There has been a lot of talk lately about the vital need to reach net zero emissions by 2050 to ensure we’re on track to avoid catastrophic climate change. We want to do our bit to reach this important target as soon as possible and so we have decided to go carbon neutral.
This is all part of our commitment to sustainability, innovation and industry leadership.
What exactly does being ‘carbon neutral’ mean?
Essentially, it means that we will offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operation of our business by investing in projects that will avoid, reduce or absorb an equivalent amount of emissions from the atmosphere.
It’s not all about offsetting though, we will also do our best to reduce our emissions where possible.
We start by measuring our carbon emissions (our ‘carbon footprint’). We then look for opportunities to reduce our emissions. And finally we offset the emissions that we cannot avoid.
Our pathway to being carbon neutral
We are seeking Carbon Neutral Certification through Climate Active.
Climate Active is a partnership between the Australian Government and Australian businesses to drive voluntary climate action. Their carbon neutral certification is one of the most rigorous in the world.
We are seeking formal certification because we want our carbon neutral status to be credible. There is plenty of green washing going on and that’s not what we are about.
Our pathway to Carbon Neutral Certification –
Step 1: Register – Done!
Step 2: Measure
Calculate our emissions for the 2020/21 financial year. To do this we need to:
- establish our emissions boundary
- collect emission source data
- calculate our carbon account
- complete our carbon inventory; and
- obtain independent validation of our source data.
This is where we are at now and we are working through this process with the expert guidance & leadership of Danielle King, director, senior auditor and sustainability consultant from Green Moves Australia.
Step 3: Offset
Purchase eligible offsets to compensate for remaining emissions. There are some amazing carbon reduction projects out there!
Step 4: Validate & Report
Submit all documentation to Climate Active for certification.
Step 5: Reduce
Implement emissions reduction strategies to lower emissions for the next reporting year.
Step 6: Re-Certify Annually
Will we be the first?
We are striving to be the first small building company in Australia to be certified by Climate Active as Carbon Neutral.
We know that no other small building companies have been certified yet, but we don’t know whether there are any that have registered and are further along the process than us.
It can take up to 12 months to receive notice of certification but we’ll be working hard to reach certification well before then! Watch this space …..
