Climate change is one of the most pressing problems our world is facing today.
It affects everyone – from me as a parent worrying about my children’s futures, to governments dealing with climate change catastrophes.
It can’t be left to world leaders and large corporations to fix. We must all do our bit. I realised this more than ever during COP26. While hoping ‘they’ would do the right thing, I questioned what I was doing.
Yes, I ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’, I have started using a refill shop, I have green energy contracts and my pension is invested in an ESG fund.
But, what about my diesel car and what about my business?
During COP26, I signed Brand Satellite up to the UK Government’s SME Climate Challenge.
I have joined thousands of other small businesses in the UK by taking this first step, by committing to cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050.
In order to achieve the ambition of halving carbon emissions by 2030, I needed to know where my starting point was.
Using the Business Carbon Calculator Normative, Brand Satellite’s estimated carbon footprint for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for the 2021/22 financial year was an estimated 13.7 tonnes.
As well as looking for ways to reduce Brand Satellite’s future emissions, I am also investigating responsible ways to offset these past emissions. I know there are people out there that consider carbon offsetting to be a form of greenwashing, but I consider it a step in the right direction.
I freely admit that I am at the beginning of my sustainability journey. I don’t profess to be an expert, I am very much a student. I am sure I will make mistakes along the way, but I will be as honest as I can about where I am on that journey.
I have become Certified Carbon Literate, through the Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Climate Emergency Literacy Skills training programme.
And, I have been accepted onto the RBS Accelerator Programme, in the Climate cohort.
I am also learning a great deal from my clients who specialise in renewable energy, sustainability and carbon reduction.
Going on this journey with some of my clients means we are sharing ideas and learning from each other as well.
If you would like me to share what I learn on my cardon reduction journey with you, let’s chat.
