We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest emissions figures and Carbon Reduction Plan. It took a couple of revisions to get to this stage, as new data kept arriving (those late business mileages…) and we wanted it to be as accurate as possible.

Without acting as a spoiler, the key report points are:

Although we have not yet succeeded in our aim to reduce absolute emissions, we have made big steps forward in our approach to Scope 3 data collation to allow us to better understand and target future reductions through to 2026.

Our emissions intensity indicates a disconnect between Focus’ (rapid) growth and emissions increases. Whilst we still target absolute reductions and Carbon Neutrality by close of 2025 (scopes 1 and 2), indications of decoupling Carbon from growth elicits cautious optimism. It has highlighted how difficult it is to reduce utilities’ emissions where we cannot practically go ‘off grid’, and the intrinsic emissions associated with grid power remain. Other SMEs have commented similarly in recent forums; so, a common concern.

Although increases are not the desired result, since our initial PAS2060 declaration last year we have made strides forward – with staff CPD and a survey to better engage with our teams and improved Scope 3 data capture / reporting. Inevitably, this has resulted in increased overall figures but arises from an essential process by which we can understand, manage and report emissions more transparently.

The widening of published data is partly in response to Frameworks such as NHS SBS releasing new reporting directions based on PPN 06/21. Moreover, the 2025 retirement of PAS 2060 will influence our choices surrounding methodology and reporting over the next 18 months.

It looks like 2024-5 will be a year of change, so do come on this journey with us!