We recognise that scopes one and two are relatively easy due to a firm’s control over their related choices and policies but can have a large impact. Our Policy is to reach Net Zero on these areas first (in 2025) followed by the more difficult scope 3 the following year, at which point we can make the declaration of Net Zero Carbon achievement for our operations.

There are exceptions: fugitive gases fall under scope 1 and although we estimate minimal greenhouse gas emissions for the refrigerants in our offices’ (domestic) fridges and single air conditioning unit, we must justify their exclusion if this is our approach.  It is difficult to measure accurately without full specific manufacturer data, and the UK Government published estimates are imprecise. All this is heavy going for air conditioning used on those few hot days a year the UK enjoys.

For reductions outside of a company’s direct control, there are further barriers to overcome and we envisage a sizeable project to document all activities via third parties. We enable hybrid working to cut travel, but it is difficult to dictate low carbon choices across scope 3.

We can, however, encourage staff to make ‘greener’ choices – by incentivising car sharing and public transport use, for example, and by educating employees and working partners on more sustainable work practice. Even email communication has a carbon footprint and simple reductions can contribute to our goal.