- Company Number: OC368927
- Registered Address: C/O Streets Whittles, The Old Exchange, 64 West Stockwell Street, Colchester, Essex, England, CO1 1HE
- Website: https://new-linkconsulting.com/
Download Plan
NEW LINK CONSULTING
Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN06/21)
Introduction
Founded in 2011, New Link Consulting LLP was established by industry practitioners who recognised the need for a consultancy that could deliver greater value through a unique approach, distinct from conventional, methodology-driven models. Our mission is clear: to uncover opportunities others may overlook and to build our business around these insights. We are relentless in our pursuit of these opportunities, always aiming to maximise benefits for our clients. With exceptional industry knowledge, professional commitment, and an ability to adapt to market changes, we strive to make a meaningful impact on both our clients and the industry.
As we continue to drive business transformation, we are equally committed to our carbon reduction planning. We recognise that addressing environmental challenges is not only a necessity but an opportunity to lead by example. Our team, which embodies the values expected of top consultants—client focus, high-quality solutions, and unwavering integrity—also embraces sustainability as a core principle. With deep industry knowledge and a relentless drive to effect real business change, we integrate carbon reduction strategies into our operations, ensuring that our entrepreneurial spirit fuels both innovation and environmental responsibility. This includes the accurate assimilation and collation of emissions data, now in our second year of reporting.
Our 2024 emissions report, encompassing January to December, reveals an increase. This is a direct result of implementing more comprehensive and holistic tracking measures across our organization, allowing for a more accurate and thorough assessment of our emissions and strengthening our commitment to sustainability. . We've integrated these tracking policies with our emissions training and reporting programs, ensuring organisation-wide awareness and accountability. To reflect these changes, we're updating our internal policies with relevant measures. A key strategic focus is our supply chain, where we're prioritising rigorous vetting of supplier emissions. This enhanced visibility allows us to identify and target specific areas for reduction, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility.
Commitment to Net Zero by 2040
New Link Consulting LLP is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.
Baseline Year 1st January – 31st December 2023
We have selected the period from 1st January to 31st December 2023 as our Baseline Year for first-time emission reporting. This timeframe will serve as the cornerstone of our sustainability journey, providing a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of our carbon footprint. By establishing 2023 as the Baseline Year, we aim to create a clear reference point against which future emission reductions can be measured and tracked. This strategic decision reflects our dedication to transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts, ensuring that we can effectively monitor progress as we work towards our long-term environmental goals.
| Scopes and categories | Metric tons CO₂e |
|---|---|
| Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations | 0.00 |
| Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling | 0.00 |
| Scope 3 emissions | |
| Category 1: Purchased goods and services | 0.00 |
| Category 2: Capital goods | 0.00 |
| Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities (not included in scope 1 or scope 2) | 0.00 |
| Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution | 0.00 |
| Category 5: Waste generated in operations | 0.00 |
| Category 6: Business travel | 0.0833 |
| Category 7: Employee commuting – Local Bus Work From Home |
0.0054 0.3880 |
| Other Hotel Stay | 0.0936 |
| Category 8: Upstream leased assets | 0.00 |
| Category 9: Downstream transportation and distribution | 0.00 |
| Scope 1 | 0.00 |
| Scope 2 | 0.00 |
| Scope 3 | 0.5727 |
| Total | 0.5727 tCO₂e |
Note: This preliminary emissions assessment reflects limited data and our early-stage collation process. While results are modest, we acknowledge the department's diligent effort in initiating this vital reporting. We understand this is a starting point. As our data collection matures, we expect more comprehensive and accurate assessments. This foundational step is crucial for future emissions management.
Current Emissions Reporting Jan 2024 – Dec 2024
| Scopes and categories | Metric tons CO₂e |
|---|---|
| Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations | 0.00 |
| Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling | 0.90 |
| Scope 3 emissions | |
| Category 1: Purchased goods and services | 0.00 |
| Category 2: Capital goods | 0.00 |
| Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities (not included in scope 1 or scope 2) Water & Wastewater | 1.31 |
| Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution | 0.00 |
| Category 5: Waste generated in operations | 0.00 |
| Category 6: Business travel - Air | 4.81 |
| Category 7: Employee commuting – Land Work From Home |
11.42 45.08 |
| Other Hotel Stay | 0.28 |
| Category 8: Upstream leased assets | 0.00 |
| Category 9: Downstream transportation and distribution | 0.00 |
| Scope 1 | 0.00 |
| Scope 2 | 0.90 |
| Scope 3 | 63.03 |
| Total | 63.93 tCO₂e |
Emissions Inventory
Our 2024 emissions inventory demonstrates a significant advancement in data collection and reporting methodology, resulting in a more refined and accurate representation of our carbon footprint. We've transitioned from relying on industry averages for key categories to employing specific data sources and established emission factors. This enhanced approach includes utilising distance-based calculations for business travel and employee commuting, categorised by vehicle type for increased precision. Notably, we've incorporated emissions from work-from-home activities, previously unaccounted for, providing a more comprehensive view of our Scope 3 emissions.
While this improved methodology offers greater transparency, it also reveals a substantial increase in emissions, particularly within Scope 3. The spike is primarily attributed to the inclusion of previously unmeasured categories, such as work-from-home energy consumption and a more granular analysis of business travel. This highlights the importance of robust data collection for effective emissions management and targeted reduction strategies. Moving forward, we will leverage this enhanced inventory to prioritise emission hotspots and develop data-driven solutions.
Zero Emissions Rationale
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations – Our business activities, by their inherent nature, do not generate emissions within this scope.
Scope 3:
Category 1: Purchased goods and services - Through detailed and accurate accounting of all purchased goods and services, and through working with our suppliers to gain their emissions data, we have accurately calculated that our scope 3 category 1 emissions are zero.
Category 2: Capital Goods:
- Our business model involves minimal or no procurement of capital goods.
Category 4: Upstream Transportation and Distribution:
- We do not have any physical goods transported to us.
Category 5: Waste Generated in Operations:
- Our operations generate no waste.
Category 8: Upstream Leased Assets:
- We do not utilise any leased assets.
Category 9: Downstream Transportation and Distribution:
- We do not have any physical products that are transported to customers.
Year on Year Comparison
Methodology and References
To calculate emissions for New Link Consulting LLP, the following methods and references are typically employed:
- Emission Factors:
- Reference: The UK Government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) publishes annually updated emission factors, which are widely used in the UK for converting activity data (like energy consumption or travel distances) into CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions.
- Method: These factors are applied to different sources of emissions, such as fuel consumption, electricity use, and travel, to calculate the associated emissions. For example, kWh of electricity consumed would be multiplied by the relevant emission factor to determine Scope 2 emissions.
- Activity Data Collection:
- Reference: Our Internal data records, invoices, and travel logs are the primary sources for this information.
- Method: This involves gathering specific data from various sources within our organisation, such as, mileage logs for business travel, and other relevant statistics. The accuracy of this data is critical for reliable emissions calculations.
- GHG Protocol:
- Reference: The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
- Method: The GHG Protocol provides a comprehensive framework for measuring and managing emissions. It guides the classification of emissions into Scopes 1, 2, and 3, ensuring that all relevant sources within our business processes are accounted for.
- ISO 14064:
- Reference: ISO 14064 is an international standard that specifies principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
- Method: Using this standard helps ensure that the emissions inventory is credible and verifiable. It provides guidance on data collection, calculation methodologies, and reporting practices employed by our environmental advisors.
EcoVadis Score
On 20th December 2024, New Link Consulting LLP achieved an EcoVadis sustainability assessment score of 55/100, placing us in the 54th percentile. This demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainable practices and building upon the strong foundation established in second year of assessment.
Emission Reduction Targets
New Link Consulting LLP: Year-on-Year Emissions Reduction Plan (Net-Zero by 2040)
Using updated Baseline (2024): 63.93 metric tons CO2e
Key Assumptions:
- Consistent growth in the business, requiring sustained reduction efforts.
- Implementation of aggressive reduction measures in Scope 3.
- Gradual integration of carbon removal technologies.
Year-on-Year Targets:
- 2025:
- Target: 60 metric tons CO2e (approx. 21% reduction).
- Actions: We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by carefully balancing our internal operations with client needs. We will implement a strict policy to minimise air travel for internal business, while providing clear recommendations to clients and recognising that travel is sometimes necessary. We will also champion remote work where feasible, respecting client preferences and work styles. Furthermore, we will actively engage with our suppliers to collect carbon footprint data and collaborate on reducing their environmental impact. Finally, we will strive to hire locally to minimise travel distances and promote virtual meetings and alternative communication methods.
- 2026:
- Target: 48 metric tons CO2e (approx. 20% reduction).
- Actions: Expand sustainable commuting incentives, finalise supplier emissions data collection, begin energy efficiency upgrades in offices where applicable.
- 2027:
- Target: 38 metric tons CO2e (approx. 21% reduction)
- Actions: Begin to prioritise suppliers with SBTi aligned targets. Increase the amount of remote meetings.
- 2028-2030 (Mid-Term):
- Target: Achieve a 42% reduction from 2024 levels, aligning with a 1.5°C pathway. This would mean reaching approximately 44 metric tons by 2030, and then further reducing this to roughly 29 metric tons.
- Actions: Deepen supplier collaboration for emissions reductions, invest in renewable energy for office operations where applicable, explore local carbon removal projects.
- 2031-2035:
- Target: Aggressive reductions, focusing on difficult to abate emissions. Target is to reach roughly 15 metric tons of CO2e.
- Actions: Implement advanced energy efficiency measures, increase the use of electric vehicles for any company owned vehicles where applicable, and increase the amount of carbon offsets.
- 2036-2040 (Long-Term):
- Target: Reach near-zero emissions, with residual emissions offset through high-quality carbon removal.
- Actions: Transition to 100% renewable energy, invest in cutting-edge carbon removal technologies, and offset all remaining emissions.
Key Considerations:
- Data Accuracy: Continuous improvement in data collection and verification is essential.
- Technology Adoption: Embrace emerging technologies for emissions reduction and carbon removal where applicable.
- Policy Alignment: Stay informed about and comply with Britain’s sustainability regulations.
- Flexibility: Adapt the plan based on technological advancements and changes in business operations.
- Third party verification: Have all data and plans verified.
Reporting and Review:
- Annual progress reports will be published, detailing emissions performance and reduction initiatives.
- Regular reviews of the plan will be conducted to ensure alignment with SBTi criteria and evolving best practices.
By adhering to this plan, New Link Consulting LLP can demonstrate its commitment to climate action and achieve its net-zero target by 2040.
Carbon Reduction Initiatives
The board will establish a dedicated Sustainability Steering Committee led by Business Management, to ensure diligent oversight and reporting of our environmental and social initiatives. The Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN06/21), incorporating ESG reporting, is now a core component of our governance, complementing our updated sustainability policy. This will be integrated into our annual reporting cycle, strengthening our commitment to ongoing monitoring and responsible corporate governance. To enhance this, we will implement regular employee sustainability training and more stringent supply chain vetting. This strategic shift underscores our dedication to transparency, continuous improvement, and verifiable progress in our sustainability performance.
New Link Consulting LLP with its newly formed sustainability steering committee is committed to maintaining and enhancing its carbon neutrality through focused reduction targets but also understands that with an already low carbon footprint there are minimal areas for improvement. However, building on its current baseline of zero emissions, the company aims to:
- Minimise Scope 3 Emissions: Further reduce Scope 3 emissions, particularly in business travel, employee commuting, and hotel stays. Strategies include promoting virtual meetings, encouraging sustainable transportation options, and implementing policies to reduce travel-related carbon footprints. New Link Consulting recognises also that business travel is linked to our client demands.
- Enhance Employee Awareness: Expand initiatives to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices among employees, both in the office and remote work environments, to minimise commuting emissions and promote eco-friendly habits.
- Enhance Employee Training: Expand training programs to educate employees on sustainable practices and the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, both in the office and in remote work settings. This includes guidance on reducing commuting emissions and adopting eco-friendly habits.
- Strengthen Supply Chain Practices: Collaborate with suppliers and partners to implement sustainable practices and reduce carbon footprints across the supply chain. This involves confirming with suppliers' that they have environmental policies in place and encouraging them to adopt greener practices.
- Leverage Technological Solutions: Invest in technology and tools that support remote work and reduce the need for business travel, further decreasing the company's carbon impact.
- Review and Improve: Regularly review and update the carbon reduction plan to identify new opportunities for emission reductions and ensure alignment with best practices and evolving sustainability standards.
Declaration and Sign Off
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.
Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard1 and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting2.
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard3.
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).
Signed on behalf of New Link Consulting LLP:
Signed by:
Name: Richard Spencer
Position: Managing Partner
Date: 18 March 2025 | 13:05 GMT