CFV Carbon Footprint Verification

More and more customers are interested in the green credentials of businesses and use this to make informed buying decisions. High amongst the factors that influence these purchasing decisions are the impact of the products and services provided. Having a low carbon strategy clearly demonstrates commitment to reducing environmental impact as well as having a knock-on effect in reducing business costs.

Key to developing a low carbon strategy is being able to evaluate the Carbon Footprint of your organisation. Carbon Footprint is a calculation that shows the equivalent carbon generation (in Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) of all the activities an organisation undertakes.

Every organisation generates carbon dioxide through its activities either directly (from burning wood, paper, gas or fuel) or indirectly through consumption of electricity, transport (air or land) or in the purchase of goods and services. The carbon footprint essentially calculates this carbon dioxide equivalent taking into account the direct and indirect activities conducted.

There are three areas taken into account in calculating a carbon footprint:-

Direct Emissions

Fuels burnt for heating, manufacturing & transport (oil, gas, coal, road fuel)

Indirect Emissions

Emissions from electricity that you consume but that is generated elsewhere

Other Indirect Emissions

Other indirect emissions that you cause but that are not from emission sources that you own, e.g. emissions from your supply chain or from business travel on commercial airline also to be taken into consideration are subcontractors, buildings, customer use of transport, employees commuting, waste and water

Why calculate your Carbon Footprint?

There are many reasons why an organisation would need to calculate its carbon footprint. Among these are:

  • Commercial Influence
  • Ethical Reasons
  • Financial Gain
  • Legislation Compliance
  • Management
  • Benchmarking

Many organisations are finding it beneficial to calculate the carbon footprint for off-setting purposes demonstrating their commitment to the environment. In addition carbon footprint can point to areas of potential cost saving where energy consumption may be reduced.

Who is it relevant to?

Carbon Footprint is relevant to any organisation of any size especially those where energy consumption is greatest. It is particularly relevant to those organisations who wish to make a statement regarding their environmental principles.

What are the benefits?

Benefits accruing through low carbon strategies include:

  • Reduced costs through energy efficiency
  • Better brand positioning and public relations
  • Satisfied employees who are increasingly concerned with environmental issues
  • Improved Corporate social responsibility
  • Lower Carbon Values for your goods and services

Why Blackmores?

Blackmores is a unique Management Systems consultancy that specialises in implementing management systems in small to medium enterprises across a wide range of sectors. We make the transition to successful implementation painless, cost effective and timely allowing you time to focus on what you do best – running your business.

We can help you to successfully implement a carbon footprint measurement and reduction programme and as a result will see significant reductions in costs coupled with significant improvements in customer and stakeholder perception. This will assist you in winning new customers and new sales opportunities giving you the edge over your competitors. Blackmores also provide a unique ‘Q-Care’ service that provides you with ongoing support in maintaining and improving your low carbon programme.

To find out how to reduce your company's carbon footprint by implementing a low carbon strategy, contact Blackmores on 01462 450591 or e-mail enquiries@bqms.co.uk

  

Copyright Blackmores 2011