Environmental literacy articles
Net Zero by 2027 – part 14
This time we look at additional data that we can collect to get a better understanding of our emissions.
We’ve committed to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2027. We’re sharing our progress and how we overcome the questions that arise along the way. This time we look at additional data that we can collect to get a better understanding of our emissions. The initial goal is to begin paying more attention to the (relatively small number of) things we buy for the business. All our inputs lead to greenhouse gas emissions. We also plan to look at the way we store data, and we are going to analyse the waste we generate by carrying out a waste audit.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 13
Here we compare the values from both methods of calculating our carbon footprint. We work through the pros and cons and arrive at a decision about which method to use.
Here we compare the values from both methods of calculating our carbon footprint. We work through the pros and cons and arrive at a decision about which method to use. We are still not absolutely sure which is the correct figure and, if we are not sure, it does not really help the many other small businesses just starting out on this journey. It may be that the emission factors from the government underestimate the scope 3 emissions which may be a reason for under-reporting of this aspect of greenhouse gas emissions.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 12
In this video we describe the steps needed to work through our carbon emissions from first principles.
In this video we describe the steps needed to work through our carbon emissions from first principles. This was more detailed than the on-line calculators. The calculation included factors such as cloud storage and water use, which were not itemised in the Business Carbon Calculator. Using this method, we arrived at a value significantly lower than the result from the Business Calculator. The discrepancies between different methods of calculation are interesting and give us something to talk about. However, they are not helpful for a small business wanting an accurate calculation of their greenhouse gas emissions.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 11
Here we continue our search for free carbon calculators so we can compare their results with those we obtained using the Business Carbon calculator.
Here we continue our search for free carbon calculators so we can compare their results with those we obtained using the Business Carbon calculator. We highlight the difficulties with finding free calculators and without drawbacks such as additional paid for services. Our rationale for this is that we are trying to replicate the position of a small business owner who is, at this stage, information gathering. They are probably unwilling to engage consultants before gathering the information to determine if they need to take further action. Next time, we’ll go back to first principles!
Net Zero by 2027 – part 10
In this next step on our path to Net Zero by 2027, Normative respond to our queries about how to enter our business travel into the calculator.
In this next step on our path to Net Zero by 2027, Normative respond to our queries about how to enter our business travel into the calculator. They confirmed our thoughts and we remind you how we dealt with this issue. We also provide a link to the methodology behind the Business Carbon calculator which they provided. We continue our search for another “ready-reckoner” type calculator for comparison.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 9
The first stage is to work out the quantity of greenhouse gases we contribute to the world total and this is the end of that process.
We’ve committed our micro-business to being Net Zero by 2027. This series of videos follows our progress as we work out how to achieve this. The first stage is to work out the quantity of greenhouse gases we contribute to the world total and this is the end of that process. Here, we reveal the revised total that takes into account the adjustments we made after our sense check of the data revealed a couple of issues.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 8
In this video, we reveal the result of our initial calculation and the total mass of greenhouse gases we emit.
In this video, we reveal the result of our initial calculation and the total mass of greenhouse gases we emit. Spoiler alert! It is not a big total, which is both a relief and a challenge. But sense checking the result reveals a couple of minor issues we need to resolve before we reach an outcome that we’re happy with.
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Net Zero by 2027 – part 7
We’re getting close now! Here we are looking at the indirect costs to the business. That is, the things we buy, our use of transport, professional services and software.
We’re getting close now! Here we are looking at the indirect costs to the business. That is, the things we buy, our use of transport, professional services and software. These comprised more than 90% of our expenditure in the financial year 2021-22. For our micro-business, much of the information we needed to calculate our greenhouse gas emissions was relatively easy to find. For other, more complex businesses it will take more time and more resources!
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Net Zero by 2027 – part 6
More data entry! Now we need to enter details about our gas and electricity use for the business to the online form.
More data entry! Now we need to enter details about our gas and electricity use for the business to the online form. As the business operates from part of our home, we need to make some assumptions and do some maths to work out the proportions of energy costs to allocate.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 5
Now that we are ready to start the calculation of our greenhouse gas emissions, we need to decide which of the calculators we will use.
Now that we are ready to start the calculation of our greenhouse gas emissions, we need to decide which of the calculators we will use. There are many available but, having decided, we explain the information required to set up an account, such as number of employees, turnover and energy use. We also discuss other decisions we need to make so that we arrive at as accurate a calculation as possible.
Net Zero by 2027 – part 4
As a provider of online training materials we expect that our use of computers and other electronic devices will contribute a significant proportion of our emissions.
This is the final video outlining our preparation for calculating our emissions of greenhouse gases. Here, we look at our use of technology. As a provider of online training materials we expect that our use of computers and other electronic devices will contribute a significant proportion of our emissions. It is easy to think that data storage in the cloud has no impact on the greenhouse gases we emit, but all those data centres need a lot of electricity!
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Net Zero by 2027 – part 3
We are calculating our emissions for our financial year 2021-22 and identify that Brexit and Covid-19 had a significant effect.
In this video, we continue to assess our business to prepare for calculating our emissions of greenhouse gases. We look at our use of energy for business travel. We are calculating our emissions for our financial year 2021-22 and identify that Brexit and Covid-19 had a significant effect. Other aspects to take into account are what we spend on goods and consumables for the business.
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Net Zero by 2027 – part 2
Now that we’ve signed up to the SME Climate Hub and made our public commitment to Net Zero, the next stage is to gather information about our business.
This video gives an overview of our operations as a starting point for calculating our emissions of greenhouse gases. Now that we’ve signed up to the SME Climate Hub and made our public commitment to Net Zero, the next stage is to gather information about our business. This includes our key activities, working arrangements, type and size of building that we work in, equipment used and our energy use.
Net Zero by 2027 – an introduction
We’ve signed up to the SME Climate Hub and committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2027. We are doing this alongside thousands of other small businesses.
We’ve signed up to the SME Climate Hub and committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2027. We are doing this alongside thousands of other small businesses who are making similar commitments but with other target dates. In this series of videos, we are sharing our progress. We’re doing this to help others see what is involved and how we overcome any issues that we come across during the process.
Environmental literacy
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