Jones Robinson are Already Certified as Net Zero!
News at Jones Robinson | 03/01/2023
The goal
As regular followers of our blog (and recipients of our latest information leaflet) will know, Jones Robinson has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 or sooner, whilst also helping our clients reduce their emissions too.
Now certified as Net Zero!
In September of 2022 we were thrilled to announce that we are now certified as Net Zero for Scopes 1 & 2 for the first time. To achieve this we have been working with Carbon Footprint Ltd to help calculate the carbon footprint of our business.
Our total CO2 emissions for 2021 were 153 tonnes, 19.97 tonnes from Scope 1 and Scope 2 and 132.91 under Scope 3. We implemented a plan to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions this year by switching to renewable energy tariffs and starting to change our company car fleet over to hybrid and electric vehicles as our leases end on our current company cars. The reduction of our Scope 3 emissions is longer-term but we’re on track to achieving Net Zero by 2030 in line with our original goal.
In addition to this we have worked with Carbon Footprint to choose 3 projects to offset our 153 tonnes of CO2, each of which we felt really engaged with and were keen to support.
Our chosen projects
Upenergy’s improved cookstove project in Uganda and the idea of helping people improve their homes and living situations really resonated with our team. Whether your home is in Newbury or Nansana, we believe that everyone has the right to a comfortable and efficient home environment. Read more about this project HERE
The Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia protects one of the most important forests in Cambodia. It is home to critically endangered primates like the black-shanked douc and 130 Asian elephants. The project is responsible for the avoidance of over 17.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 10 years. As well as educating local communities on reducing activities which are harmful to the local environment, an activity which felt very in line with our own goals and values. More details about this project are detailed HERE
The Buenos Aires project is based in the Caatinga, an exclusively Brazilian biome and is a region that is prone to poverty and severe drought. Its aim is to tackle one of the major causes of deforestation in Brazil; illegal logging. This project also alleviates deforestation, avoids greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a more sustainable supply chain. All whilst also improving the livelihoods of local communities and employees. Once again the connection to local communities and supporting local families felt very appropriate and fitting for the Jones Robinson team - we already feel like a family and now that family is getting bigger and supporting people worldwide! More information about this project are HERE
What can you do to help reduce your carbon footprint?
Earlier this year we posted 5 practical tips to reduce your carbon footprint at home. We were very aware then, and now even more so, that large scale routes such as installing solar panels or heat pumps aren’t feasible or realistic for everyone, especially in the current climate. We still believe that the best way to commit to change is to make sure that change is going to be manageable and something you can commit to.
By setting energy-efficient goals that are achievable, you are more likely to see them through.
With this in mind, here are 5 practical tips that might create more manageable opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint at home.
1. Think about work
There are a number of smaller energy saving tips that we all naturally undertake at home, for example turning lights off when we leave a room or trying to avoid running the tap for too long. We often don’t think about making sure we do the same things at work, especially in office environments where meeting room lights are often left on. Being more aware of this and considering other activities such as lift sharing when going to meetings or incentivising things like walking to work is a great way to be more environmentally aware in all aspects of your day-to-day life.
2. Look after your car as well as your home
Whilst there are a number of obvious, larger scale vehicle-related choices (such as purchasing an electric car or hybrid vehicle), there are also a few simpler and more cost-effective acts to potentially be aware of. Studies have found that aggressive driving can result in 40% more fuel consumption than consistent, calm driving, which means avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration can be more environmentally friendly. Keeping your tires properly inflated can also increase fuel efficiency by 3%.
3. Consider different ways to use your washing machine
Much like buying a new car, updating your washing machine can be expensive but the reality is newer washing machines are much more environmentally friendly. As well as more cost-effective to run. If you already have a newer machine or don’t want to invest in one there are other opportunities to make your washing machine more eco, including doing fewer loads and only washing when the machine is full, using the time saver cycle and washing your clothes in cold or warm water. Most machines and detergents can account for this. For example Persil states that their liquids, powders and capsules all remove stains first time in a quick or cold wash, or at 30 degrees.
4. Buy local
Shopping for groceries at local independent stores such as butchers and greengrocers supports local business and gives you the opportunity to support businesses that are more likely to source produce locally, reducing the carbon footprint that comes from food and goods being transported nationwide.
5. Eat lower on the food chain
Meat and dairy products are reportedly responsible for 14.5% of manmade global greenhouse gases. According to a study published by the Lancet medical journal, Europeans need to reduce their red meat consumption to avoid “catastrophic damage to the planet”. Choosing to eat lower down on the food chain and consume more fruits, grains and vegetables once or twice a week can reduce your carbon footprint. It has been reported that every day that you don’t eat meat and dairy, can reduce your carbon footprint by 8 pounds, the equivalent of 2,920 pounds a year.
Individuals can’t do everything, different tips and eco-friendly activities will appeal to different people, it isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing something. Finding small changes you could make to reduce your carbon footprint and make a difference.
About the Jones Robinson Group
As leading local estate agents with branches in Newbury, Didcot, Lambourn, Marlborough and Devizes, we have more than 75 friendly experienced staff to help you sell or let your property. We are always open and honest about the sales and rental process, whether this is your first house sale or your 10th to ensure you know exactly what to expect. Call your local office for expert advice HERE
References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170928152725.htm
https://driversed.com/trending/how-does-tire-pressure-affect-fuel-economy
https://www.persil.com/uk/sustainability/green-living/eco-friendly-laundry-tips.html