Carbon Reduction Plan 2024

1. Introduction

J Carey Design specialises in the design, manufacture, and installation of bespoke furniture and specialist joinery for new and modernised existing commercial buildings. Founded in 2003, we have achieved sustained growth year on year by providing first-class products and unparalleled service. Our holistic approach, from design to final installation, allows us to maintain control over all elements of our projects, ensuring quality and flexibility.

2. Commitment to achieving Net Zero

Aligned with the UK Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050, J Carey Design is dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint through targeted measures across our operations. Our Carbon Reduction Plan outlines our strategies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, emphasising sustainability in our business practices.

3. Current Practices and Achievements

Client Engagement and Transparency:

• We invite clients to visit our production facilities to observe their projects during the production phase. If visits are not feasible, we provide detailed photographic updates.
• This transparency fosters trust and helps us maintain long-term relationships with clients and main contractors, a cornerstone of our success.

Integrated Project Management:

• Our ability to work alongside other key trades on-site ensures seamless integration of services and appliances from the outset, reducing rework and associated emissions.
• Control over design and installation allows us to make necessary adjustments promptly, optimising resource use and minimising waste.

Carbon Reduction Strategies

a. Fleet and Transportation:

• Transition to alternative fuel vehicles: Our directors are exploring options to replace our fleet with vehicles powered by cleaner fuels.
• Route optimisation: Implemented advanced route planning to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during transportation of materials and installations.
• Vehicle Tracking: Tracking software allows us to accurately monitor vehicle mileage for the organisation. We also work closely with couriers to collate mileage information.

b. Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing:

• Upgrade to energy-efficient machinery and lighting in our manufacturing facilities.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in our manufacturing and office facilities.
• Maintain regular monitoring systems to identify and reduce excessive energy use.

c. Sustainable Materials:

• Prioritise the use of sustainable and locally sourced materials to minimise transportation emissions and support local economies.
• Develop partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.

d. Waste Reduction:

• Implement waste management practices that promote recycling and reduce landfill contributions.
• Optimise material use during the design phase to minimise offcuts and waste.
• Continue to utilise and maintain the company’s clean air burners to heat manufacturing facilities through the use of offcuts.

e. Employee Engagement:

• Educate and train employees on sustainability practices and the importance of carbon reduction.
• Promote continuous improvement within the organisation to reduce reworks and material waste.
• Encourage carpooling, use of public transportation, and cycle to work scheme

4.   Monitoring and Reporting

Baseline Emissions

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.

Current Emissions

Our scope 3 freighting emissions have decreased by 238%, or 126.2 tCO2e, due to a reduction in the use of couriers since 2022, replacing these with company owned vehicles, and improved route optimisation. The board of directors are planning to gradually phase out the current fleet, replacing it with hybrids or alternative hydrogen and electric vehicles.

Our waste emissions have increased by 83% or 1.9 tCO2e, due to improved reporting and accuracy. 2023 figures now include hazardous waste disposal and disposal of wood products as well as general and mixed recycling. We are continuing to work with our waste contractors to improve the accuracy of the data as well as promote internal awareness to reduce waste.

Additionally, we have implemented the below improvements within the organisation which we expect to report the impact of on in our 2025 carbon reduction report:

• We have created a second dedicated meeting room for video calls which will reduce vehicle emissions for traveling to client sites.
• We have replaced inefficient heaters with a heating and cooling system to improve scope 2 emissions and improve the working environment for staff.

5.   Targets and Goals

In order to continue our progress to achieving Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets.

• Short-term Goal: Reduce carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2024.
• Long-term Goal: Achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, in line with interim targets towards Net Zero by 2050.

6.   Review and Update

This Carbon Reduction Plan will be reviewed annually to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. We are committed to continuous improvement and transparency in our sustainability efforts.

7.   Conclusion

At J Carey Design, we understand that our success is intrinsically linked to the sustainability of our practices. Through dedicated carbon reduction initiatives, we aim to contribute positively to the environment while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our clients have come to expect.

For any queries or further information, please feel free to reach out to our sustainability team.

8.   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 and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting.

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) Standard.

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

Signed on behalf of J Carey Design:

Steven Dent (Operations Director)

21st August 2024