Event management company carbon footprint calculation

Summary

Broadsword is a prominent event management company, specialising in organising corporate events for businesses across various industries. Recognising the importance of environmental responsibility and the growing demand of clients for solid environmental credentials, Broadsword sought to minimise their impact on climate change by comprehensively assessing their carbon footprint and committing to carbon neutrality. Broadsword engaged C Free to calculate their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and establish a pathway to becoming carbon neutral.

Challenge

Broadsword needed a reliable and accurate carbon footprint analysis that accounted for their entire business operations, including event planning, logistics, travel, and waste management. They also required guidance on setting achievable reduction targets and the necessary steps to be certified as a carbon-neutral organisation.

Furthermore, this work was undertaken in an extremely busy period for Broadsword. Therefore, it was imperative to minimise the time needed for data collection such that Broadsword employees could continue to focus on their primary roles at the business.

Approach

C Free used a four-step process to assist Broadsword in obtaining carbon-neutral certification:

1. Data Collection and Analysis: C Free utilised innovative data processing and cleaning techniques to streamline the data collection process for Broadsword. By processing through Broadsword’s existing data C Free gathered primary and secondary data on energy usage, travel, transportation, waste generation, and procurement practices with minimal data entry requirement for Broadsword. C Free also used their innovative technique to form a “carbon map” of Broadsword from their expenses, again reducing data acquisition time requirements.
2. Carbon Footprint Calculation: C Free calculated Broadsword's carbon footprint, accounting for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. This analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of Broadsword's environmental impact and areas for improvement.
3. Net-Zero Target Setting: C Free worked closely with Broadsword to set ambitious yet achievable net-zero targets based on their carbon footprint analysis. This involved identifying potential carbon reduction strategies, such as improving energy efficiency, promoting virtual events, and using more sustainable suppliers.
4. Carbon Neutral Certification: C Free guided Broadsword through the process of becoming a carbon-neutral organisation. This included implementing the recommended carbon reduction strategies, offsetting any remaining emissions through verified carbon credits, and obtaining certification.

Results

C Free's partnership with Broadsword led to the following key outcomes:

• A comprehensive carbon footprint analysis, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
• Implementation of carbon reduction strategies, such as increased energy efficiency, virtual event offerings, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Offset of residual emissions through investment in verified carbon credits from high-quality projects.
• Successful achievement of carbon-neutral certification in line with the PAS2060 - Other party validation.

See Broadsword's GHG Report

Have a look at Broadsword's blog on carbon neutrality

Listen to The Carbon Conversation with Eddie Fitzgerald-Barron

Outcomes and Impact

With C Free's support, Broadsword successfully calculated their carbon footprint, set ambitious reduction targets, and achieved carbon-neutral certification. This has allowed Broadsword to showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility and enhance their reputation in the event management industry. Moreover, their carbon reduction strategies have resulted in cost savings and increased efficiency across their operations. By becoming carbon neutral, Broadsword has set a new standard for sustainability within the event management sector and has inspired other clients and competitors to follow suit.