Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN 06/21)

 

Cowran Estate Services is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.

 

Baseline Emissions Footprint

Baseline Year:

2025 will serve as the baseline year for Cowran Estate Services. A full evaluation of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions will be completed by the end of 2025 using UK Government (DEFRA/BEIS) conversion factors.

 

Current Emissions Reporting

As this is the first submission, emissions data will be published following the 2025 evaluation.

Scope            Description                                                                                                          Emissions (tCO₂e)                                        Status

Scope 1 – Direct emissions from vehicles and machinery                                                         Baseline pending                                          Data to be published 2025

Scope 2 – Indirect emissions from purchased electricity                                                           Baseline pending                                          Data to be published 2025

Scope 3 – Indirect emissions from supply chain, waste, water, commuting, business travel    Baseline pending                                          Data to be published 2025

 

 

 

Method Summary (2025)

We will report per the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, using UK Govt (DEFRA/BEIS) conversion factors. 2025 is our baseline year. Scope 1 covers diesel used by CES-owned vehicles and plant. Scope 2 covers purchased electricity at offices/sites. Scope 3 categories will be screened; material categories (Purchased Goods & Services, Waste, Fuel- & Energy-Related Activities, Business Travel, Employee Commuting, and Use of Contractors) will be quantified and reported. Data hierarchy: primary data first (fuel card litres, hour meters, kWh), then engineering estimates where necessary. Annual assurance: internal review; third-party verification to be considered from 2026.

 

 

Emissions Reduction Targets

· By 2025: Complete baseline evaluation and publish Scope 1–3 footprint.

· By 2030:

  • Replace 25% of company vans and cars with EVs.
  • Switch all sites to renewable electricity.
  • Achieve 60% waste diversion from landfill.

· By 2040:

  • Transition 75% of fleet and machinery to electric or hybrid.
  • Generate 20–30% of electricity demand from on-site renewables.
  • Divert 85% of waste from landfill.
  • Cut overall operational emissions by 50% compared to 2025 baseline.

· By 2050:

  • Fully electrify company fleet and major machinery.
  • Offset unavoidable emissions through certified carbon tokens/credits (e.g., Woodland Carbon Code forestry schemes).
  • Achieve Net Zero.

 

90-day action plan

0–30 days

  • Data lock-in: Collect last 12 months fuel card exports and hour-meter photos; capture odometer readings; compile electricity bills.
  • Operational quick wins: Issue anti-idling instruction; schedule eco-driving toolbox talk; ensure tyre pressures & service intervals are up to date.
  • Client value: Start waste segregation refresh and confirm waste transfer notes; log all recycled tonnages.

31–60 days

  • HVO pilot: Trial HVO on one plant item for a fortnight; record operational feedback and cost delta.
  • Procurement nudge: Add a 1-page Supplier Sustainability Code to POs (e.g., recycled content, FSC timber, local suppliers where feasible).
  • Site energy: Fit LED work-lights where practical; review temporary power/ generator runtimes.

61–90 days

  • Publish baseline: Finalise Scopes 1–3 (2025) and include intensity KPIs (tCO₂e/£ revenue, tCO₂e/km driven, tCO₂e/operational hour).
  • Set 12-month targets: (a) -5% diesel per operational hour vs 2025; (b) 100% anti-idling compliance; (c) ≥70% waste diversion on projects >£50k.

 

 

Carbon Reduction Projects

Cowran Estate Services has already implemented and will continue to develop the following measures:

  • Scope 1 (Vehicles & Machinery): Transitioning to electric vans and hybrid/EV estate machinery; optimised route planning and fuel-efficient maintenance practices.
  • Scope 2 (Energy Use): Switching to renewable electricity tariffs; introducing LED lighting, motion sensors, and insulation upgrades; exploring solar PV installations.
  • Scope 3 (Waste & Supply Chain): Implementing clear recycling streams; composting green waste; working with recycling contractors for construction/maintenance waste; preferring low-carbon suppliers and eco-certified materials; reducing office paper use through digitisation.
  • Offsetting & Carbon Tokens: Supporting UK woodland creation projects and purchasing verified carbon credits to balance residual emissions after reduction measures.
  • Staff Engagement: Training on carbon awareness, cycle-to-work and car-share schemes, and a staff “green ideas” initiative.
  • As part of our operational activities, Cowran Estate Services makes use of plant and equipment providers with access to modern plant and equipment fitted with anti-idling technology, uses cleaner fuels to reduce direct emissions, and offers a range of electric and hybrid plant options. By partnering with suppliers, Cowran Estate Services strengthens its own carbon reduction strategy and ensures that hired equipment aligns with our commitment to sustainability.

 

People & Training

Staff Awareness & Competence (2025):

  • Toolbox talks: Eco-driving, anti-idling, plant warm-up/shutdown best practice, and spill prevention – completed monthly.
  • Inductions: All new starters receive a 10-minute carbon briefing and site waste segregation walkthrough.
  • Incentives: Quarterly recognition for teams achieving lowest diesel per operating hour and best waste segregation performance.
  • Reporting: Supervisors record idling observations and hour-meter readings on Friday close-downs.

Responsibilities & Review

  • Governance: The Environmental Lead consolidates data monthly; Board Sponsor reviews quarterly; the CRP is updated annually each January with prior-year performance and next-year targets. Non-conformance (missed data, idling non-compliance) triggers corrective action at the monthly ops meeting.

 

Offsets:

  • Only after reduction are carbon offsets to be purchased and UK-verified schemes to be used.

 

Declaration and Sign-off

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance, and with the reporting standard for carbon reduction plans. Emissions have been reported and recorded in line with the UK Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting and the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

The Carbon Reduction Plan will be reviewed and updated annually.

Signed on behalf of Cowran Estate Services:

Name: Simon Diss Position: Director Date: 04/06/2025