Our carbon footprint

In 2024-25 our carbon footprint was 183 tonnes CO₂e, which is a decrease of 55 tonnes CO₂e (23%) from the revised 2023-24 figure (238 tonnes CO₂e).

This equates to 0.89 tonnes CO₂e per Full-Time Equivalent employee, which is a 19% decrease from the 2023-24 figure of 1.09 tonnes CO₂e.

Our carbon footprint is calculated based on the current UK Government guidance and conversion factors for greenhouse gas reporting issued by Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Our approach has been externally validated by Carbon Footprint Ltd. in relation to the ISO 14064-3: 2019 standard. The verification activities have shown that Changeworks has met the verification criteria satisfactorily.

Our calculation includes the following emissions:

• Scope 1 – Direct emissions from the activities that are under our direct control, such as fuel combustion and vehicle emissions.
• Scope 2 – Indirect emissions related to the production of electricity and heat that is purchased.
• Scope 3 – Other indirect emissions resulting from activities that are neither owned nor controlled, including emissions related to business travel, electricity transportation and distribution, well-to-tank, waste treatment, employee commuting, home working and some of our purchased goods and services.

Since 2018-19, our carbon reduction and offsetting activities have enabled us to be recognised as a Carbon Neutral Organisation.

Reducing our carbon footprint by 55 tonnes CO₂e (23%) from the previous year is a significant improvement after the increase that was seen the year before. This reduction has been achieved due to:

• Resolving the problems with the electricity meters in our new Edinburgh office, enabling the switch to an energy supplier with 100% renewable energy mid-way through 2025 – this allows the electricity data to be recorded as zero in the footprint calculations.
• The ability to account for staff with zero emissions heating systems due to more accurate data collection from the annual carbon footprint staff survey, which resulted in a reduction in home gas use data.
• This being the first full year in our new Edinburgh office, which in contrast to our previous office, doesn’t use gas for heating.
• The improved energy efficiency of the new Edinburgh office due to a heat recovery system, automatic lights, draught proofing and individual heating controls for rooms.
• A reduction in the use of personal petrol and diesel cars for business travel.
• An increase in electric and hybrid pool vehicle use for business travel.

As one of Scotland’s leading environmental organisations, we are committed to reducing our footprint as we go about helping others to reduce theirs. To achieve this, we have a Carbon Reduction Strategy and Plan, an Environmental Policy, a Travel Hierarchy, a Sustainable Procurement Policy and Guidelines and a Sustainable Events Checklist.

In 2020-21, a new approach to the Changeworks Carbon Reduction Plan introduced targets aimed at reducing our carbon footprint to 70% of our 2018-19 calculation by 2030. This equates to a challenging 14% year-on-year reduction, with a view to becoming true net zero by 2040, reflecting the Scottish Government’s ambition at that time.

We will achieve delivery of this through our Carbon Reduction Strategy and Plan. This details our:

• Ongoing initiatives with the Carbon Reduction Team
• Continuing engagement with our suppliers
• Comprehensive range of environmental policies and guidance which are reviewed and communicated each year.