What we can all do: use less water; adjust
thermostats to cut energy use; use double-sided printing; turn off
monitors, PCs and printers; avoid unnecessary flights; use public
transport
Our first carbon footprint calculation
To achieve reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions we needed to
establish a per capita carbon baseline. Our emissions arise from a
range of sources, but energy consumed by our buildings and through
travel are the largest contributors. So for our first carbon
footprint calculation we focused on these two sources.
Mott MacDonald’s emissions for 2007 were calculated using guidance
drawn up by the UK’s Carbon Trust and in compliance with the
Greenhouse Gas Protocol – an internationally recognised carbon
accounting tool. Units of electricity and gas consumed, and
kilometres travelled by road or air, were assigned a carbon value,
known as an emissions factor.
Energy consumption in many of Mott MacDonald’s principal offices
was derived from gas and electricity bills. Distance travelled by
air was calculated using data collected by our in-house travel
agent.
Distance travelled by road was derived from the company’s expenses
system. Figures were extrapolated to give a per capita figure for
the whole Group.
Emissions factors were adjusted where practical to take account of
differences between short- and long-haul flights, and geographical
variations in the energy mix.
For example, short-haul flights emit more CO2 per kilometre than
long-haul flights. Countries where the energy mix is dominated by
fossil fuels will have a higher emission factor than those with a
high proportion of renewables.
The Group’s per capita emissions were calculated to be 2.6 tonnes.
Electricity use in offices accounted for the greatest proportion,
followed by air travel.
Future emissions calculations
The process of establishing our baseline emissions figure revealed
a number of data gaps and logistical problems. We are working to
ensure that emissions from rail, water use, waste and consumable
use are included in 2008 by improving the way we record them across
the Group.
Improving our performance
We will improve the accuracy of our carbon footprint and meet our
commitment to reduce our CO2 emissions 5% year-on-year by following
a number of strategies.
We are:
- Embarking on energy audits of our offices to better understand
consumption and identify opportunities for saving energy
- Establishing better reporting of energy and resource
consumption through our Local Environment Practice Plans, which
cover our office's activities – from reducing resource use to
reviewing our suppliers’ sustainability performance
- Implementing sustainable travel guidelines and establishing
travel budgets for projects
- Encouraging inter-office competition to improve
performance
- Monitoring our performance
Specific objectives include:
- Continuing our investment in video- and teleconferencing,
improving communication with our clients and between members of
Mott MacDonald’s staff over large distances. We are aiming to
achieve a 2-10% reduction in project related travel
- Creating greater carbon-consciousness and encouraging
behavioural change among staff – persuading people to switch off
lights and appliances, turn down heating in winter and accept
higher temperatures in summer. We aim to reduce energy use by 15%
for lighting and by 5% for office heating and cooling
Undoubtedly society’s targets and strategies for the reduction of
CO2 emissions will change in future years. However, we are now in a
strong position to respond to new targets, to implement our own
strategies for achieving them, and to inform clients and
stakeholders about our performance.
What we all can do: recycle your waste; make
conference calls; try car sharing; only boil what is needed; use
recycled paper; switch off the lights
