Carbon reduction plan
Supplier name: Airband Community Internet (hereafter referred to as ‘Airband’)
Publication date: 20th February, 2023
Commitment to achieving Net Zero
We are aware that reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) represents significant benefits for us, our customers, suppliers and the wider community. We are therefore committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. We will strive to push our business and work with all of our employees and contractors to embrace our reduction plan and work collaboratively to achieve the overall goal of Carbon Net Zero by 2050.
We also believe that our mission to bring better connectivity to those unserved or underserved rural communities will have a positive impact in helping reduce overall CO2 by reducing the need to make physical journeys.
Baseline Emissions Footprint
Baseline emissions are a record GHG that have been produced in the past and were prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.
| Baseline year: 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Baseline year emissions: | |
| EMISSIONS | TOTAL (tCO2e) |
| Scope 1 | 969.7 |
| Scope 2 | 1.77 |
| Scope 3 (included sources) | 1,148.4 |
| Total emissions | 2,220 |
Current emissions reporting
| Reporting year: 2022 | |
|---|---|
| EMISSIONS | TOTAL (tCO2e) |
| Scope 1 | 1,354 |
| Scope 2 | 37.8 |
| Scope 3 (included sources) | Waste Generation: 3.83 Business Travel: 289.3 Employee Commuting: 445 Transmission & Distribution: 3.46 Water Use & Treatment: 0.25 Total: 741.8 |
| Total emissions | 2,134 |
Emissions reduction targets
In order to continue our progress to achieving Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets:
Over the next 10 years, we will endeavour to reduce our emissions by a further 1100 tCO2e by 2033. This is a reduction of over 50%.
Carbon Reduction Projects
The Executive team offers its full support to achieve Airbands’ Net Zero ambitions. It will lead by example, by modelling best practice behaviours in carbon reduction wherever possible, by helping to push for and then implementing changes, along with arranging for specific sub-project funding if and when needed.
The following environmental management measures and projects have been completed or implemented since the 2021 baseline:
- We have moved to a more renewable utilities provider (SSE), upon relocation of head office to Droitwich.
- We have fully embraced hybrid working and provide staff with the necessary equipment to work from home and use video calls as much as possible.
- Car sharing is promoted when travelling on company business.
- We incentivise those travelling to the office as part of a car share or by an electric vehicle by offering convenient and prioritised parking.
- We offer employees the option to cycle to work and provide financial support for the purchase of bicycles.
- To save on electricity, we use low energy smart PIR lighting in the office.
- We promote the sharing of files digitally rather than in print to reduce paper waste and save energy in shredding confidential waste.
- We do not have single use cups and encourage staff to bring their own mugs or to use the reusable ones provided. Employees are provided with insulated bottles to keep drinks hot or cold for longer saving energy.
- We have recently introduced a 100% recycling initiative at Airband’s Devon Operation. The aim of this initiative is to ensure Airband aim to recycle all waste products where possible. This initiative is due to be rolled out across all other operations in due course.
Proposed Future Carbon Reduction Initiatives
- Introducing carbon footprint selection criteria for downstream suppliers
With the renegotiation of new and more renewable electricity utilities contracts, Airband is further looking to reduce its emissions by reviewing its upstream suppliers. New carbon footprint selection criteria will be introduced in the supplies procurement process at Airband, to select for more carbon-friendly suppliers.
- Electrification of on-road vehicle fleet, and phasing out of network build operations
Our Scope 1 emissions make the greatest contribution to our overall emission. With this in mind, we are committed to pursuing the electrification of its on-road vehicle fleet by 2040.
- Reduction in building our network
Airband’s medium-term business plan is to significantly reduce the process of network expansion. This is a key driver of our emissions and will result in a significant reduction in overall emissions as we transition to a service delivery organisation.
- Supply Chain
We are looking into ways we can bring our supply chain partners with us on our journey to reduce our emissions as much as possible. They will play a key role to help us achieve our goals.
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[1] and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting[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) Standard[3].
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).
Signed on behalf of the Airband Community Internet:
Kashif Rahman
Director of Business Planning
Date: 20 February 2023
[1] https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-conversion-factors-for-company-reporting
[3] https://ghgprotocol.org/standards/scope-3-standard
