When Albert Bartlett committed to developing their Net Zero targets under the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI), they chose a different approach than outsourcing the project entirely.
David Douglas, Group Environmental & Sustainability Manager, stated, “When we decided we wanted to meet our Net Zero goals by 2024 the easiest solution may well have been to outsource the entire project. But we wanted to educate our business and grow from the experience of this ambitious goal.”
To achieve their objectives, Albert Bartlett contracted Tomson Consulting (TCL) to provide external advice and support, ensuring they developed a carbon management plan (CMP) while retaining ownership of the process.
The initial phase of the project involved TCL conducting workshops with Albert Bartlett to provide insights into topics commonly encountered when developing a CMP, such as scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. These workshops helped Albert Bartlett gain an understanding of these topics and their relevance to their work.
David Douglas noted, “This was really successful as we wanted to take ownership and get to understand what we needed to do – which wasn’t an easy task given the minefield of guidance that is provided. Just the electricity emissions guidelines alone were 80 pages so that would have been a lot to deal with ourselves.”
Instead, TCL conducted site visits at Albert Bartlett facilities in Airdrie, Boston, and Westwick, reviewing energy consumption and identifying opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and costs related to buildings, equipment, and processes.
Tomson Consulting led the process and quantified opportunities, including suggestions like solar PV installation, insulation, reducing machine operating times, and improving climate controls.
David expressed his excitement about the partnership with TCL, saying, “What was unique and very exciting about our partnership with TCL was the ability to learn so much along the way, finding out ways we can help ourselves manage our Carbon Management Plans going into the future.”
TCL played a crucial role in assisting Albert Bartlett with various tasks, including completing a baseline scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions inventory, identifying and evaluating emission reduction opportunities, and setting carbon reduction targets.
David praised the successful partnership, stating that all their original outcome targets had been met.
“We are working together so everyone in the supply chain can help themselves so we can all achieve the sustained change that is needed. The increased awareness of the elements of carbon management -which has been passed to us by TCL – is invaluable and created buy-in through the business from board level to our end customers.”
Albert Bartlett intends to continue their sustainability journey with a partnership approach, integrating TCL’s advice and support into their culture and long-term operations.
For companies interested in seeking similar support for SBTI or Carbon Management goals, workshops, and partnership support can be obtained by contacting Faye at [email protected].
