Taking Responsibility for Our Environmental Impact
At D Collard Ltd t/a Quicksilver, we recognise the urgent need for businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact. With UK businesses accounting for over 85% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, corporate action is essential in the fight against climate change. That’s why, in July 2024, we partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to measure and offset our total emissions, ensuring that our operations are carbon neutral.
Understanding Our Carbon Footprint
As a removals company, our primary source of emissions comes from our owned and leased vehicles, as well as energy consumption across our business. Our first carbon footprint assessment, covering the period from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024, revealed total emissions of 261.49 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).
Breakdown of Emissions:
- Scope 1 (63.3%) – Direct emissions from company vehicles and equipment.
- Scope 2 (3.1%) – Indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
- Scope 3 (33.6%) – Indirect emissions including business travel, waste, and commuting.
This detailed analysis provides a foundation for tracking progress and identifying key areas for reduction.
Achieving Carbon Neutral Status
In August 2024, we successfully offset our entire carbon footprint, earning official Carbon Neutral Certification from Carbon Neutral Britain. This means that all our emissions have been counterbalanced through internationally recognised carbon offsetting projects. These initiatives, certified by Verra (VCS), Gold Standard (VER), and the United Nations (CER), go beyond carbon reduction by also supporting education, employment, clean water, and biodiversity protection.
Projects We Support:
- Household Solar Lighting in Zambia – Providing clean energy solutions.
- Elazig Solar Farm in Turkey – Expanding renewable energy sources.
- Wind Power in Karnataka, India – Reducing fossil fuel reliance.
- Salkhit Wind Farm in Mongolia – Supporting sustainable energy development.
Our Commitment to Carbon Reduction
While achieving carbon neutrality is a significant milestone, we are committed to further reducing our emissions in line with the UK’s Net Zero target by 2050. Our Carbon Reduction Plan aims for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, requiring an annual reduction of 7.14% (18.67 tCO₂e) per year.
Key Reduction Strategies
To meet our ambitious targets, we are focusing on reducing emissions in three key areas:
- Company Vehicles (59% of emissions)
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- Transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Optimising delivery routes and reducing unnecessary journeys.
- Encouraging ride-sharing among employees.
- Staff Commuting (9% of emissions)
- Promoting remote working where possible.
- Encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport.
- Offering financial incentives for electric vehicle adoption.
- Energy Consumption (2% of emissions)
- Upgrading to energy-efficient equipment and lighting.
- Exploring renewable energy sources for office use.
- Reducing office space usage through hybrid working models.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
We believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in tackling climate change, and we are proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in our industry. By combining carbon offsetting, emissions reduction, and responsible business practices, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also setting a standard for others to follow.
Our journey to Net Zero has just begun, and we are committed to continuous improvement. We invite our customers, partners, and stakeholders to join us in making a difference for the planet.
2024: The Year to Make a Difference.
