Carbon Footprinting
We want to balance the carbon of our business by measuring, reducing and only then offsetting.
As a member of the May Day Network Maximillion has pledged to measure its carbon footprint, take steps to reduce it, and then publish the results (see below). Since 2006, Maximillion has implemented mechanisms to measure and reduce the carbon we produce. Having effectively achieved a meaningful reduction, we have now chosen to offset. We don't agree with the term "carbon neutral" but we like to think we are "carbon balanced".
Objective
To reduce our carbon footprint by 50% on 2006 from 26 tons to 13 tons by 2011.
Summary of action
- Waste: reducing, recycling and reusing materials and so minimising the waste to landfill
- Heating: reducing energy by improving the thermal properties of our buildings, deploying renewable technologies.
- Electricity: reducing energy by upgrading energy hungry appliances with AAA rated and energy efficient machines, deploying T5 lighting, light sensors, low energy lighting throughout.
- Transport: reducing by encouraging public transport, set up bike to work scheme, using efficient vehicle fleet.
Results
The below table provides the key year end results for the four areas measured:
|
Year |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (target) |
|
Waste |
C02/kg |
2400 |
1676 |
628 |
121 |
150 |
|
Heating / Pellets |
C02/kg |
0 |
0 |
924 |
1022 |
1000 |
|
Electricity |
C02/kg |
20786 |
22636 |
16879 |
10280 |
6000 |
|
Travel |
C02/kg |
3612 |
3257 |
4751 |
5938 |
6000 |
|
TOTAL |
C02/kg |
26798 |
27569 |
23182 |
17361 |
13150 |
Points to note
- A 95% reduction on waste to landfill since 2006
- 2007 shows only a slight increase of 3% on 2006 despite a 25% increase in the full time team
- Total C02 reduction of 35% between 2006 and 2009
- On target for achieving objective of 50% reduction on 2006 from 26 tons to 13 tons by 2011.
Carbon Offstting
Our reduced carbon footprint of 23 tons was offset with Climate Care.
Case Study
Maximillion is used as a case study with the UK organisation Business in the Community. Learn more...
Future Plans
Maximillion hopes to assist in the establishment of a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) at Harperrig Reservoir in West Lothian. The LNR management plan includes the establishment of woodland extending to up 25,000 trees. Maximillion's MD, John Strachan, sits on the management group for the proposed LNR.
Other
The Carbon Trust website is an excellent resource which explains in good detail the considerations at play and advocates a three stage approach which Maximillion embraces:
- First, measure and reduce your own emissions (direct)
- Then, measure and reduce your supply chain emissions (indirect)
- And only then, consider an appropriate offset
Which? has surveyed Carbon Offset providers and has produced a useful assessment. Learn more...