Zero Emissions Day: Our commitment to reducing carbon footprint

On 21st September, Zero Emissions Day is celebrated globally, raising awareness about the environmental impact of emissions. At Arcus, we’re committed to making real, measurable changes that contribute to a sustainable future.

Our emissions reduction targets are aligned with Science Based Targets (SBTi), which are currently undergoing a detailed validation process. Here’s what we’ve committed to:

• By FY2030: We aim to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% from our FY2022 baseline. This includes a 42% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.
• By FY2040: We’re committed to a 90% reduction in both Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions from FY2022 levels, achieving Net Zero by 2040 by neutralising any residual emissions.

These goals are supported by numerous initiatives that are either ongoing or in development.

Expanding Our Electric Vehicle Fleet

To further reduce our carbon footprint, Arcus has placed an order for 50 additional electric vans, adding to our current fleet of 20 EVs. This reinforces our commitment to electrifying our fleet. Additionally, we’re working on a project that optimises work order allocation and routes for our technicians, reducing both mileage and time spent in vehicles.

Sustainable Energy Sources

At three of our Arcus-operated sites, we continue to use 100% renewable electricity, backed by renewable electricity Guarantee of Origin certificates until February 2025, when we will renew. For our gas supply, 10% is backed by Renewable Gas Guarantees, with the remaining 90% covered by carbon credits from certified projects, ensuring green gas supply until 2025.

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

We also offer an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme for eligible colleagues, allowing them to lease electric vehicles at lower costs than conventional leases, promoting greener personal transportation options.

Drive Down CO2 by Dialling In

Since March 2020, our “Drive Down CO2 by Dialling In” initiative has focused on reducing mileage within our grey fleet (personal and company cars used for business travel). The goal is to cut one million miles to reduce emissions and meet our carbon reduction targets.

From April 2023 to March 2024, we successfully avoided 987,526 miles of travel, preventing 260 tonnes of CO2e emissions. Although just short of our one million-mile target, this achievement still represents significant progress. This financial year, we have already avoided 541,366 miles, saving around 143 tonnes of CO2e, and we’re on track to meet our target for 2024/25.

As we continue to encourage our colleagues to think about their travel and attend meetings online, we are working together to not only reduce our carbon footprint but enjoying the benefits that this work-life balance brings.

Together, we can continue making impactful changes that support a more sustainable future.