Carbon footprint calculation is a key factor for any business intent on determining its environmental responsibilities. A carbon footprint, or CO2e, is the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) an individual or business emits, directly or indirectly, because of their commercial activities. Under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework (1), which was established on 1^st April 2019, large UK companies are required to calculate their UK energy usage and subsequent carbon emissions. Businesses measure their carbon footprint by monitoring emissions from every source. For example, the purchase and delivery of raw materials can be calculated in terms of carbon emissions.

In the modern world businesses are becoming more aware of their environmental responsibilities therefore carbon footprints calculations are tending to become standard practice, alongside myriad other environmental issues. To comply with SECR Mirius calculated and submitted its scope 1 and 2 emissions figures and we are currently finalising scope 3 calculations for our financial year 2024.

Scope 1 – emissions from sources that an organisation owns or controls directly – for example, from a fleet of vehicles.

Scope 2- emissions that a company causes indirectly and come from where the energy it purchases and uses is produced – for example, the emissions caused when generating the electricity used in buildings.

Scope 3 – emissions that are not produced by the company itself and are not the result of activities from assets owned or controlled by them, but by those that it’s indirectly responsible for up and down its value chain – for example, buying, using and disposing of products from suppliers.

Calculating a carbon footprint for the first time establishes a baseline that should serve as a reference for future years’ calculations. Mirius considers our current and future carbon footprint calculations s instrumental is our commitment to Net Zero.

Follow this link for useful resources to calculate your carbon footprint: https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/

References:

(1) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-reporting-guidelines-including-mandatory-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reporting-guidance