GREEN MATTERS
internal emissions from business activities and purchasing carbon credits and renewable energy certifi cates.
For customers with environmentally-informed
procurement policies, it assures that purchasing equipment from CDL conforms with the highest environmental standards of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The process begins with a detailed independent assessment of carbon emissions to quantify the total produced by the business,
both directly and indirectly. These include CO2 emissions from travel, waste, water consumption and energy.
This is then followed by internal reduction
measures to further improve effi ciency and purchase of assured carbon off sets to reduce remaining CO2
emissions to zero.
“Internal steps to reduce our footprint included low hanging fruit, such as company vehicles, couriers and lighting in our buildings. We then moved on to other aspects of our operations,” says Mr Birkett. With substantial business growth since, he concedes it has been a challenge to maintain the low footprint. However, expansion has enabled signifi cant investment in further measures that have helped keep the net zero status on track. For example, the extensive warehouse roof at the company’s Gateshead offi ce is being equipped with solar panels, while vehicles are being switched to full electric or hybrid. Recently, the company changed its main
net zero partner to the Woodland Trust. “We wanted to approach the problem from a slightly diff erent angle. The Woodland Trust base their
PARTNER FOCUS
"We decided to do the right thing, and take action to pin our colours to the mast. We took a leadership position because we came to believe it was one of the most important issues facing the industry and society.”
assessments on the same carbon measurements, and plant trees here in the UK, rather than off set through global projects. “Carbon is off set through the growth of the
trees, which aligns with our original thinking when we fi rst set off on this path.” This year, the company has supported the planting of 1,722 native trees in the UK, equating to the removal of 323 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Since the UK set a mandatory national target
to achieve net zero by 2050, the political and business landscape has of course changed out of all recognition. The greening of homes and industry is now headline news on an almost daily basis, sharpened further by the recent energy price hikes.
“Everyone – homeowners and business owners
– now has to confront and grasp the nettle we got to grips with over a decade ago. It goes without saying, I am proud of the pioneering role CDL has played. It is also pleasing that our investments have put us in a good place at the forefront of this vital new approach for the future.”
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www.acr-news.com • July 2023 25
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