June, 2024
Carbon Reduction: Balancing Overall Impact with Per FTE Efficiency
Carbon reduction has become a critical goal. However, achieving meaningful results requires a holistic approach considering both overall emissions reduction and the impact per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employee. This blog explores strategies to strike this balance and yield the best outcomes.
The Focus
- Understanding the Metrics
- Overall Reduction: This metric assesses a business’s total carbon emissions. It includes direct emissions (Scope 1) from operations and indirect emissions (Scope 2 and 3) from energy consumption, supply chains, and employee commuting.
- Per FTE Impact: Here, we evaluate emissions on a per-employee basis. It accounts for the organisation’s size and growth, allowing us to measure efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
- Strategies for Overall Reduction
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and optimised production processes. Monitor energy consumption and set reduction targets.
- Renewable Energy: Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) for operations. Consider power purchase agreements (PPAs) or on-site solar installations.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Collaborate with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint. Choose partners committed to sustainability.
- Waste Management: Implement circular economy practices, minimise waste, and promote recycling.
- Per FTE Efficiency Strategies
- Employee Engagement: Educate employees about sustainability. Encourage eco-friendly practices both at work and in their personal lives.
- Remote Work: Promote flexible work arrangements to reduce commuting emissions. Remote work can significantly impact per FTE carbon footprint.
- Metrics and Targets: Set clear reduction targets per FTE. Regularly measure progress and celebrate achievements.
- Training and Awareness: Train employees on carbon reduction practices. Foster a culture of responsibility.
Rapid Relocate – Our Journey so far…
We’re a growing service company committed to sustainability. Our goal is to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2035. We started our strategies in 2020, and so far, we’ve adopted the following approaches:
- Switched to Renewable Energy: We’ve moved suppliers and virtually eliminated our gas usage, reducing overall emissions. We’ve also switched to LED lightbulbs in our office and transitioned to hybrid and electric company vehicles.
- Employee Involvement: We’re a Carbon-Literate Organisation that delivers workshops on sustainable living for employees, emphasising per FTE impact. We support the implementation of behaviour change initiatives within our workplace to reduce emissions, including clear messaging for turning off lights, monitors, computers, and other electrical appliances where appropriate.
- Staff travel: We’ve implemented a holistic travel policy to support the environmental impact of choices when travelling and staying in hotels. The priorities within this policy support active travel and low-emission travel options where appropriate.
- Supply Chain Assessment: Rapid Relocate continues collaborating with our suppliers to source eco-friendly products and materials.
- Waste Management: We’ve minimised our overall plastic and paper waste and increased the proportion recycled.
- Recorded our baseline greenhouse gas emissions: We’ve set near-term reduction targets and committed to measuring our business’s carbon footprint year on year to understand pinch points and make efficient and direct improvements to reduce our emissions.
- Offsetting: While we work on reducing our carbon footprint, we’ve offset our emissions by investing in the Positive Planet Climate Action Fund to achieve carbon neutrality.
Conclusion
A holistic approach that balances overall carbon reduction and per FTE efficiency is essential for sustainable growth. By integrating these strategies, we will contribute to a greener future while thriving economically. Remember, every small step matters! 🌍🌿
