studioNWA is committed to a carbon management plan to reduce operational carbon emissions, in line with the UK and global Net Zero target by 2050 to limit the effects of climate change.
The framework:
- We identify operational carbon emissions categories based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard for accounting and reporting scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
- We quantify and record emissions in the studioNWA database supported by UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting data.
- We monitor emissions on a yearly basis and benchmark against 2019, our baseline year.
- We set goals and implement actions to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in percentage increments each year.
- We inform staff and stakeholders on a summary of actions and progress in a Sustainability Report presented at the end of Q4 each year.
Scopes 1,2 & 3
36.7 Tonnes CO2e
Scope 1: Direct emissions
Scope 1 is defined as direct emissions from the combustion of fuel in assets a company operates.
How we are improving – The Old Dairy – our office building in Redbourn- is equipped with an underfloor system for space heating needs. Due to its semi-rural location, the property is not
connected to a natural gas network and relies on an LPG tank to fuel a boiler.
Since 2019, our baseline reporting year, we have managed to reduce our CO2 emissions from heating by 36% by investing in maintenance to the underfloor heating and boiler. We have also
adjusted our thermostat and sealed drafts to further reduce unnecessary heat loss.
Next steps – installation of an air source heat pump to decarbonise our heating supply, replacing LPG gas combustion on site for electricity.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions
Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from the generation of energy purchased from a utility provider.
How we are improving – since we began monitoring our electricity consumption, we have become more rigorous about light switches being turned off after meetings and in office areas not being occupied. Sensors have been installed in the kitchen and toilets. A post-pandemic hybrid work mode requires PCs being left on for longer periods of time, which reflects in the 6% electricity use increase in 2022, also attributed to additional IT equipment due to growing staff numbers. Mitigation measures are in place, such as energy saving monitors and switch-off schedules when possible. We also continue to benchmark Electricity Use Intensity (EUI) in kWh/m2 against CIBSE’s Database for similar office typologies in both typical and good practice consumption scenarios.
Next steps – proposal for a roof mounted solar panel system to go through planning to seek consent for on-site renewable energy production, reduce reliance on the national grid and associated CO2 emissions.
Scope 3: Other indirect emissions
Scope 3 includes indirect emissions from transport, purchase of goods, business travel and other relevant upstream and downstream emissions.
How we are improving – commuting to the office plays a big role in our operational carbon emissions, as our semi-rural location is not accessible by public transport.
One of the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic was that our business was able to adjust to remote working conditions and continued to thrive. A lesson that we took on board as we continue to operate in hybrid mode, reducing the number of car trips to the office and in some cases allowing staff to work remotely from international posts on a permanent basis.
Commuting flexibility has translated into a 51% reduction of carbon emissions from miles travelled when compared to 2019, our baseline year.
We also encourage video calls for meetings and prioritise travel by rail rather than flying.
Next steps – the installation of electrical vehicles charging stations to promote a cleaner mode of transport to the office.
To extend the monitoring of Scope 3 emissions to business travel, hotel stays, waste and other relevant categories.
Glazing ratios and solar shading devices designed to suit solar orientation ensure the building façade becomes more resilient to excessive heat gains and losses.
