The race to decarbonize our economy is becoming more urgent than ever before, meaning that the future of the world is becoming dependent on each individual company’s decarbonization strategy.

Decarbonization Strategies: from Measurement to Contribution

Decarbonization involves steps to measure emissions and enact strategies to reduce them. Some emissions can be challenging to abate simply because adequate technology does not yet exist (such as steel, aviation and shipping). Carbon removal is an effective tool to help companies neutralize these hard-to-abate emissions whilst effective abatement technologies are developed, allowing companies to contribute to climate change mitigation on their way to Net Zero.

Why is a decarbonization strategy important? 

The race to decarbonize our economy is becoming more urgent than ever before, meaning that the future of the world is becoming dependent on each individual company’s decarbonization strategy to help aid in the fight against climate change. 

Climate change’s impact is increasing in both prevalence and severity; for the calendar year to date, the global mean temperature for 2023 is the highest on record, 1.43°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. 

In fact, a report released by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the planet is likely to surpass even its most ambitious climate target — limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures — by the early 2030s.

The path to a 1.5 °C limit on global warming may be tough, but it remains in the realm of possibility as of today. We all have the ability to implement a decarbonization strategy, but it will require vast, coordinated efforts to fundamentally change the way business operates.

How Greenly + Patch can help your company develop a decarbonization strategy 

Greenly and Patch are joining forces to make a dream team for decarbonization – but how can our new partnership help your company develop the best decarbonization strategy possible?

At Greenly, our platform makes it possible to measure accurately, reduce sustainability, and report on progress. We combine advanced technology with a team of climate experts to take action on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. As a result, Greenly has helped more than 1,500 companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Now, we’re combining our efforts to achieve even greater decarbonization goals. 

We’re proud to partner with Patch, leveraging their API to bring their network of high-integrity carbon avoidance and removal projects into our dashboard. 

Patch’s infrastructure is powering the carbon market of the future. Their software brings together corporate buyers, project developers, financiers, and policymakers to increase transparency and modernize climate action. Our partnership allows us to guide clients through purchasing individual credits, or portfolios of credits that help them to achieve their climate commitments.

As organizations prepare to take action in 2024, this article will provide details on the right approach to integrating carbon credits into decarbonization strategies, and how Greenly x Patch can help you on that journey.

What is the relationship between your decarbonization strategy and the voluntary carbon market?

As companies have expanded their production lines, many have opted to compensate for their residual emissions through the purchase of carbon offsets, credits, or implementing the use of carbon capture and storage technologies.

The Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) facilitates the sale and purchase of carbon credits, where each credit represents 1 metric tonne of CO2e mitigation. Whilst carbon credits should not be used in place of decarbonization, they  represent one of the easiest and most accessible ways for companies to contribute to their decarbonization goals on their journey to Net Zero. 

Developers of carbon credits use revenue from the sale of these credits to grow their operations, and buyers may use purchased credits to augment their reduction efforts and meet their climate commitments. Since its start back in the 1990s, the market has evolved, and in recent years, the pace of change has been accelerating.

How to incorporate carbon credits into a decarbonization strategy

It is critical that businesses take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Greenly has refined its platform and process to support companies like Hello Fresh, Tenth Revolution Group and The Fork - A Trip Advisor Company take meaningful reduction action. 

Greenly’s approach starts with measurement, calculating scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for an organization. Life Cycle Assessment can be implemented to provide a clear picture of each product’s or service’s impact. This information is then used to guide efforts to reduce emissions, quantifying action plans and tracking progress.

Greenly has built the capability to make contributions to carbon projects from directly within our dashboard, with many projects provided by Patch. We’ve seen companies increasingly opting for a “contribution” approach to climate action, rather than focusing on compensating or offsetting. 

In a contribution approach, companies are not bound to compensate for their emissions on a tonne-for-tonne basis, which often leads to a race to the bottom in terms of price and by extension quality, instead they can form a high-integrity climate action budget, and contribute that budget to the most impactful projects that resonate with their values as a company.

Clients can browse projects based on various criteria including:

Mechanism: choosing either avoidance credits (incentivising keeping CO₂ from entering the atmosphere), or removal credits (incentivising taking CO₂ out of the atmosphere).

Vintage: the year in which a carbon credit’s impact will be delivered. Past and present vintages may be used towards specific climate commitments, and forward year vintages help provide critical funding to more nascent projects

Technology: from nature based to cutting edge engineered solutions 

Region: choosing the country of impact - many clients look to support projects from the regions within which they operate

Co-benefits: noting where projects provide additional benefits, such as restoring local biodiversity, or improving local livelihoods through job creation.

There are a wide range of credits available in the dashboard, including:

Concrete Mineralization from CarbonCure: CarbonCure injects captured CO₂ across the concrete manufacturing process, with commercialized solutions for ready mix concrete, precast concrete and reclaimed water. Upon injection, CO₂ immediately mineralizes in concrete, becoming permanently embedded. Even if a structure is later demolished, the nanoparticles of mineralized carbon will not return to the atmosphere. This mineralization also enables producers to reduce the amount of cement needed for each batch of concrete.

Planboo Malawi Biochar: Planboo is an artisanal biochar carbon removal company. Their approach involves pyrolysing agricultural waste to form a carbon-rich char which they then distribute on farmland across the Global South, improving soil health and enhancing local biodiversity.

Enhanced Weathering from Lithos Carbon: Lithos’ technology accelerates mineral weathering by spreading crushed-up basalt rock on croplands where it reacts with the CO2 in rainwater, mineralizes and is eventually stored  in oceans as carbonate minerals. Their technology uses novel soil models and machine learning to maximize CO₂ removal while boosting crop growth.

View our on-demand webinar where we share practical steps and insights on the importance of proper carbon contribution. 🌱

How can your company take unified climate action: from measuring, to reducing, to contributing? 💚
Learn about the do's and don'ts of investing in carbon contribution and gain insights on how to take meaningful climate action. 😉 🌍

Ben Field, Climate Action Strategist at Patch, and our very own Hasitha Sridharan will be sharing practical steps and insights on the importance of proper carbon contribution. 🌱

Give it a listen and put your climate goals into action 🔗 

#webinarseries  #climatechange  #carbonfootprint

Patch x Greenly Webinar on carbon credits and reducing your emissions.

How the voluntary carbon market is evolving

In the VCM, new technologies to remove carbon from the atmosphere are being developed — such as Concrete Mineralization, Enhanced Rock Weathering, Biochar (all described above), and Direct Air Capture, which sucks carbon from the air and buries it underground in geological form for thousands of years. These technologies have great potential, but they are early in their development cycle and standards and methodologies are still being defined and developed, which means many companies are hesitant to make meaningful purchases to help these solutions scale. 

The more traditional carbon avoidance and removal solutions have relied on natural ecosystems, including forest protection, afforestation/reforestation and regenerative agriculture. Recently, however, there has been heightened scrutiny regarding the capacity to measure, report and verify the climate impact of these nature-based solutions, particularly forest protection projects known as REDD+.

These headwinds must be addressed if we are to stay within planetary boundaries. It’s important to note, however, that the fact that performance has been evaluated and lessons learned is not cause for alarm, but a sign of an efficient system. Forest carbon is a critical tool and it is undergoing continual evolution and improvement. This is how science works. 

Criticism has driven waves of technological innovation, including the emergence of carbon credit ratings providers like BeZero and Sylvera, which should be seen as a means of increasing confidence and trust amongst entities wishing to purchase credits. 

That said, a lack of unity around carbon credit quality assurance, combined with uncertainty about the role of carbon credits within broader climate action strategies, has impeded progress towards scaling these important solutions. This year is noted for strong progress with voluntary carbon credit standards and guidelines, including the release of the ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles and the VCMI’s Claims Code, which provide initial rules of the road for project developers and buyers, respectively. 

Although further guidance is still to be delivered, these notable developments demonstrate that we are closer than ever to achieving clarity and unity within the VCM.

How can the government help with your decarbonization strategy?

Governments are also starting to play a role in helping to guide the VCM, which ultimately aids in the development of a decarbonization strategy. The United States Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions that incentivize the use of carbon capture and storage. 

In California, the Climate Accountability Package stipulates that businesses with more than $1 billion in revenue must publicly disclose their emissions, beginning with Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2026, and then Scope 3 emissions by 2027. Additional legislative changes are anticipated in many regions, from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and beyond. 

Businesses are taking note. In 2022 there was an 87% increase in companies setting science-based targets, and 929 companies from the Forbes 2000 list have now set Net Zero targets. 

For those wishing to take action and get ahead of the game before governments make it compulsory, Greenly and Patch are here to help.

The journey to curate the best possible decarbonization strategy is pivotal to rebalance the planet, and proactive businesses are taking key steps to improve their sustainability. 

Looking to integrate carbon credits into your decarbonization strategy? Book an appointment with the Greenly team to get started.

After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today.

Stephanie Safdie - Greenly

Stephanie Safdie holds a bachelor's degree in English Language & Literature from the University of Maryland College Park, where she specialized in multimedia studies and media literacy to write engaging content made for the internet. She previously worked as a social media content video creator, freelance copywriter, and continues to write SEO generated content for her travel website. After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today. Her work at Greenly covers a wide variety of topics, such as the impact of popular culture events on the environment, offering unique ideas for sustainable development, and breaking down new climate legislation in simple terms. As Stephanie is passionate about linking the bridge between the everyday activities we love to do (such as travel, concerts, fashion, food, etc.) and the effect it has on the environment, she is pursuing further training for more in-depth journalistic endeavors on the environment in the future.

After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Marine Kohler

Marine has an engineering degree from the French school of CentraleSupélec and a masters in Industrial Management from DTU. After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Copywriter specializing in environmental thematics

Ines Gendre is a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. She joined Greenly's team in 2022.

Ines Gendre

Ines Gendre holds a master’s degree in marketing and began her career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. After retraining, she joined Greenly in 2022 as a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. Ines brings her expertise to companies and individuals seeking to understand the challenges of climate change, the green transition, and their impact on society and the economy. Trained in key tools for developing climate strategies - such as Carbon Assessments, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and carbon offsetting - she will begin studying political science at Oxford University in England in January 2025.

Kara joined the team at Greenly in 2023 as SEO copywriter for the UK market.

Kara Anderson - Greenly

Kara Anderson holds an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in international law from the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen, specializing in human rights and EU law, where she developed strong research and writing skills. After working at Ernst & Young as part of their audit graduate scheme and gaining experience in analytics, she transitioned to advertising, working with major global brands like American Express and Dove.
In 2023, Kara joined Greenly as a writer, focusing on sustainability and climate-related topics for the UK market. Her work spans a wide range of environmental issues, including climate science, sustainable development, and climate policy. Collaborating with climate scientists, Kara has produced data-driven investigations into key climate challenges. With a passion for international politics, sustainable development, and climate change science, she continues to build her expertise in the field and is currently pursuing further training in journalism.

Ben Field, Climate Action Strategist at Patch

Quentin Bourhis, Climate Expert at Greenly

Matthieu Vegreville

Matthieu is a 28 year-old graduate engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and Télecom Paris, with a background in data science at Withings. While there, he worked on watch activity detection algorithms, and developed a health study activity so that connected objects could be used to better monitor certain pathologies. He has long been involved in data science projects with his brother, who has the same training. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, he decided to put his know-how at the service of the environment. 

Arnaud Delubac

Arnaud, 26 years old, trained as a designer and in digital communication at INSEEC before joining the Master Entrepreunariat at ESSEC-CentraleSupélec. Passionate about social media since his teenage years, he has created some of the biggest Twitter communities in France before joining the digital communication team of the Prime Minister’s office in Matignon. It was at the Secretaries of State for Digital, Mounir Mahjoubi and Cédric O, where Arnaud directly managed the team, that he developed a strong conviction for the need to use technology to bring awareness to the greatest causes of our time.

Alexis Normand

Alexis is a 37 year-old graduate of HEC and Sciences-Po. After his studies, he spent 2 years working in public policy consulting. He then spent 6 years at Withings, a leading company in connected objects. While there, he continued the companies operations in Boston, USA, and created the company’s health department. After the company was bought by Nokia, he joined the startup Embleema by working through Techstars, one of the best startup incubators in the United States, where he developed a taste for entrepreneurship. His return to France was an opportunity to put all his experience at the service of the environment, during a crucial moment in the climate crisis.

Justine Dumont

Justine a toujours été passionnée de lecture et d’écriture. En 2019, elle parvient justement à faire de sa passion son métier, en devenant rédactrice web indépendante. Motivée par ses engagements écologiques, elle rejoint l’équipe de Greenly en 2022 afin de mettre ses compétences au service de la cause environnementale. 

Today, we are proud to announce that we have finalized a complete audit with Greenly in order to take concrete climate action and limit our identified emissions!

SFA Group carries out its Carbon Footprint with Greenly

SFA Group calculates their Carbon Footprint with Greenly !

SFA Group Carbon Footprint - Greenly

Embracing sustainable practices isn't just a choice; it's our responsibility to build a greener future. Greenly has been instrumental in reshaping our approach towards a more eco-friendly tomorrow.

What can you tell us about your company? 🔍 

The SFA Group is a world leader in the development and manufacture of solutions for domestic and professional use wherever water flows and drains. At the core of our existence is our unwavering mission: to design and manufacture innovative solutions that improve people’s lives at home and at work and ensure seamless interaction with water-related systems. With more than 1,200 employees and 28 subsidiaries around the world, the SFA Group is a global company with 4 core divisions:

Sanitary pumps and macerator pumps for domestic use

Products for showers, hydrotherapy and spas

Why did you carry out a carbon assessment?

At SFA Group, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond words; it's embedded in our actions. Conducting a comprehensive GHG assessment allows us to measure our environmental impact accurately. We believe that understanding our emissions is crucial for setting meaningful targets and steering our initiatives towards a more sustainable future.

As a local company headquartered in Paris but operating on a global scale, our choice of partners reflects our commitment to bridging local expertise with global outreach. Greenly, rooted in France yet with a global perspective, perfectly aligns with our approach. Their understanding of local regulations coupled with an international outlook resonates with our commitment to environmental responsibility. Selecting Greenly as a partner allows us to merge local insights with a global vision, advancing our environmental goals on an international level.

Our carbon assessment showed that our emissions in 2022 were 171 tCO2e (excluding end-of-use and end-of-life product phases). Our commitment to reducing emissions has led us to take various proactive measures that have earned us the Greenly Silver Medal.

Before our collaboration with Greenly, we had already initiated impactful sustainability measures, including a revamped travel policy, investments in renewable energy, and the gradual transition of our vehicle fleet. With Greenly's partnership, we've intensified our efforts. Our focus now extends to eco-designing products through detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), incorporating carbon impact considerations into our procurement practices, and fostering eco-awareness among our clientele. Additionally, we are striving to reduce packaging weight, increase the use of recycled materials, optimize logistics for efficient truck routing, and gradually shift our vehicle fleet from gas to electric vehicles. Our plans also include offering eco-driving courses to our employees to further embed sustainable practices across our operations.

Hampshire Cultural Trust carries out its Carbon Footprint with Greenly

Hampshire Cultural Trust calculates their Carbon Footprint with Greenly !

Hampshire Cultural Trust Carbon Footprint - Greenly

Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) functions as an independent charity overseeing and assisting visitor attractions, museums, art galleries, and arts centers throughout the county of Hampshire in the UK. The trust organizes a diverse array of workshops, classes, events, and exhibitions. It annually welcomes more than 15,000 children through its immersive education program, engages in projects with individuals, groups, and communities lacking access to culture, and manages 2.5 million objects associated with Hampshire's rich history. With a staff of approximately 140 and over 400 volunteers, HCT has been actively working to understand and mitigate its environmental impact since 2019.

In the pursuit of environmental improvement, HCT has developed comprehensive action plans for the upcoming 12 months. A specialized project team comprising 12-14 individuals from various parts of the organization dedicates half a day per week to HCT's environmental initiatives. Notably, with the assistance of a HEIF grant from the University of Sussex, Josephine Lethbridge and Jo Lindsay Walton, supported by other DHCC members, collaborated with HCT in 2023. Their focus was to explore HCT's approach to decarbonization and provide support, including the involvement of the carbon accounting platform Greenly as a project partner.

Greenly positioned itself as a tech solution to the complex tasks of carbon accounting and the creation of carbon management plans. Greenly provided us with an accessible package for annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, climate expert support, and automated carbon reduction suggestions!

They employed a hybrid approach, combining spend-based and activity-based assessments to calculate carbon footprints and the platform offered a flexible mix, emphasizing that carbon accounting should support actionable decarbonization strategies. 

What were the outcomes of the Carbon Footprint report? 📊

The collaboration with HCT yielded detailed emissions data, offering a level of granularity that really impressed our team. The insights aligned with HCT's expectations, revealing areas for focus and highlighting unexpected emissions sources. The main benefit of Greenly's analysis was its potential to lend clarity and gravitas to HCT's existing plans, aiding in funding applications, stakeholder engagement, and internal decision-making.

Our team expressed immense enthusiasm for the detailed emissions data and the diverse charts and perspectives available. A team member conveyed their excitement, stating, "We're all a bit overwhelmed by how fantastic it is... It probably would have taken us a few years to reach this point."

In general, the distribution of emissions across various facets of HCT's operations, and the implications for key areas of focus, really aligned with our expectations. 

The primary advantage of the analysis was perceived in its potential to bring clarity and significance to the team's existing plans. One team member remarked, "We were really stuck. Some people want to see data, figures, and proof supporting proposed approaches and action plans. So Greenly has really assisted with that." 

Another added, "Just having the data is fantastic. There are numerous ways we can use it – in funding applications, advocating our case, pushing initiatives with the council, and internally as well, to get people on board."

This could involve increased encouragement from Greenly for senior staff participation, especially during the final presentation, and greater involvement of staff from various departments in data collection.

What were some challenges addressed? 🤔

We faced challenges in accessing expertise, prioritizing actions, and mobilizing resources for sustainability initiatives. Greenly's platform addressed these challenges by providing comprehensive emissions data, facilitating informed decision-making, and offering dedicated staff time for data compilation.

Greenly, acknowledge HCT as a slightly atypical client, embracing the opportunity to apply its tools and expertise in a new context. The collaboration exemplified Greenly's commitment to expanding its services to different types of clients, aligning with its goal of creating a highly automated platform.

At time of writing, we are working on refining our recommendations for project partners. We hope to continue to work with both HCT and Greenly, and have recently sought follow-on funding (AHRC IAA and AHRC Net Zero Design Accelerator) to support this work. On the Greenly side, we see potential for expanding resources to support clients in using data internally and externally, opportunities around quantifying and visualising uncertainty, as well as localising decarbonisation recommendation resources, and transforming approaches to carbon offsetting.

Today, we are proud to announce that we have finalized a complete audit with Greenly!

Maison Denis carries out its Carbon Footprint with Greenly

Maison Denis calculates their Carbon Footprint with Greenly !

Maison Denis Carbon Footprint - Greenly

Maison Denis boasts a rich history spanning over 160 years, underlining its status as a well-established company with a legacy upheld by successive generations of the founding family. Focusing on the food and beverage sector, Denis Asia Pacific serves as the operational headquarters, spearheading sustainability efforts within the group. Noteworthy investments in production and logistics, including in Solar Photovoltaic Systems, energy-efficient equipment, and Green Building certifications, highlight Maison Denis' commitment to innovation and sustainability.

ESG Manager - Maison Denis - Denis Asia Pacific

Embarking on the sustainability journey may seem daunting, but the first step is crucial: measure your impact. Just as you wouldn’t embark on a weight loss journey without a scale, you can’t effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions without knowing where they stand. It’s not as daunting as it seems—start small, take it step by step, and remember, it’s possible for everyone to make a difference.

Maison Denis' dedication to combatting climate change is evident through its internal efforts in calculating and mitigating Scope 1 and 2 emissions. However, recognizing the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions, which often constitute a significant portion of overall emissions, the group sought assistance from Greenly for a comprehensive carbon assessment. Despite no regulatory obligation, Maison Denis voluntarily engaged with Greenly to gain insights into its carbon footprint, emphasizing a proactive approach towards sustainability.

The decision to select Greenly was taken following a thorough evaluation process of several service providers offering similar solutions. We conducted then a satisfactory pilot project with one of our companies based in Singapore. It convinced us to deploy the greenhouse gas assessment to 13 of our entities.

We were interested in the simplicity in apprehending and calculating Scope 3 emissions. Greenly's solution lies in its ability to harness financial data to streamline the complex process of emissions calculation. This capability is designed to simplify calculation workflows.

During the course of our collaboration, Greenly demonstrated availability and responsiveness. Regular meetings ensured that our project remained on track, fostering open communication and mutual understanding. Greenly understood our unique operational constraints, tailoring their approach to suit our specific needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all strategy. This adaptability helps in ensuring a seamless experience. They also appear to be committed to continuous improvement by soliciting feedback and looking for ways to enhance the system.

While our expectations were generally aligned with the results provided by Greenly for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, delving into Scope 3 emissions opened a new level of insight and understanding. We approached the findings with a positive outlook, viewing them as validation of our ongoing efforts towards sustainability. It was gratifying to see that the products we offer inherently possess a low carbon footprint, reflecting our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. This reaffirmed our belief that we are moving in the right direction. 

We did not expect the relatively low impact of transportation on our overall emissions profile. Given our status as an international company with products distributed across various countries, we anticipated transportation to constitute a more significant portion of our carbon footprint. However, our reliance on long shelf-life products, such as canned and sterilized pouches transported mainly by sea freight, mitigated this impact. This realization underscored the importance of considering the entire product lifecycle in assessing emissions.

Another noteworthy observation was the significant contribution of packaging to our emissions profile. While not entirely unexpected, it served as a reminder of the need to continually improve our packaging practices. We are actively engaged in efforts to reduce packaging weight, enhance recyclability, and incorporate more recycled materials while keeping as the utmost priority the highest standard of food preservation and safety.

As we now have a comprehensive view of our emissions across all scopes, our focus is on developing a robust long-term roadmap to achieve our sustainability objectives.  While acknowledging the nuances surrounding terminologies such as “carbon neutrality” and “net-zero”, we are committed to making tangible progress in reducing our emissions. Our goal, aligned with the principles of net-zero emissions, is to achieve net zero by 2040. We are proud of the transparency we maintain regarding our emissions profile and are eager to share our progress with stakeholders through various channels, including our ESG reports.

In addressing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, our primary focus lies in optimizing energy consumption, particularly in electricity and fuel usage. We have dedicated resources to actively explore energy-saving measures, including potential upgrades to our factory’s machinery. Also, our internal communication efforts extend to engaging employees in our sustainability journey through initiatives such as EHS weeks and Climate Fresk. Regarding Scope 3 emissions, our strategy centers on engaging with our suppliers to drive collective action towards emissions reduction. While recognizing the challenges posed by our diverse supplier base, we are committed to fostering collaboration and encouraging adherence to sustainability standards. We are confident that legal, economic and technical contexts should soon evolve faster.

Maison Denis’ partnership with Greenly exemplifies its commitment to sustainability, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges. By leveraging data-driven insights and engaging stakeholders, the group aims to achieve its sustainability goals while inspiring others to join the journey towards a greener and more responsible future.

This report acts as an example of a Greenly Tech Carbon Footprint Report!

Tech - Carbon Footprint - Greenly

Forest is London's most sustainable and affordable shared e-bike service.  Our mission is clear – shift commuters away from more intensive carbon-emitting transport modes to create a cleaner, more sustainable city. 

We operate a shared e-bike service that makes cycling more affordable and sustainable. Users enjoy 10 minutes of free cycling daily by engaging with ads within the app. Notably, our operations are fully electric, powered by renewable energy, and hold a B Corp certification.

Sustainability is at the heart of Forest's mission. As we scale it is crucial we have carbon reporting partners who can provide us the level of support we need to keep us on track for sustainable, responsible and considerate growth

Why did you decide to carry out a GHG assessment? 🤔

Previous to Greenly, we initially relied on open-source data for our carbon calculations. However, as we scaled, we looked to externalize our carbon footprint and sought Greenly's expertise. Having our carbon footprint report conducted by a third party ensured that we were keeping in line with greenhouse gas protocol and not over-inflating or under-inflating carbon emissions calculations.   Indeed, this level of GHG assessment reassures us that we are measuring our CO2 figures as accurately as possible whilst also following best practice for reducing emissions in our supply chain and other Scope 3 areas.

We want to ensure that as we grow we are able to retain our position as the most sustainable shared e-bike service.

Having reviewed a number of tools, Greenly seemed to have the most solid methodology and approach for measuring Scope 3, where the lion's share of our emissions originate. We really liked the interface and the support of the account managers at Greenly at every step of the process.

Ultimately, it was a combination of three things: Greenly’s experience in our sector, its reasonable pricing and their intuitive platform that aligns with our lean team.

Greenly's platform provided us with a comprehensive and straightforward data collection process. This was a significant shift from open-source data, since we weren’t able to scrutinize every single purchase we ever made. We also liked the way the results are graphically laid out. You can start to get a real feel for where your emissions are coming from and directly know the next steps for reducing our carbon footprint.

Our carbon assessment showed that our total emissions in 2022 were 2260 tCO2e. Our main emission posts were Assets (71.6%), Services Purchase (13%) and Freight (4.9%). 

A fascinating finding was the impact air freight has on our total figure.  Although only a small portion of our hardware was sent by air freight last year, the impact that this had on our CO2 emissions was significant! This certainly highlighted the importance of sea freight over air freight. 

The rest of the report wasn’t so surprising, given that our business operations grew hugely in the last year. When we looked at the categorization, the hardware as a proportion went from 90 percent of our emissions to about 70. But that was the only real sway. A lot of other areas, for example, like office technology, for example, or commuting, stayed pretty much the same as a proportion of the overall figure. 

The main one action plan recommended by Greenly, and that we have already started implementing it, was buying secondhand but unused assets. This doesn't reduce our total emissions, but it allows us to have avoided emissions. 

The second reduction item that is coming this year is our work with our suppliers. Our relationship with Greenly is going to facilitate making that process a lot easier and getting our suppliers to reduce their emissions as well.

The last one goes back to air freight and avoiding it as much as possible.

For the emissions we cannot reduce, we are investing in a project with The Great Reserve, who protect giant sequoia trees which are now becoming endangered in North America. The project plants groves in the UK, on land that has already been felled. This UK-based initiative emphasizes long-term care for trees, adding a tangible dimension to our offsetting efforts.

How was the Carbon Footprint perceived by your team?

The Forest team received the carbon footprint report positively. The survey sparked interest in food consumption's impact on emissions, reflecting our commitment to understanding and improving our environmental footprint. I think it is important that we set a positive example as a company. 

What would you say to a company that's hesitant to embark on their first carbon footprint? 

We would advise companies who are hesitant about embarking on their first carbon footprint assessment that incremental improvements are key, and perfection should not be the goal. Procrastination only delays the journey towards sustainability, and taking the first step allows for continuous adaptation and gradual improvements over time.

With Greenly as our partner, Forest is poised for continued growth, making strides towards a more sustainable, responsible, and considerate future for shared e-bike services in London!

This report acts as an example of a Greenly Manufacturing Carbon Footprint Report!

Manufacturing - Carbon Footprint - Greenly

"Every meal we eat is an opportunity to vote for the kind of world we want to live in. I’ve always believed that food is more than just sustenance. It's a universal language, a catalyst for community building, and a vehicle for cultural exchange. But beyond that, food is an integral part of our planet's ecosystem. Every bite we take leaves an imprint on the world - for better or worse." Tximista Lizarazu, CEO & Co-Founder at Fraîche.

Fraîche calculates their Carbon Footprint with Greenly !

Fraîche Carbon Footprint - Greenly

My name is Tximista Lizarazu, CEO & Co-Founder at Fraîche.

I'm originally from the Basque Country, a region steeped in rich gastronomical traditions. Growing up in the southwest of France with such an environment, I developed a deep respect and fascination for food, its sources, and its potential to build community. This led me to do a business school, move to New York and work in the food industry, and eventually found my own food-tech company.

My journey into sustainability was a natural progression, born out of my concern for the planet and my desire to make a difference. I was deeply troubled by the inefficiencies and environmental toll of the food industry. As I delved deeper, I realized that every meal we eat is an opportunity to vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

We built Fraîche with Julie, and the team with the mission to transform the in-office food experience while making a positive impact on our environment. We're committed to sourcing local and responsible brands, minimizing waste, and promoting a culture of conscious consumption, all that with green logistics. In a nutshell, my love for food, my experiences across the globe, and my commitment to sustainability converged to bring me where I am today - leading a company that nourishes people while nurturing our planet.

What was your inspiration behind Fraîche? And why tackle the climate crisis specifically through the food and beverage industry?

The inspiration for Fraîche came from a combination of my passion for food, my experiences in the NY food business, and my deep concern for the state of our planet. I've always believed that food is more than just sustenance. It's a universal language, a catalyst for community building, and a vehicle for cultural exchange. But beyond that, food is an integral part of our planet's ecosystem. Every bite we take leaves an imprint on the world - for better or worse.

The food and beverage industry is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions (30%). Food at work would be 1/3 of that, so 10% of the total.  It's also a major driver of deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. At the same time, it's an industry riddled with inefficiencies - from food waste to overproduction. Yet, it's an industry with immense potential for positive change. By transforming how we grow, process, distribute, consume, and waste food, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint and even help regenerate our planet's ecosystems. That's the power of sustainable food systems, and that's why we chose to tackle the climate crisis through this industry.
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We founded Fraîche to demonstrate that we can enjoy delicious, nourishing food without harming our planet. By reimagining the in-office food experience, we aim to make sustainable eating the default choice - easy, enjoyable, and accessible to all.

Can you explain Fraîche's concept and how it can contribute to addressing the climate crisis?

Our value proposition for offices is clear: through Fraîche, companies gain an affordable, easy-to-implement food service that enhances employee satisfaction while reducing their carbon footprint. Our model, which doesn't require on-site kitchen facilities, makes us an efficient solution, easily scalable for companies of all sizes, and the most convenient solution on the market for employees. Plus, our efforts to educate and engage our consumers turn every meal into an experience – one that fosters awareness and ignites conversations about sustainability:

Green Logistics: We leverage green logistics, using electric cargo bikes for delivering our meals. By delivering to 50-100 people simultaneously, we reduce our carbon emissions per delivery substantially compared to traditional delivery services.

Partnership with Innovative Food Providers: We don’t just source ingredients - we form partnerships with local food businesses committed to sustainability. This way, we can offer diverse, high-quality meals while bolstering the local economy and promoting sustainable food practices.

Zero Food Waste Policy: Our unique model allows us to accurately predict demand and minimize waste, with any unsold meals donated to local charities. This commitment to zero waste extends beyond just feeding our customers – it's about nourishing our community as well.

Commitment to Responsible Packaging: We prioritize compostable packaging and are setting our sights on introducing reusable packaging by 2024. This aligns with our mission of reducing our environmental impact at every stage of the process.

Inspiring Action Through Education and Engagement: We leverage every Fraîche meal as an opportunity for learning and engagement, fostering conversations about our food choices and their wider impact.

Further, we work closely with Greenly to analyze, reduce, and offset our carbon emissions. This holistic approach to sustainability makes us a greener option not just for our consumers but also for the environment.

‍At Fraîche, it's not just about providing food. It's about shaping a greener, more sustainable future for everyone, one meal at a time.

What do you consider to be the key problems in the US current food systems?


1. Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: A large proportion of US agriculture revolves around industrial farming methods that heavily rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This not only degrades the quality of soil but also contributes to water pollution and biodiversity loss. Additionally, industrialized livestock farming has a significant environmental footprint and often overlooks animal welfare.

2. Food Waste: In the US, we face a serious issue with food waste. It's estimated that nearly 40% of the food supply is wasted. This represents an enormous waste of resources, including water, energy, and labor. Additionally, decomposing food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Concerns: Despite having one of the most abundant food supplies in the world, the US struggles with health issues tied to poor nutrition, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These are often linked to diets high in processed foods and low in fresh produce and whole grains.

4. Lack of Transparency: Many consumers lack a clear understanding of where their food comes from and how it's produced. This disconnect makes it hard for people to make informed decisions about their food choices and the associated impacts on their health and the environment.

5. Inequalities in the Food System: The US food system often reinforces social and economic disparities. Farmers and food industry workers often work in challenging conditions for low pay. Moreover, access to fresh, nutritious food is not equal, leading to "food deserts" in lower-income communities.

At Fraîche, we're committed to addressing some of these challenges through more transparency, reduction of food waste, support of local / sustainable food businesses, and making wholesome, delicious meals more accessible. Our aim is to drive a significant shift in our food system, making it more sustainable, and health-focused.

What have been some of the most valuable lessons you've learned along the way, and how have they shaped your approach to creating a positive impact through food and consumption?

1. Impact Takes Time: One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that meaningful, lasting change is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to long-term goals, despite any short-term obstacles. The impact we're striving to make through Fraîche is substantial, aiming to transform the way businesses and individuals approach food. This transformation won't happen overnight, but every small step we take brings us closer to our vision of a more sustainable and equitable food system.

2. Perfection is a Process: It's important to remember that achieving sustainability is a journey, and it's okay not to be perfect from day one. Mistakes and setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to learn and improve. At Fraîche, we constantly learn, iterate, and innovate, embracing every challenge as a chance to refine our approach and advance our mission.

3. The Power of Community: I've recognized that our most significant influence comes from fostering a community united by a shared vision. By rallying consumers, partners, and employees who are as passionate about sustainable food as we are, we can enact change that extends beyond our individual efforts.

4. Importance of Accessibility: Sustainable options need to be as convenient and appealing as their less-sustainable counterparts to achieve widespread adoption. That's why we prioritize creating a service that not only champions the planet but also delights our customers with its quality and convenience.

5. Transparency Builds Trust: Our customers value honesty, and offering detailed information about our food sources, production methods, and environmental impact fosters trust. This transparency cultivates a strong relationship between Fraîche and our community.

6. Embrace Constant Learning: Sustainability is a complex, ever-evolving field. We remain open to new knowledge, technologies, and approaches, allowing us to continually enhance our sustainability practices and reduce our carbon footprint further.

These lessons serve as the guiding principles behind our operations at Fraîche, shaping our decisions, informing our strategies, and motivating our relentless pursuit for a more sustainable, health-focused food system.

Looking towards the future we know the many industries will be strongly impacted by the climate crisis. What key changes do you want to see in legislation/policy to accelerate a shift towards greener consumption behaviours choices?

1. Incentivize Regenerative Agriculture: Government subsidies should favor farming practices that restore rather than deplete our soils and biodiversity, fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system.

2. Internalize External Costs: Reflect the true cost of food production in pricing, accounting for environmental impacts, to shift consumer behavior towards more sustainable options.

3. Stricter Carbon Emission Standards: Governments need to hold businesses accountable for their carbon footprints by setting stricter emission standards and ensuring they are enforced.

4. Enforce Stronger Regulations on Packaging: Introduce more stringent regulations to reduce the use of non-reusable materials in packaging, and incentivize research into new, more sustainable materials and systems.

Any resources you'd recommend for other sustainability leaders— books, podcasts, videos?

"Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman" by Yvon Chouinard: This book offers an insightful look at the philosophy of the founder of Patagonia Inc. Chouinard sets forth his belief that there's more to business than making money—namely, doing good and inspiring others.

"The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food" by Dan Barber: A transformative perspective on our food culture that promotes sustainable agricultural practices and innovative cuisine, written by an award-winning chef.

"Kiss the Ground": This full-length documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson showcases the transformative power of regenerative agriculture, an innovative solution to climate change.

"Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food" by Paul Greenberg: This book offers a compelling exploration of the global fish trade, with a focus on the imperative for sustainable fishing practices to safeguard both our oceans and our food supply.

Who is an environmental activist that inspires you today and why?

A young innovator who really inspires me is Boyan Slat, the founder of The Ocean Cleanup. At just 18, Slat developed a concept to remove plastic from the world's oceans, and instead of simply advocating for action, he took it upon himself to create a solution. What impresses me most about Slat is that he leads by example. He didn't wait for someone else to fix the problem—he stepped up and did something about it himself. And in doing so, he has shown the world that action speaks louder than words when it comes to addressing environmental challenges.

Today, Platform.sh is proud to announce the completion of their second carbon assessment with Greenly. This marks a huge step in significantly improving carbon emission for our customers, reducing their digital carbon footprint and supporting our joined efforts towards Net Zero!

Platform.sh carries out its Carbon Footprint with Greenly!

Platform.sh carries out its second Carbon Footprint with Greenly

Platform.sh Carbon Footprint - Greenly

We've decided to commit to fighting climate change, and to reduce CO2 emissions. To do this, we've decided to act, and act quickly. We believe we provide instant long-term benefits to our customers, drastically reducing their digital carbon footprint. We're continuing to work closely with our clients, partners and ecosystem to consolidate our approach and reassert our deep commitment to the environment.

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