Commitment to Achieving Net Zero - Carbon Reduction Plan

We have committed to achieving a Carbon Reduction of at least 17% by 2025(relative to a 2022 assessment) through changes to our working practices and working environment

We have a long term commitment to further reduce our carbon emissions leading to a position of Net Zero by 2040

Baseline Emissions Footprint

Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured. For 2021/22 the carbon impact was affected by the residual affects of the global Covid-19 pandemic which affected working patterns, access and transportation opportunities. 2022/23 saw an increase, which was anticipated and therefore reduction targets have been aligned to these anticipated changes. Significant improvements can be seen as a result of changes in working practice for 2023 particularly in freight scope 3 emissions

Baseline Year: 2021

Additional Details relating to the Baseline Emissions calculations.

In 2021, we undertook a detailed modelling exercise to measure our carbon footprint and to allow us to set evidence‐based reduction targets for the next five years. In preparing this baseline, we have followed the Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology.   To assess our baseline carbon footprint, we collated data on the volume of activity across key areas. Then, by applying emissions conversion factors provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (or local equivalents for our international offices), we have calculated the CO2 equivalent emissions generated by:  

𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 ൌ 𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑂2𝑒.

As the assessed period of the operations are from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, it has been carried out using the UK Government GHG and BEIS Conversion Factors published in July 2021 These estimates have been cross‐checked using the SME Climate Hub carbon calculator

 Baseline year emissions:

These Scope 3 emissions include;

The above calculations include the indirect effects of non-CO2 emissions for freight flights, as the UK Government GHG and BEIS Conversion Factors provides two sets of emissions factors. BEIS notes organisations should include the indirect effects of non-CO2 emissions when reporting air freight emissions to capture the full climate impact of their travel. However, it should be noted that there is significant scientific uncertainty around the magnitude of the indirect effect of non-CO2 aviation emissions. If only the direct effects of CO2, CH4 and N2O are considered, L&R Med’s air freight emissions decrease to 74.4 tonnes CO2e (a decrease of 66.4 tonnes CO2e or 47%).

These Scope 3 emissions include;

Emissions Reduction Targets

As outlined above, we are committed to reducing our emissions, from the 2021 baseline of 648.1 tCO2e, by 17% by 2025. Our modelling shows that 2021 emissions have been impacted by COVID-19, leading to a reduction in business travel as a result of the pandemic. 2022 saw an overall increase in emissions which is a result of increased travel and most significantly an increase in air freight due to external pressures in the supply chain. Our aim is therefore to reduce these levels of emissions through to 2025. In order to continue our progress to achieving Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets. In 2023 our core strategy included an omni-channel approach to sales activity which has significantly reduced our business travel and had very positive results on our overall carbon footprint.  We projected that carbon emissions will decrease over the next three years to 740.8 tCO2e by 2025. This is a reduction of 17%. Progress against these targets can be seen in the graph below: in 2023 significant changes in our operational approach and a sharp foicus on minimising the use of air freight reduced our emissions by 40%. These huge reductions will be carried forward, but further reeductions will take more time and therefore we  project that carbon emissions will decrease over the next seven  years to 437.4 tCO2e by 2030.

Near Term Targets

Scope 1 Targets

To  introduce more efficient working practices within the warehouse resulting  in a reduction in the amount of LPG being required.  Reduce Scope 1 from 35 Tonnes to 20 Tonnes by 2030 (Target Met July 2024)

Scope 2 Targets

To reduce scope 2 emissions through introduction of PV cells generating electricity for use within warehouse and offices Reducing Scope 2 emissions from 55.5 Tonnes to 36 Tonnes by 2030

Scope 3

• To minimise any air freight use for transportation of goods

• To investigate and implement carbon neutral logistics providers

• To reduce material use through changes to packaging

• To maintain fleet of cars which are electric or Hybrid

Leading to a reduction from 533.7 to 312.37 by 2030

Carbon Reduction Projects

Current  Carbon Reduction Initiatives

The following environmental management measures and projects have been completed or implemented since the 2021 baseline. These will be updated each year following a review of impact and identification of further Carbon Reduction Measures

The carbon emission reduction projected by these schemes equate to 124 tCO2e, a 17%ge reduction against the 2022 assessment  by 2025 with further reductions by 2040 leading to net zero in 2040 and the measures will be in effect when performing the contract

To date, our carbon reduction initiatives include:

1. Promoting hybrid working practices, with staff working up to two days per week from home; reducing commute journeys by 40% (Ongoing)

2. To reduce the energy consumption from non-renewable sources and increase renewable sources through the installation of Solar Panels at warehouse and Offices  (End 2024)

3. To reduce Business travel through;

4. Use of different media platforms reducing need for face to face meetings

5. Omni-Channel approach to sales activity reducing the need for some face to face meetings

6. Careful alignment of meeting schedules

7. Central encouragement to utilise travel means that are less impactful on Carbon footprint

8.  To minimise Air Freight requirements through effective planning and procurement supply chain (ongoing )

9. New Car Fleet Scheme to be promoted with only Hybrid or fully electric cars available  2022 (In place)

10. To investigate more sustainable packaging useage (Ongoing)

11. Investigate ‘smart packaging methodology’ (Ongoing)

12. To use correct size packaging (no over sized packages) (Ongoing)

13. To encourage multiple orders in same packaging through cost deduction (Ongoing)

14. To remove all plastic packaging wherever possible (Ongoing)

15. To reduce the number of promotional items involving plastic (Ongoing)

16. To promote and increase recycling opportunities at offices and warehouse (in place)

17. Optimization of waste separation through identified Bins (in place)

18. To promote correct recycling through posters and online messaging (in place)

Completed Carbon Reduction Initiatives

• L&R UK have successfully gained accreditation for ISO14001 which helps shape all of our analysis and subsequent actions

• Printing reduction through increased use of electronic communication and promotion

• Installed LED lighting across warehouse and Offices

Declaration and Sign Off

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.

Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting1 and uses the appropriate 2.

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard3.

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).

Signed on behalf of the Supplier:

Jon Browne

Managing Director  

Date: 11th June  2024