Carbon Reduction Plan
Mediplus places great importance on the way we operate as a business. Sustainability and energy efficiency are key issues for us as a UK manufacturer and for our colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
Our environmental strategies and processes incorporate an annual environmental review meeting with our Leadership Team. We follow our own policy ensuring all our waste streams from the manufacture of our product are disposed of according to legislative requirements.
We are in the development stage of our sustainability journey and will be creating measurable Scope 1 and Scope 2 sustainability frameworks for key areas of our business. When ready to review our Scope 3 analysis we will be engaging with stakeholders on sustainability to help build a robust sustainable monitoring/reporting system that will support the work being carried out across the country to improve standards of health, the environment, and quality of life.
Mediplus are committed to sustainability performance as an integral, strategic issue that shapes the future of our business and supports our reputation as a respected medical device manufacturer.
The NHS have committed to reaching net zero by 2040 for the emissions directly controlled and by 2045 for the indirect emissions for goods and services procured from business partners and suppliers. As an SME we are aware we have a two-year grace period on the timeframes below set by the NHS, but where possible we aim to align with their net zero initiative.
Baseline Data
Our Scope 1 baseline emissions were calculated by collating usage data for natural gas and electricity. Our Scope 2 baseline data is collated from data on the use of private vehicles driven on company business. Moving forward this reporting will be further developed to include air and train travel. Our Scope 3 baseline will be set at a later date as this is a complex data set that will require additional resource and a project group to work on. Conversion factors used for calculating CO2e are taken from government conversion factors for company reporting of greenhouse gas emissions — GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Baseline Year 2022 (January to December)
| Emissions | Total tCO2e |
|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 29.98 |
| Scope 2 | 19.68 |
| Scope 3 | TBC at the end of 2023 |
| Total Emissions | 49.66 |
Looking at CO2e data collated so far this year (January to end April 2023), by the end of the year we expect to see emissions decreased by approx. 5–10% (from base year 2022).
Emission Targets
Mediplus are actively developing a detailed roadmap to align with NHS targets and become net zero by 2040 (for Scope 1 and 2 direct emissions) and by 2045 (for Scope 3 indirect emissions).
As we continue to record our 2023 data, at the end of the year we will have clear comparison to our 2022 baseline. This will give us clarity on our progress and guide us to report and set accurate reduction targets.
As our plans are developed, the methodology and approach will be detailed in future reports, but as a guide we expect to work toward the following target reductions.
Scope 1:
- 5 year — near term target reduction 15% by 2027
- Long term target — 50% reduction by 2040
- Reduction to be offset by other projects 20%
Scope 2:
- 5 year – near term target reduction 25% by 2027
- Long term target — 80% reduction by 2040
- Reduction to be offset by other projects 20%
Scope 3:
- 5 year – near term target reduction – data being collected during 2023. We commit to setting targets at the end of 2023.
- Long term target — reduction by 2040
- Reduction to be offset by other projects – data being collected during 2023. We commit to setting targets at the end of 2023.
Carbon Reduction Projects
Protecting the environment is one of the core aims at Mediplus; we do this by managing the operations to prevent pollution and striving for continual improvement in our environmental performance.
We believe in preserving natural resources by utilising technological and innovative best practices, reducing waste, and developing sustainable opportunities to use recycled materials.
Our aim is to preserve the natural resources of today for future generations, for example our sponsorship of Project Seagrass in the UK supports sequestrations of CO2 and our coastal ecosystem.
We have already completed a number of carbon reduction projects including:
Energy:
By far the largest emissions relate to our consumption of electricity. We have recently signed new agreements for energy provider for the supply of green renewable energy.
Our plans include investigation into how we can more closely monitor usage to identify areas that can reduce consumption.
On renewing office equipment, we purchase energy efficient products and ensure good housekeeping by automating time out lighting, screen savers. We have installed low energy LED lights in office and production areas.
We will also be looking at our equipment efficiencies and possibilities for solar energy panels.
Travel:
As practicable, we encourage colleagues to avoid physically travelling to meetings etc where alternatives are available, such as using teleconferencing, video conferencing or web cams, and efficient timing of meetings to avoid multiple trips. These options are also often more time-efficient, while not sacrificing the benefits of regular contact with clients and partners.
We have reduced the need for our staff to travel by supporting alternative working arrangements such as flexible home working.
Recycling:
We minimise our use of paper and other office consumables, for example by double-siding all paper used, and identifying opportunities to reduce waste.
As far as possible we arrange for the reuse or recycling of office waste, including paper, computer supplies and redundant equipment.
Where possible we source timber furniture, and any other timber products are recycled or from well-managed, sustainable sources and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
UK Sustainable Manufacturer:
We intend to investigate options to ensure our site is managed in a sustainable manner.
People:
We will reinforce positive attitude, and within the next 12 months we will be deploying training to all staff on environment and sustainability care.
We will encourage voluntary work with the local community and/or environmental organisations and make donations to seek to offset carbon emissions from our activities.
We ensure that any subcontractors or suppliers that we employ take account of sustainability issues.
In line with the commitment to promote sustainability and minimise the environmental impact of our activities, where possible we will endeavour to procure materials that have been responsibly sourced.
When sourcing secondary packaging a preference will be given to recycled papers/boards, wherever permissible by contract specification.