Carbon Reduction Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Carbon Reduction Policy is to set out how Gibbs Laidler Consulting LLP will measure, manage, and reduce its carbon emissions. We recognise our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact and contribute to the UK's legally binding target of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and business activities undertaken by Gibbs Laidler Consulting LLP, including:
- Office operations
- Business travel
- Procurement of goods and services
- Digital and IT infrastructure
- Client engagement and advisory wor
3. Our Commitment
We commit to:
- Reducing our carbon emissions year-on-year
- Making environmentally responsible decisions in our operations
- Supporting clients and partners in understanding and reducing their own environmental impact
- Complying with all relevant UK environmental legislation and industry best practice
4. Carbon Reduction Objectives
To support our commitment, we will pursue the following objectives:
4.1 Measure and Monitor
- Conduct an annual carbon footprint assessment covering Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions
- Track energy consumption, business travel, waste generation, and procurement related emissions
- Report progress internally and to stakeholders where appropriate
4.2 Reduce Emissions
- Energy Efficiency
- Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment
- Encourage switching off devices when not in use
- Optimise heating and cooling systems
- Business Travel
- Prioritise virtual meetings where possible
- Encourage use of public transport for UK travel
- Minimise air travel and offset emissions where unavoidable
- Office Operations
- Reduce paper usage through digital-first processes
- Recycle office waste and use sustainable office supplies
- Choose suppliers with strong environmental credentials
- IT and Digital Footprint
- Use cloud services with published sustainability commitments
- Extend the lifecycle of IT equipment where safe and practical
4.3 Engage and Educate
- Provide staff with guidance on sustainable working practices
- Encourage employee suggestions for reducing environmental impact
- Promote awareness of carbon reduction within our client work where relevant
5. Offsetting and Residual Emissions
Where emissions cannot be eliminated, Gibbs Laidler Consulting LLP may invest in credible, UK-recognised carbon offset schemes that meet standards such as the UK Woodland Carbon Code or Gold Standard.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
- Partners
- Approve the policy and ensure resources are available
- Review annual carbon performance
- Carbon Lead (James Foreman)
- Coordinate carbon measurement and reduction activities
- Maintain records and report progress
- All Employees
- Follow sustainable working practices
- Support the company's carbon reduction goals
7. Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with UK Net Zero objectives and industry expectations.