A Low-Carbon Course: Strachan's Journey to Sustainable Procurement (Stage 2)

  Jarrad Redhead 

Carbon Management Plan  

Client: Strachans

 

 

 

 

Brief:

This case study details Stage 2 of Strachan's journey towards embedding low-carbon objectives into its operations. Building upon the foundations set in Stage 1, this phase involved calculating the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2023, setting decarbonisation targets aligned with international standards, and identifying actionable opportunities to reduce emissions and achieve Net Zero.

 

 

Areas of work

Decarbonisation 

 

Stakeholders

Strachans, Altaal (corporate funders), Customers of Strachans: Marine Industry, Offshore Oil and Gas Industry, Offshore Renewable Energy Industry

 

 

Opportunities

 

  • Embed sustainability practices to inspire other businesses and meet increasing customer demand for carbon management.
  • Contribute to industry commitments to cut emissions by 50% by 2030.
  • Strengthen funding relationships by demonstrating measurable carbon management progress.
  • Quantify potential emissions reductions of 286 tonnes CO2e annually (17.2% Scope 1&2 reduction).
  • Achieve significant cost savings of £46,629 annually with an estimated payback period of 5.76 years.
  • Leverage additional opportunities in refrigeration, transport, and procurement to drive further emissions reductions.
  • Collaborate with supply chain partners to refine GHG emission factors for products and materials.

 

Challenges

 

  • Scope 3 GHG emissions comprise 98% of the company's footprint, making reductions complex.
  • High initial implementation cost (£268,971) for recommended carbon reduction projects.
  • Limited direct control over emissions within an expansive supply chain.
  • Navigating uncertainties in emissions data for key products and upstream suppliers.
  • Managing operational growth while simultaneously reducing overall emissions.

 

 

 

 

 Outcomes

  • Carbon Footprint Assessment: For 2023, Strachan's total emissions were calculated at 92,087 tonnes CO2e, reflecting both operational growth and expanded Scope 3 categories.
  • Reduction Targets: Near-term targets of a 42% reduction by 2030 and long-term targets of a 90% reduction by 2050 across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
  • Identified Actions: Key measures include solar PV installation, renewable electricity procurement, and efficiency upgrades, expected to reduce Scope 1&2 emissions by 286 tonnes CO2e annually.
  • Strategic Recommendations: Enhanced monitoring systems, supplier engagement, and optimising the scope of PAS2060 compliance were recommended for sustained progress.
  • Future Steps: Identified additional opportunities in fleet decarbonisation, cold storage efficiency, and local sourcing, requiring further quantification and collaboration.

 

 

 

 

Strachan's commitment to sustainable practices demonstrates how a traditional family-run firm can evolve into a forward-thinking, low-carbon business leader.