Verdantix Sustainability Report 2009/2010
Welcome to the second annual Verdantix Sustainability Report. Our Sustainability Policy states that we will constantly seek out opportunities to increase the positive impacts and minimise the negative impacts of our business. We will engage with employees and communicate our policies and actions to clients and suppliers.
We divide our sustainability initiatives into areas of control and areas of influence, and measure sources of emissions on a quarterly basis. All data reported here refer to the period from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.
Areas of control
Business travel
Verdantix has a great deal of influence over the greenhouse gas emissions from employee travel for business. Based on DECC’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting we estimate that our emissions from road, rail and air travel totalled 1.9 t CO2e. Verdantix has a business travel policy of minimising air travel which has proved to be the largest source of emissions under our direct control. Verdantix employees select lower carbon forms of transport whenever possible, and we advise clients travelling to our offices to use public transport.
Employee commuting
We provide the necessary facilities and support for employees to cycle to work. During 2010 we partnered with Cyclescheme to administer a bike to work scheme for Verdantix, enabling employees to purchase bikes and safety equipment through a tax-free, monthly payment scheme. Using DECC’s Conversion Factors we estimate that emissions associated with employee commuting amounted to 0.4 t CO2e.
Energy consumption
Verdantix employees use computers, IP desk phones and outsourced web hosting and software applications. Verdantix minimises the scope II emissions resulting from the operation of these devices by setting laptops to power off after 15 minutes of inactivity, and avoiding screen savers that consume energy.
Office consumables and recycling
All non-confidential paper waste and cardboard is recycled. Verdantix has a policy of printing double sided and re-using scrap paper wherever possible. The firm uses only mains-delivered water and has a tap-water only policy for corporate hospitality. Verdantix business cards are printed on 100% recycled paper.
Areas of influence
Office electricity consumption
Verdantix aims to operate a sustainable workplace through acting on energy efficiency, energy supply and procurement. However Verdantix is a tenant with other firms in a large office building, which limits our control over energy procurement and changes to building controls, lighting and building materials. Utilising DECC’s Conversion Factors and the percentage floor space occupied we calculate that emissions of 11.8 t CO2e resulted from electricity consumption in the workplace.
Employee engagement
During the reporting period Verdantix appointed a part time Sustainability Manager, and organised two employee engagement sessions focussed on household sustainability and sustainable diets. The firm also awards a prize to the employee demonstrating the most sustainable behaviours or lifestyle decisions quarterly.
Figure 1: Reported Verdantix Emissions 2008/09 And 2009/10
| Emissions Source | Tonnes of CO2 Emissions Attributed 2008/9 | Tonnes of CO2 Emissions Attributed 2009/10 |
| Emissions from Electricity & Gas Consumption | 8.09 | 11.8 |
| Emissions from Business Travel | 0.12 | 1.9 |
| Emissions from Employee Commuting | Not reported | 0.4 |
| Emissions from Office Consumables | 0.04 | Not reported |
| Employee Average Household Emissions | 7.18 | Not reported |
Sustainability Action Plan 2010/11
Carbon Accounting And Reduction Fund
To monitor, manage and reduce its carbon emissions Verdantix has implemented a carbon financial accounting policy (see Verdantix: How to Establish A Carbon Reduction Capex Budget). We apply a £25 / tCO2 shadow price for the firm’s carbon emissions, which totalled 14.1 t CO2e. For the reporting period Verdantix’s internalised cost of carbon was £352.21. Due to rapid expansion of the business and a move to new premises the firm has delayed investment until after the relocation. In 2010/11 Verdantix will invest the combined carbon capex budgets for 2009/10 and 2008/09 to reduce the firm’s emissions.
Initiatives for 2010/11
- Utilise sub-metering to improve the accuracy of carbon emissions reporting
- Collect data on company electricity consumption, employee business travel and calculate emissions quarterly
- Calculate a emissions per full-time employee as a KPI
- Collect data on water consumption
- Educate our top ten clients on the need to reduce business air travel.
- Engage with our top ten suppliers on the need for sustainability objectives and appropriate actions
- Invest our carbon reduction capex budget to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Implement recycling schemes for electronic waste, printer cartridges and batteries
- Organise quarterly sustainability seminars for employee training
- Collect quarterly data on employee household emissions
- Nominate a climate change-related charity
Appendix: Verdantix Carbon Data 2009-10 Charts
Verdantix Carbon Footprint 2009/10
Breakdown of Verdantix Scope II and III Emissions
Total: 14.09 t CO2e
Verdantix Quarterly GHG Emissions 2009/10
Saturday, 01 May 2010