Inform clients about how you’re cutting carbon
They want to know everything!
During the tender process, or whilst seeking accreditation with one of the major schemes, e.g. CHAS, Constructionline, EXOR, answering the environmental questions used to be optional. However, that’s changed in the last twelve months or so. These days, the questions don’t stop with those identifying whether a business is complying with its legal duties. Now there are ones on how green you are - including what steps are being taken to reduce carbon emissions.
Tip. Ignoring these questions isn’t advisable. For example, if you’re seeking accreditation with Constructionline, its auditors won’t even review your application until all sections of its questionnaire have been answered and appropriate supporting information uploaded to its system.
What to do?
The best option is to create a carbon emissions reduction plan. To make it easier for you, we’ve produced a template document (see The next step ).
Tip. By completing this document, you’ll have all the answers to the carbon-related questions a scheme might ask. In addition, you’ll have good supporting evidence which can be uploaded to its system.
Where to start?
Unfortunately, there’s no way around the fact that, in order to begin reducing carbon emissions, you will first need to identify your current CO2 output. Once you have that information you can then decide by how much you can realistically reduce it.
Tip. It’s best to base your estimates on a standard international measure, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. You’ll find details of this scheme in our document.
How is the document set out?
Part one begins with a straightforward description of your aims. Here, you’re invited to say what percentage reduction in emissions you intend to achieve and over what timescale. You’re also asked to describe your current carbon footprint in a little more depth. It ends with details of the cost savings associated with your target.
Add the detail
The next three sections of the template are designed to help you write a list of the carbon-saving measures which are due to be put in place. There are three headings: (1) reducing energy used in the operation of buildings; (2) reducing energy used for travel; and (3) reducing the energy impact of our products, services and business activities. In addition to summarising the energy-reducing measures, you’re asked to complete further details in a table. Here there’s the opportunity to describe each individual improvement and explain the investment cost, CO2 saving expected, time to pay back and the expected completion date.
For a copy of our sample carbon emissions reduction plan, visit http://tipsandadvice-environment.co.uk/download (EN 08.05.06).
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