1. Introduction

 “Unchecked, climate change will pose unacceptable risks to our security, our economies, and our planet.” President Barack Obama

 Climate change is now widely regarded as one of the most serious challenges

facing the world. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2009, many world leaders gathered together in Copenhagen to try and draft an agreement that would address these challenges. Although collective action seems remote, President Obama was clear that we should all “...move towards a clean energy economy, no matter what happens here in Copenhagen...[America is] taking bold action--- by making historic investments in renewable energy; by putting our people to work increasing efficiency in our homes and buildings; and by pursuing comprehensive legislation to transform to a clean energy economy.”

Businesses are increasingly confronted with the implications of climate change and are fast recognising that this issue poses both risks and opportunities, with strategic and financial implications.

Opportunities exist for businesses of all sizes, and across all sectors to reduce

their emissions, and organisations are finding that there is a strong business

case for embarking on a formal Climate Change Response Programme by

managing their emissions. These include but are not limited to cost savings,

brand enhancement and an increased competitive advantage.

Establishing the baseline of a company’s carbon footprint is the first step in

managing its greenhouse gas emissions as part of a broader Climate Change

Response Programme.

With the recent political disappointment at Copenhagen it is more crucial than ever that business and individuals take accountability for their impact on Climate Change. The first step is to measure our individual and collective carbon footprints. Knowing how much greenhouse gases (GHG’s) you are emitting is the first step in foot printing. All GHG’s are measured in Carbon Dioxide equivalents, known as Co2e.

“A carbon Footprint is the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product" (UK Carbon Trust 2008).”

Carbon Countdown cc is a team of individuals committed to carbon reduction. Understanding your business’s carbon footprint is the foundation on which real reduction and climate change mitigation can take place.

 2 The Business Case for a Climate Change Response Programme

Companies can derive considerable benefits from embarking on a Climate

Change Response Programme including, but not limited to, the following:

• Reduced Operating Costs: Increased efficiencies result in decreased

resource consumption and therefore reduced operating costs.

• Differentiated Marketing and Communication: Capitalise on the significant

marketing and media opportunities associated with climate-aware

companies.

• Enhanced Brand Equity: Improve reputation by differentiating

it’s offering and positioning it as a climate change leader in its sector.

• Regulation: Understand the potential liability associated with imminent

carbon taxes, punitive tariff rises and other climate change-related

legislation.

• Increased Customer Loyalty and Trust: Improve customer acquisition and

retain the support of existing customers.

• Decreased Employee Turnover: Employees are proud to work for

companies that are actively involved in the fight against global warming.

• Broader Investor Appeal: Ethical investment is now a consideration, with a

particular concern for hidden carbon liabilities.

3 How a Carbon Footprint is measured.

Step 1 Defining the scope

It is simple; we will define, along with you, the carbon impact of your organisation. We will then map out the structure of your business, define the scope of the measurement and determine the data required.

Step 2 Gathering Data

You will complete a simple data profile that we will provide you. Once you have completed the information we will collect and start to analyse.

Step 3 Carbon Audit

We will analyse your data and conduct your carbon audit using a carbon calculator designed for your business. Although we may need to ask you a few more questions, our impact on your operations is kept to a minimum.

Step 4 Presentation and Recommendations

Upon completion we will write up the findings and present to you. The final report includes recommendations for mitigation and offsetting.

Step 5 Implementation

Us: As part of our corporate responsibility we will plant a tree and assign a worm farm in your company name.

You will begin the exciting process of reducing your footprint and communicating with your staff and stakeholders.

4 The Cost:

The cost is determined by the size of the organisation and the scope of the footprint. For an accurate quote, we need to understand more about your organisation. Specifically,

Number of offices

Area of operation (Regional, National, International)

Number of employees

Number of company vehicles (approx)

Number of travelling employees?

Did you know: The Tree Fuchsia is the tree of the year for 2010?

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5 The Carbon Footprint Report

1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction

3. Background

4. Methodology

5. Objectives and Boundaries

6. Greenhouse Gas Inventory

7. Scope 1: Direct Emissions

8. Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Electricity Consumption

9. Scope 3: Indirect – Other

10. Scope Breakdown

11. Intensity Reporting

12. Assumptions and Limitations

13. GHG Comparisons and Benchmarking

14. Emissions Reduction Recommendations

15. Offsetting your Carbon Footprint

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