Carbon in Business Action Learning Sets - Carbon Action Plan

Creating a carbon action plan for your business is a vital step towards reducing your environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

1. Understand your carbon footprint:
   1. Assess your emissions: Measure your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all three scopes (direct, indirect from purchased energy, and indirect from supply chain and product lifecycle). Resources like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Carbon Footprint calculators can guide you.
   2. Identify hotspots: Analyse which activities and areas contribute the most emissions to pinpoint areas for improvement. 
2. Set ambitious and achievable goals:
   1. Align with broader goals: Consider regional or industry-specific net-zero targets to set your own ambitious yet realistic targets for emission reduction.
   2. SMART goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, aiming to reduce energy consumption by 15% within a year is more effective than a vague statement about being more sustainable. 
3. Develop action plans:
   1. Prioritise actions: Focus on areas with the biggest impact potential and feasibility. Consider low-hanging fruit like switching to LED lighting or implementing energy-efficient appliances.
   2. Variety of solutions: Explore a range of options like renewable energy generation, green procurement, sustainable waste management, and employee engagement programs. 
   3. Cost-benefit analysis: Consider the financial implications of each action and prioritise those with high returns on investment. 
4. Implement and monitor progress:
   1. Assign responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilities for different groups within your organisation.
   2. Track progress: Regularly monitor your progress towards goals and milestones. Tools like carbon management software can help automate this process.
   3. Communicate and engage: Share your plan and progress with employees, stakeholders, and customers to build buy-in and motivate action.
   4. Additional tips: Seek external support: Utilise resources from climate action organizations, consultants, and government initiatives. 
   5. Consider offsets: For unavoidable emissions, invest in reputable carbon offsetting projects to compensate for your impact.
   6. Continuous improvement: Regularly review and update your plan as you learn, and the landscape evolves. 

Remember: Creating a carbon action plan is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. By diligently setting goals, implementing actionable strategies, and monitoring progress, you can effectively reduce your business's carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

This is the fifth in a series of workshops. Further details of other Action Learning Sets below:

Session 6: The Next Steps – implementing strategies, actioning and monitoring. TUE 11th FEB | 9.00AM – 1.00PM Burnley College. Lunch will be provided