The Challenge
SmartCarbon Ltd and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust took part in a Local Enterprise Funded (LEP) project to develop and pilot a healthcare sector-specific version of the SmartCarbon Calculator platform, which would provide a basis for measuring, reporting and reducing the full carbon footprint, including the impact of their supply chain.
Our Solution
We developed a five step supply chain framework, which aims to proactively engage and support suppliers, from smallest to largest.
Step 1: We listened to supplier views via a questionnaire, and were encouraged by the high response rate and the fact that 98% of respondents supported our Net Zero goal.
Step 2: We delivered webinars to raise awareness, inform and engage suppliers about our action plans and Carbon Footprint Plus reporting. This included case studies and sharing best practice.
Step 3: We invited suppliers to report their performance directly, via the SmartCarbon Calculator platform.
Step 4: We require suppliers to commit and publish Net Zero targets aligned with Newcastle Hospital’s 2040 ambition, by 2030.
Step 5: We encourage suppliers to act and reduce their footprints to the greatest possible extent and then use offsets for the remaining emissions.
The Carbon Footprint and Carbon Footprint Plus (i.e. Scope 1, 2 and 3) emissions were all calculated using our SmartCarbon Calculator platform, which provides access to all 6500 UK Government emissions factors, as well as additional bespoke options, such as Working From Home (WFH) and healthcare sector-specific factors.
The platform outputs include graphs and reports, that are aligned to requirements of the NHS Net Zero Plan, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) Regulations.
The optional supplier dashboard has been developed to calculate supply chain emissions, using a combination of both spend code factors together with more detailed reporting through engagement with the NHS Trust’s direct supply chain. This approach was developed to complement the emerging NHS Evergreen Supplier Framework, as well as other procurement initiatives.
The Results
The success of our pilot scheme in conjunction with Newcastle Hospitals enabled them to accurately report their tCO2e (carbon emissions), and identify hotspots to focus their carbon reduction efforts. The pilot scheme also led to a bespoke SmartCarbon Calculator, which has not only been of huge benefit to the healthcare sector, but can also be replicated for other sectors, e.g. local authorities, universities and the construction industry.
With regards to engaging the supply chain, we achieved the following:
- 489 suppliers responded to the initial survey
- 98% of suppliers pledged support to help Newcastle Hospitals achieve their Net Zero carbon goals.
- 64% of suppliers already have carbon reduction targets or plan
- 68% of suppliers already measure and report their own carbon footprint
- 57% of suppliers were interested in attending an online workshop.
We can provide support throughout all stages of your efforts to reduce your carbon impact.
Please contact Anna-Lisa Mills for more information on 07971 070434 or email [email protected]
More Information on the SmartCarbon™Calculator Process: