GHG Protocol standard.
Once the inventory was finished, we created a comprehensive strategy aimed at decreasing carbon emissions, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for businesses.
Scope 1, 2 & 3
Scope 1
These “direct emissions” are from sources that are owned/controlled by Our Company. These would be company owned or leased cars, gas used to run our boilers and HFC emissions from air conditioning units within the control of our organisation
Scope 2
Scope 2 emissions are the emissions released into the atmosphere from the use of
purchased energy. These are called “indirect emissions” because the actual emissions are generated at another facility. BSP purchases electricity from a 3rd party provider.
Scope 3
Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions that occur across the value chain such as business travel, commuting and paper purchase.
Baselining emissions
Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.
The year 2023 marked the first instance where we compiled a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory, a requirement for compliance with PPN 06/21.
Before this, BSP Consulting had not established a baseline for emissions. Therefore, the emissions documented in the 2023 baseline report are regarded as our starting point.
Carbon Reduction Plan
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Baselining emissions (continued)
2024 is the most recent year for which we have a complete dataset. For scope 3 emissions, our primary contributor is business travel. Additionally, paper usage has been incorporated as it is the primary material utilised by the company in delivering our services, of which we have direct control over.
Baseline Year: 2023
Scope 1 Emissions
2.90 tC02e
Scope 2 Emissions
15.3 tC02e
Scope 3 Emissions (inc. sources)
Business travel – 20.30 tC02e
Commuting – 14.00 tC02e
Paper purchase – 2.50 tC02e
Office Deliveries – 4.00 tC02e
Homeworker energy – 7.70 tC02e
Total S3 Emissions – 48.50 tC02e
Total Emissions
66.70 tC02e
Current Emissions Report: 2024
Scope 1 Emissions
2.80 tC02e
Scope 2 Emissions
15.6 tC02e
Scope 3 Emissions (inc. sources)
Business travel – 19.20 tC02e
Commuting – 12.3 tC02e
Paper purchase – 2.20 tC02e
Office Deliveries – 3.50 tC02e
Homeworker energy – 7.50 tC02e
Total S3 Emissions – 44.7 tC02e
Total Emissions
63.10 tC02e
Emission reduction targets
To maintain our momentum towards Net Zero, we have set a Net Zero goal for the year 2040. Our plan involves a consistent, absolute reduction in emissions from our baseline year, aiming for net zero emissions by 2040.
It’s important to note that these targets are subject to revision as we initiate new projects. Prior to establishing our baseline year, our focus was primarily on monitoring Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Moving forward, our strategy includes collaborating with our suppliers to address Scope 3 emissions.
Carbon Reduction Plan
February 2025 | v1.10
Completed carbon reduction projects
The following environmental management measures and projects have been completed or implemented since 2019, which have dramatically contributed to the values shown in our baseline year. However, it is likely that the impact of COVID19 also resulted in a reduced carbon footprint – especially regarding energy and business travel emissions. Since the baselining year we have implemented ISO14001 and ensured all offices are using LED/PIR controls. Further reduction projects are to be discussed over the coming months.
– WFH/flexi-working formally introduced by BSP Consulting
– Use of improved energy efficiency controls and appliances in the office environment
– Promoting active travel and public transport alternatives for commuting
– Promotion of waste minimisation and recycling for staff
– Installation of Smart Meters in out Nottingham office to monitor energy consumption
– Replacing all lightbulbs with energy saving LED equivalents
– Ensure all offices use LED/PIR lighting controls
– Obtain ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
Future carbon reduction projects
In the next few years, BSP Consulting hope to implement further measures such as below. Precedence is placed on the elimination of GHG emissions, followed by emission and energy reduction and then by substitution measures which involve the use of renewables.
– Eradicate use of gas for office central heating
– Change heating source in offices from gas to electricity if low carbon/renewable source is not viable
– Consider occupying offices that allow for installation of renewable technologies e.g., solar PV
– Only hire electric vehicles
– Switch to energy suppliers that only supply renewable energy
Carbon Reduction Plan
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Declaration and sign off
This Carbon Reduction Plan adheres to the guidelines and reporting standards outlined in PPN 06/21, including the prescribed standards for documenting and reporting carbon emissions.
We have followed the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard and utilized the government-provided emission conversion factors specifically designed for greenhouse gas reporting by companies.
In compliance with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements, we have accurately reported our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Additionally, a selected portion of our Scope 3 emissions has been reported in line with the standards established for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard.
The Board of Directors of Our Company has thoroughly reviewed and officially approved this Carbon Reduction Plan.
James Payne
J Payne
Signed on behalf of the Organisation
04/03/2025
