It is essential for TFCP to minimise our environmental footprint. Here's a rundown of our efforts for both environmental and social impact:
TFCP’s Environmental impact:
Energy Supply, Use and Efficiency:
Scope 1: TFCP Ltd has no Scope 1 emissions due to the absence of owned or controlled vehicles or manufacturing processes.
Scope 2: Our company's energy consumption for heating and lighting during the period from March 2022 to February 2023 resulted in emissions of 0.3363 tonnes of CO2e. We are pleased to report a significant year-on-year reduction in energy usage, achieving a decrease of 40.7%. Our energy usage decreased from 1,534 kWh to 949 kWh compared to the same period in the previous year.
We're proud to partner with 'Good Energy’ for our electricity and gas supply. They source 100% renewable energy from a diverse community of over 2000 independent generators. Their gas is a blend of natural gas and 10% Biogas, derived from anaerobically processed food & agricultural waste. We've also implemented simple measures, inspired by the Carbon Trust's Better Business Guide to Energy Saving*, like using LED lights, powering down laptops and printers when not in use, and setting thermostats to a comfy 19-20 degrees on controlled timers. We share this advice with our contractors.
Investing in Renewable Energy:
In addition to selecting a renewable energy supplier, we're dedicated to ensuring our impact is long-term by investing in the future of renewable energy. As proud shareholders in RIPPLE Energy's latest windfarm, Kirk Hill, located in the windy west of Scotland, we're part of a transformative project. Comprising eight turbines, Kirk Hill has the potential to power over 20,000 households and businesses with the most affordable and eco-friendly electricity available.
This initiative is not just about sustainability; it's about actively shaping a greener future for generations to come. With Kirk Hill now sold out and under construction, we're excited to see our investment making a tangible difference in the renewable energy landscape. Together, we're harnessing the power of nature to drive positive change and build a more sustainable tomorrow.
Travel Consciousness:
Scope 3: Our largest environmental impact stems from air travel, which generated 5.84 tonnes of CO2e. Due to the nature of our campaigns, travel is sometimes necessary based on location. However, we have implemented policies to minimise the frequency and optimise the efficiency of our travel arrangements.
We've made strides in minimising our travel to essentials only, from remote work options, video conferencing, and public transportation for day to day moving around the city. When travel abroad is necessary we have embraced the Nordic Sustainable Campus Travel Tree Tool** to help us navigate whether flying is truly necessary. When flying is unavoidable, we opt for direct economy flights, consolidate trips when feasible, choose lower-emission flight options, and make an effort to lighten our luggage load.
We're guided by reputable sources like IATA and the UN Environment Programme, along with handy tips from Skyscanner UK*** to ensure we're making the most eco-friendly travel choices possible. By taking these steps, we're not just reducing our impact – we're paving the way for a more sustainable future, one friendly action at a time.
Offsetting:
We have offset 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions for the period fiscal year 2022 to ensure we are carbon positive. When it comes to the carbon emissions we can't eliminate, we're committed to offsetting them responsibly. That's why we've utilised the United Nations offsetting platform****, supporting projects that make a real difference. Our contributions aid initiatives like RIPPLE’s Africa's Improved Cook Stove Project 1 which is in itself a UK registered charity and the RIMA Fuel Switch in Bocaiuva Brazil which is close to where our forthcoming projects will take place. These projects not only help counteract our carbon footprint but also bring positive change to communities worldwide. From renewable energy solutions to promoting cleaner cooking methods, we're proud to play a part in creating a more sustainable future for all. By leveraging the UN offsetting platform****, we're taking proactive steps to mitigate our environmental impact and contribute to meaningful global initiatives. Together, we're making a difference, one offset at a time.
What's next?
In the coming year, we will focus on addressing emissions in our supply chain (Scope 3 emissions) through our choice of suppliers, materials, contractors, and customers. We have implemented criteria for selecting suppliers based on their environmental performance, including their own emissions reduction efforts and sustainable practices. Those who engage with customers and consumers to promote sustainable practices and products, and consider offering environmentally friendly alternatives. We will monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of our supply chain activities and seek opportunities for further emissions reductions.
TFCP’s Social Impact:
At the heart of our business lies a profound commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices. We believe that every action, no matter how small, has the power to create positive change in the world. From supporting charities close to our hearts to making conscious decisions in our financial dealings, we strive to embody our values in every aspect of our operations. In the following sections, we'll delve into the various ways we're making a difference through our social impact initiatives. From our financial choices to our efforts in supplier diversity and local empowerment, we're dedicated to leaving a lasting, positive impact on society and the environment and turning our values into action for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Civic giving:
We're thrilled to share that just over 5% of our turnover goes directly to charities we deeply care about or those that align with our values. These include impactful organisations like JDRF UK, Client Earth, International Red Cross, Fauna & Flora, Waltham Forest Migrant Action, and NIA - working tirelessly to end violence against women and girls.
Responsible banking:
When it comes to managing our finances, we've chosen Starling Bank for a reason. Their commitment to environmental and social sustainability runs deep in their ethos and operations. From embracing paperless digital banking to steering clear of investments in harmful industries, Starling Bank stands as a beacon of promoting equality. Notably, their 40% female leadership team and support for women and girls in engineering showcase their dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Responsible supply chain:
Despite our size, we believe in making our economic impact count throughout our supply chain. That's why we take great care in mapping out our suppliers, ensuring transparency in where our money goes and the environmental footprint it leaves behind. We actively seek to economically empower women, with 77% of our suppliers being female-owned businesses or contractors. Additionally, we try to allocate a percentage of our revenue to local spending 40% to local London suppliers, 69% to UK suppliers, and we maintain a list of preferred products and services, allowing us to effectively manage both positive and negative impacts on the environment and society.
Customer and supplier feedback:
We actively solicit feedback from both our suppliers and customers using our TFCP supplier survey. We view this process as crucial for nurturing robust relationships, enhancing our performance, and effectively mitigating risks. In our recent survey, we distributed 15 questionnaires, receiving a notable 35% response rate. Encouragingly, among the respondents, we attained a 100% positive rating from our customers, underscoring their satisfaction with TFCP values, people and services.
Campaigns:
We are on a mission to educate and empower individuals, businesses, and leaders to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Utilising art as a powerful catalyst, we drive systemic change and accelerate the transition towards a zero carbon future. Our Time For Clean Power campaign, focused on championing Sustainable Development Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, has made significant strides. With a media reach exceeding 6 million across 18 different publications and websites, we're proud to amplify awareness and inspire action towards a sustainable energy future.
What next:
We're staying true to our commitment by continuously reviewing our suppliers to uplift the economic empowerment of all underrepresented groups and contribute positively to our local community. Even though our overall spend may be modest, we firmly believe in its potential impact. This dedication shines through in our refreshed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and Local Supplier Policy and survey. Moreover, we're passionate about making a meaningful difference by consistently backing charities and projects that resonate with TFCP values, both through donations and our time.
