Plotting a route to Net Zero for CMC
"The decisions we take in the next eight years will determine the future of the planet for the next 500,000"
That was the stark message given during the Carbon Literacy Training I attended recently, delivered by Can Marketing Save the Planet. The training finished with an equally strong message - that we are past the point of 'every little helps'. Significant, decisive action is needed now to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. The bald facts and clear guidance were followed by a call for each trainee to commit to individual and group actions to reduce our carbon footprint.
As a result, I've started work on a Net Zero strategy for CMC. Initially, this means calculating my Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions before developing a plan to reach Net Zero. Emission types are broken down as follows:
- Scope 1: direct emissions from company vehicles and facilities
- Scope 2: indirect emissions associated with energy use
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions relating to company operations such as business travel, purchase of goods and services, and waste.
There are plenty of calculators out there to help with this although they are a bit broad brush, particularly when it comes to Scope 3, so there’s more research for me to do to pin down my baseline footprint.
I’m now working on a strategy that focuses on emissions reduction, while incorporating some offsetting and regenerative activities as needed. I plan to publish the strategy and the progress I make to share learning and maintain accountability, so watch this space.
Of course, the size and nature of my business - and relatively small carbon footprint - is such that achieving net zero will have a limited impact on the climate overall. But putting my own house in order will help build the knowledge and credibility to support larger scale action, working with clients and professional networks to encourage change. It is with this in mind that I'm proud to be Certified Carbon Literate.
We can all do more to reduce our carbon footprint. What else could you do? Here are some useful resources to encourage and inspire.
Can Marketing Save the Planet: learning zone
With thanks to Asif Choudry at Resource for arranging the training for the Comms Hero community and to Gemma Butler and Michelle Carville from Can Marketing Save the Planet for running such informative and engaging training sessions.
