We recently completed a full greenhouse gas inventory across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 and published the results. As part of this process, we assessed the impact of our services from the perspective of our clients and compared this with commonly used UK spend-based emission factors for professional services.
The findings were clear.
Using activity-based data across our operations, we calculated that delivering a full carbon footprint and reduction plan results in:
0.074 kg CO₂e per £ spent
Common UK spend-based factors for professional and business services typically range between:
0.13–0.18 kg CO₂e per £
This means our impact is close to 50% lower than the generic benchmark many organisations use in Scope 3 Category 1 (Purchased Goods & Services).
For organisations reporting using spend-based methodology, working with us can therefore reduce emissions reported in this category, rather than increase them.
If your organisation applies standard spend-based factors to professional services, the same engagement could be allocated almost double the emissions compared to our actual operational impact.
By using supplier-specific data where appropriate, organisations can:
This is a practical example of decarbonisation creating value, not just cost.
This outcome is not the result of creative accounting. It comes from how we operate:
We help organisations reduce their emissions, and we hold ourselves to the same standards.
Supply chains are under increasing scrutiny. Procurement decisions now carry measurable carbon consequences.
By working with Carbon Sense, organisations are not only strengthening their measurement and strategy. They are also selecting a supplier whose own operational impact is demonstrably lower than sector averages.
Our full greenhouse gas inventory is available on here, and we are always happy to discuss the methodology and assumptions behind it.
Many organisations assume that engaging a new supplier will automatically increase their emissions. In practice, the opposite can be true.
Many organisations supplying the NHS are discovering that robust carbon reporting is becoming a core requirement for future contracts. The key is to start early - measure emissions properly, build a credible reduction plan, and ensure reporting is clear and transparent.
A climate action plan is typically more comprehensive and strategic. It goes beyond compliance to include long-term decarbonisation pathways, stakeholder accountability, and integration into corporate governance.
The Carbon Sense team had the pleasure of attending the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards, and were honoured to sponsor two categories in 2025, Low Carbon Leader and Most Sustainable Organisation, and to present the trophies to three outstanding winners.
Nature-based solutions are increasingly being used by organisations to address carbon emissions. When applied carefully, they can play a meaningful role in a credible, reduction-led Net Zero strategy, particularly where unavoidable and residual emissions remain.
Developing an EPD can ensure you meet tender requirements, as well as providing an opportunity to understand and reduce the true environmental impact of your products.
Understanding the Transition from SECR to UK SRS. The UK government is replacing the current Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework with the more comprehensive UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS).
As part of its Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, the NHS has announced that by April 2027, all suppliers, including those providing food, medical products, and services, will be required to submit a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).
Carbon Sense is your expert partner in carbon reduction. We support UK organisations to understand, measure, and reduce their carbon footprint, save energy, and make sense of sustainability. With a practical, no-nonsense approach, we help you achieve Net Zero goals while protecting your bottom line.
"We are excited to support the awards this year and are honoured to sponsor the Carbon Positive category. At this crucial time, carbon mitigation and an embedded strategy to achieve Net Zero are vital to avoid further climate change catastrophes".
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Carbon Literacy has emerged as an essential tool for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact. Carbon Sense understands the value and benefits of Carbon Literacy Training whether for a team within your business, or for your entire organisation.
A carbon reduction or decarbonisation plan is a set of strategies and actions that an organisation, community, or government implements to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Carbon credits, and their differences, is a frequent topic of discussion. When developing a sustainability strategy or communicating about sustainability, its essential for businesses to understand these differences
Pathway to Net Zero, launched in November 2023 is a fully funded support programme helping businesses adopt more environmentally conscious processes and move towards becoming Net Zero.
The future still remains uncertain so considering options to reduce energy consumption to rely less on the grid is becoming more and more necessary.
Climate change has become a key issue for us all. With scientific reports being released every day, we now know more about the changes that are happening to the Earth’s systems.
The impact of the industrial revolution has created a climate where pretty much all our activities have an impact on the environment.
By reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint you can reduce your impact on the environment and resources.
There is a wealth of research being undertaken by the leading academics studying climate change and assessing how we can build climate resilience and reduce risk.
It is important to get good advice to ensure that you avoid the common pitfalls and have a plan that works for you and achieves genuine environmental benefits.
