A Guide to a Company's Carbon Footprint: Insights from An Industry Expert
- Blackmore
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
In the first in our series of industry interviews, we talk to Paul Opie, Partnership Director at CarbonCo, delivering the Carbon Balanced Print and Paper programme for the print and paper industry on behalf of World Land Trust. And, in his own words(!), an industry veteran approaching 35 years serving the print industry.
Paul gives his insights on the company carbon footprint - the what, why, and how! Please read on for more information, or watch the video here:
As individuals, consumers and businesses, we have all become more aware of our
impact on the planet and are making buying decisions with this in mind.
Science has shown us that burning fossil fuels has a measured effect on global
warming, climate change and nature loss.
There are 7 different greenhouse gases. Each one has a different impact, based on
its time, trapped in the atmosphere and its warming effect. Carbon is the most
common gas and is the easiest to do something about.
When measuring greenhouse gases, we express the impact as CO₂e or carbon
dioxide equivalent.
The UK government committed to legislation that the country will be Net Zero by
2050. This requires a strong focus and concerted effort by businesses to target
carbon emission reduction to ensure a just transition to a low carbon economy.
The journey must begin with measuring the company’s current carbon footprint.
We need to know where we can begin targeting and taking action to reduce
operational impacts.
What does a company carbon footprint consist of?
Initially a company carbon footprint should include all of its direct impacts. These are the impacts generated through the combustion of fossil fuel currently necessary to operate the business. This will cover all manufacturing processes, sales and travel
in owned vehicles.
The next step is to extend the measurement to include the indirect impacts of its
supply chain – Scope 3. For a printer, paper typically represents somewhere around
65 - 75 % of business scope 3 impacts. Carbon Balanced Paper provides an easy
and effective way to act on those current unavoidable impacts.
All activities associated with the running of the business. This should include the
impacts which are in the company’s direct control as well as the indirect impacts of
the supply chain through the sourcing of services and materials necessary to operate
the business create and deliver its products.
For large companies that are required to include their carbon measurement within
their annual report and accounts this would be an annual measurement*. There is
also value in measuring annually following the implementation of significant carbon
reduction initiatives, like a solar panel investment or electrification of the company car fleet. Otherwise, as standard we would recommend measuring every two years.
*(£36m turnover £18m Balance Sheet or 250 employees).
A company’s footprint is split into three different categories or scopes. Scope 1 and
2 are direct impacts. Where the company has direct control over the fossil fuels that
are combusted. This covers purchased electricity, gas use, petrol and diesel used
in company vehicles, fugitive emissions used in air conditioning systems.
Scope 3 is the indirect impacts within the supply chain. Engaging and working with
businesses in the supply chain with aligned values and the same environmental
focus on carbon reduction positively helps reduce the total company carbon footprint.
There are some very good and accurate tools out there. Choose one that is Green
House Gas and SECR compliant or aligned with ISO 14064.
Great providers include BPIF - Steve, Nero - Greg, Carbon Quota - Dominic or for
your scope 1 and 2 Carbon Balanced Paper offers a third party verified footprint for
less than £500.00.
This is really important.
It starts with measuring, but the next stage is the critical part.
Doing something!!
You can then progress your carbon reduction journey based on this data. Targeting
areas that increase efficiency, reduce energy use and waste. These are all essential areas that directly improve business profitability whilst simultaneously reducing its
environmental impacts. Integrating sustainability is a powerful and positive business
ally.
Leading businesses like Blackmore focused on reducing their impacts today for the
benefit of their own business and their customers. Whilst on this journey of
reduction, exceptionally focused businesses choose to take responsibility for the
current unavoidable impacts and mitigate them through World Land Trust an
international conservation charity, balancing their current impact by removing or
avoiding carbon emissions elsewhere.
One of the most recognisable marks in the UK print and paper industry is the Carbon Balanced Paper logo. Used by over 5,000 different brands across different sectors: Amazon, Councils, Universities, Peoples Post Code lottery, Check-a-Trade, Charles Tyrwhitt etc.
This clearly demonstrates the action taken by the business to reduce its impacts
whilst providing essential conservation value and nature protection that goes beyond simple carbon reduction and removal.
About Paul Opie:
Paul Opie – Partnership Director at CarbonCo, Industry veteran approaching 35
years serving the print industry.
Delivering the Carbon Balanced Print and Paper programme for the print and paper
industry on behalf of World Land Trust, who’s patrons include Chris Packham, Steve
Backshaw and Sir David Attenborough.
Founded in magazine and catalogue printing with St Ives plc, before moving to
own and manage a specialist book and journal printing company Latimer Trend Ltd.
Paul Opie
Partnership Director
About Carbon Balanced Print and Paper:
Simple and natural way to take action today to reduce your current unavoidable
impacts from your print and paper communications and fibre-based packaging.
Clear communication, carbon reduction, critical protection of some of the greatest
biodiversity on the planet, helping save endangered habitat and endangered
species.
UN Sustainable Development Goals directly advanced by World
Land Trust Carbon Balanced projects in Mexico and Uganda:
+44(0)1327 828280
About Blackmore:
Since 1900, we have carved out a reputation as one of the UK’s leading green printers, winning many awards for our environmental credentials.
As a Carbon Balanced Printer (in association with World Land Trust), underpinning everything we do at Blackmore, our ethos is to limit any impact on the environment. This is something we are passionate about and is instilled throughout the business. You’ll come to expect our superb quality ‘green print’ as standard for all your print projects.
