A symbolic image of cutting carbon emissions represented by a pair of scissors cutting through a sign that has CO2 written on it.
Our guidance can help you understand your carbon foot print and cut emissions. © David Barrett / Alamy Stock Photo
Our guidance can help you understand your carbon foot print and cut emissions. © David Barrett / Alamy Stock Photo

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint

This page will help you understand what your organisation's carbon footprint is as the first step in working towards net zero for your organisation.  Here you can find out how to scope carbon emissions, draft a Carbon Reduction Plan and monitor progress.

On this page
  1. Introduction to carbon emission scopes
  2. Resources to understand, calculate and reduce your carbon footprint
  3. Developing your Carbon Reduction Plan
  4. Monitoring and reporting
  5. More themes to help your organisation towards Net Zero

Introduction to carbon emission scopes

In order to begin reducing your carbon emissions, you need to know what they are. This will establish your organisation’s carbon baseline, from which you can then set measurable targets to achieve net zero. The next step is developing a Carbon Reduction Plan which will set out how you will reduce your emissions from all the different areas of your organisation, which could include your building, operations, etc.

Step 1 Look across your whole organisation to get a good understanding of what your carbon emissions are.
Step 2 Calculate your baseline emissions.
Step 3 Set out measurable targets to achieve net zero.
Step 4 Begin to think about different ways to reduce your emissions through a Carbon Reduction Plan.

Calculating and reporting carbon emissions is undertaken in a standardised way. The World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development have created a Greenhouse Gases Protocol. This categorises greenhouse gas emissions into Scope 1, 2 and 3 depending on the source of the emissions.

Organising your emissions by Scope will help you clearly set out your organisation’s different emissions and help you develop your carbon reduction action plan.

Resources to understand, calculate and reduce your carbon footprint

There are a number of guides and resources available to help you understand, calculate, and reduce your carbon footprint:

  • Greenhouse Gases Protocol. Tools and guidance to help you calculate your different emissions.
  • The Historic Environment Forum. Resources to help you understand your footprint and reduce your carbon emissions.
  • Historic England has also developed a training course to help you begin to understand your carbon footprint and start your journey to net zero.
  • Carbon Literacy Training. This entry level and action-focused training, is accredited by the Carbon Literacy Trust and is aimed at small and medium sized organisations in the heritage sector. Carbon Literacy is key for organisations to gain awareness of the factors contributing to climate change and its consequences. The training also provides a great foundation for individuals, teams, and organisations to start efforts in reducing their carbon emissions and work towards net zero. 

Developing your Carbon Reduction Plan

Carbon Reduction can be a confusing space with many claims about sustainability and different accreditation paths. In this section you will find tips to help you understand how to set up a good plan.

Do's

Be upfront about you net zero ambitions and steps to reach your goals.

Focus on reduction first.

Aim for reduction of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Have targets aligned with international standards when appropriate (e.g. commercial context):

Clearly articulated SMARTIE targets (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based, Inclusive, and Equitable).

Focus on action in different areas including wider environmental sustainability efforts (e.g. biodiversity) and not simply on carbon emissions.

Highlight the importance of collaboration/inclusion (e.g. staff).

Commit to publishing progress.

State the baseline carbon footprint.

Dont's

Focus on carbon neutrality e.g., PAS2060 ; creating a zero net release of carbon emissions rather than making specific reduction targets.

Use offsetting before achieving reductions.

Make claims without being able to measure these carbon reduction measures. 

Mention circular economy without stating reasoning or highlighting its part of the value economy e.g., "we are supporting circular economy by using recycled materials within our products".

Downplay the challenges of net zero.

Make vague statements about actions without clear timeframes, resources, or outputs/outcomes.

Further guidance on creating carbon reduction plans

Monitoring and reporting

Ensure your organisation can respond to changing circumstances by regularly updating your Carbon Reduction Plan.

Establish a Monitoring and Reporting System

  • Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs are a way to measure your progress and help you stay on track. They should have defined metrics and be measurable. This could include metrics for energy consumption, and progress towards specific reduction targets. 
  • Data Collection: Implement a robust system for collecting relevant data. This may include a consistent approach to your data collection, ensuring accurate record-keeping of relevant activities, using energy monitoring software, and collaborating with suppliers for data sharing.

Regular Assessment

  • Scheduled Reviews: Set up a schedule for regular reviews and assessments of your Carbon Reduction Plan. This could be quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the scale and complexity of your organisation.
  • Performance Analysis: Analyse the collected data against the predefined metrics and KPIs. Identify trends, areas of success, and potential challenges.

Update the Carbon Reduction Plan

  • Adapt to Changes: As you learn from experience and new information (data collection tools, technology…) becomes available, be prepared to adjust, and refine your strategies for better outcomes.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Monitor changes in environmental regulations that may affect your organisation. Ensure that your carbon reduction plan remains compliant with evolving standards and regulations.
  • Organisational Priorities: Consider changes in organisational priorities and ensure that your Carbon Reduction Plan aligns with and supports these priorities.
  • Lessons Learnt: Incorporate lessons learnt from past assessments. If certain initiatives were particularly successful or faced unexpected challenges, use that knowledge to refine and enhance your carbon reduction strategies.

Communication and Transparency

  • Internal Communication: Keep internal stakeholders informed about the progress of your Carbon Reduction Plan. This includes employees at all levels, from frontline staff to top executives.
  • External Communication: If applicable, communicate your progress externally to stakeholders and the general public. Transparent reporting enhances credibility and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.

More themes to help your organisation towards Net Zero