Carbon Reduction Plan
Publication date: 26th August 2025
Prepared in accordance with PPN 06/21: Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the Procurement of Major Government Contracts
Commitment to achieving Net Zero
ECR is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Baseline Emissions Footprint
Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.
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Baseline Year: 2025 |
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Additional Details relating to the Baseline Emissions calculations. |
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As a small software development company primarily focused on designing and developing software solutions, ECR HopOn has limited direct emissions. The majority of our emissions are related to office energy use and occasional business travel. As this is our first Carbon Reduction Plan, we have used the current year (2025) as the baseline year. Future reports will update and refine these estimates as more data becomes available. |
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Baseline year emissions: |
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EMISSIONS |
TOTAL (tCO2e) |
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Scope 1 |
Direct emissions from owned/controlled sources: Not applicable or minimal, as ECR HopOn does not operate a vehicle fleet or use fuel for heating. As a small software development company, our primary operations involve software design and development, which do not generate direct emissions. All systems are cloud-based, hosted on AWS, and we do not manufacture or handle physical products requiring energy-intensive processes. Total Scope 1 Emissions (tCO₂e):
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Scope 2 |
Indirect emissions from purchased electricity: ECR’s office energy use is primarily electricity supplied by EDF. The total annual electricity usage for the reporting period (April 2024 – March 2025) is 44,426 kWh. Using the DEFRA carbon intensity factor of 0.233 kg CO₂e per kWh for UK grid electricity (2025): Emissions (tCO₂e) = 44,426 × 0.233 kg CO₂e/kWh ÷ 1000 = 10.35 tCO₂e Total Scope 2 Emissions (tCO₂e): 10.35 |
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Scope 3 (Included Sources) |
Indirect emissions from business travel and commuting: Scope 3 emissions include business travel (mileage and flights) and employee commuting where data is available. 1. Business Travel: Mileage
Emissions (tCO₂e) = 50,403 × 0.180 ÷ 1000 = 9.07 tCO₂e 2. Business Travel: Flights Destinations and Emissions:
Total Flight Emissions: 3.42 tCO₂e Scope 3, Category 7 – Employee Commuting ECR HopOn employs 25 staff, with a mix of working patterns: approximately 15 are office-based full time, 5 work hybrid (typically two days per week), and 5 are remote, attending the office only occasionally. The average commuting distance is estimated at 10 miles each way for regular staff, and 100 miles each way for remote staff when they do attend. Modes of transport include car, train, bus, cycling, and walking. Using standard DEFRA conversion factors and commuting frequency, we estimate employee commuting emissions at approximately 22.55 tCO₂e per year. We actively encourage low-carbon commuting through:
We will continue to refine our estimates through direct staff surveys and data collection.
Total Scope 3 Emissions (tCO₂e): 9.07 + 3.42 + 22.55 = 35.04 tCO₂ |
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Scope 3 Categories not included |
Scope 3, Category 4 – Upstream Transportation and Distribution: We currently do not hold sufficient data on distances or courier types to estimate the associated carbon impact but will work with our supplier to capture this in future reports. Based on current operations, these emissions are expected to be low in relation to our overall footprint.
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Scope 3, Category 5 – Waste Generated in Operations: Waste is sorted on site into general and recyclable streams. Cardboard, plastics, and paper are recycled wherever possible. Waste is collected through a standard commercial waste contract, but volumes are not currently recorded at source. We plan to work with our waste provider to better quantify volumes for future CRPs. Electronic waste (e.g., retired laptops, payment terminals) is disposed of through a certified WEEE disposal provider, with full data destruction certification. While this is an infrequent requirement, we treat it as a secure and auditable process due to the potential presence of personal or client data.
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Scope 3, Category 9 – Downstream Transportation and Distribution In some cases, ECR engineers transport and install hardware directly. Larger deployments (e.g., multi-terminal setups for health and leisure sites) are shipped in bulk to client premises in advance of setup. While these deliveries form a minor part of our operations compared to our core software and digital services, we acknowledge their relevance to our downstream carbon footprint. We are in the process of identifying practical ways to track courier use, destinations, and volumes, and we will aim to estimate these emissions in our next annual CRP.
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Total Emissions |
Sum of Scope 1, 2, and 3 45.39 tCO₂e |
Current Emissions Reporting
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Reporting Year: 2025 |
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EMISSIONS |
TOTAL (tCO2e) 45.39 tCO₂e |
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Scope 1 |
Direct emissions from owned/controlled sources: Not applicable or minimal, as ECR HopOn does not operate a vehicle fleet or use fuel for heating. As a small software development company, our primary operations involve software design and development, which do not generate direct emissions. All systems are cloud-based, hosted on AWS, and we do not manufacture or handle physical products requiring energy-intensive processes. Total Scope 1 Emissions (tCO₂e): 0 tCO₂e |
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Scope 2 |
Indirect emissions from purchased electricity: ECR’s office energy use is primarily electricity supplied by EDF. The total annual electricity usage for the reporting period (April 2024 – March 2025) is 44,426 kWh. Using the DEFRA carbon intensity factor of 0.233 kg CO₂e per kWh for UK grid electricity (2025): Emissions (tCO₂e)=44,426×0.233 kg CO₂e/kWh÷1000=10.35 tCO₂e\text{Emissions (tCO₂e)} = 44,426 \times 0.233 \, \text{kg CO₂e/kWh} \div 1000 = 10.35 \, \text{tCO₂e}Emissions (tCO₂e)=44,426×0.233kg CO₂e/kWh÷1000=10.35tCO₂e Total Scope 2 Emissions (tCO₂e): 10.35 |
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Scope 3 (Included Sources) |
Indirect emissions from business travel and commuting: Scope 3 emissions include business travel (mileage and flights) and employee commuting where data is available. 1. Business Travel: Mileage
Emissions (tCO₂e) = 50,403 × 0.180 ÷ 1000 = 9.07 tCO₂e 2. Business Travel: Flights Destinations and Emissions:
Total Flight Emissions: 3.42 tCO₂e Scope 3, Category 7 – Employee Commuting ECR HopOn employs 25 staff, with a mix of working patterns: approximately 15 are office-based full time, 5 work hybrid (typically two days per week), and 5 are remote, attending the office only occasionally. The average commuting distance is estimated at 10 miles each way for regular staff, and 100 miles each way for remote staff when they do attend. Modes of transport include car, train, bus, cycling, and walking. Using standard DEFRA conversion factors and commuting frequency, we estimate employee commuting emissions at approximately 22.55 tCO₂e per year. We actively encourage low-carbon commuting through:
We will continue to refine our estimates through direct staff surveys and data collection. Total Scope 3 Emissions (tCO₂e): 9.07 + 3.42 + 22.55 = 35.04 tCO₂ |
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Scope 3 Categories not included
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Scope 3, Category 4 – Upstream Transportation and Distribution: We currently do not hold sufficient data on distances or courier types to estimate the associated carbon impact but will work with our supplier to capture this in future reports. Based on current operations, these emissions are expected to be low in relation to our overall footprint.
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Scope 3, Category 5 – Waste Generated in Operations: Waste is sorted on site into general and recyclable streams. Cardboard, plastics, and paper are recycled wherever possible. Waste is collected through a standard commercial waste contract, but volumes are not currently recorded at source. We plan to work with our waste provider to better quantify volumes for future CRPs. Electronic waste (e.g., retired laptops, payment terminals) is disposed of through a certified WEEE disposal provider, with full data destruction certification. While this is an infrequent requirement, we treat it as a secure and auditable process due to the potential presence of personal or client data.
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Scope 3, Category 9 – Downstream Transportation and Distribution In some cases, ECR engineers transport and install hardware directly. Larger deployments (e.g., multi-terminal setups for health and leisure sites) are shipped in bulk to client premises in advance of setup. While these deliveries form a minor part of our operations compared to our core software and digital services, we acknowledge their relevance to our downstream carbon footprint. We are in the process of identifying practical ways to track courier use, destinations, and volumes, and we will aim to estimate these emissions in our next annual CRP. |
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Total Emissions |
Sum of Scope 1, 2, and 3 45.39 tCO₂e |
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Emissions reduction targets
In order to continue our progress towards Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets:
We project that carbon emissions will decrease over the next five years to 36 tCO₂e by 2030. This represents a reduction of approximately 21% from our current emissions of 45.39 tCO₂e.
Key Reduction Strategies:
- Transition to Renewable Energy Sources:
- Investigate switching to a green energy tariff with EDF or another provider.
- Aim for at least 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2027.
- Improving Office Energy Efficiency:
- Implement automatic lighting controls and energy-saving policies.
- Set targets to reduce office energy consumption by 10% over five years through better monitoring and efficiency improvements.
- Sustainable Business Travel:
- Encourage staff to use public transport, carpooling, or electric vehicles for business travel where feasible.
- Set an internal goal to reduce car mileage by 15% by promoting remote meetings and smarter travel planning.
- Sustainable Employee Practices:
- Continue promoting remote work to reduce commuting.
- Increase awareness of low-carbon commuting options.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- Progress against these targets will be monitored year on year and reported in annual Carbon Reduction Reports.
- We will review our emissions data annually and update the CRP to reflect new initiatives and progress.
Carbon Reduction Projects
Note on Emissions Impact: As ECR is a small software company with only 26 employees, many of whom work remotely, the overall impact of office-based waste reduction initiatives on our total emissions is minimal. However, we remain committed to sustainable practices and reducing our environmental footprint wherever feasible, as part of our broader commitment to achieving Net Zero.
Completed Carbon Reduction Initiatives
- Adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting in the office.
- Encouraging remote working to reduce commuting emissions.
- Digital-first policy to minimise printing and paper use.
- Installation of EV charging onsite.
- Implemented office waste reduction practices, including segregated recycling bins and composting of organic waste where feasible.
- Encouraged the reuse of office supplies to reduce landfill contributions.
The carbon emission reduction achieved by these schemes will be calculated and reported in tCO2e, along with the % reduction against the 2025 baseline, and the measures will be in effect when performing the contract.
Future Carbon Reduction Initiatives:
- Transition to a fully green energy tariff.
- Implementing energy-saving measures, such as automatic lighting controls.
- Promotion of carpooling or public transport for occasional site visits.
- Further enhance waste reduction by adopting a zero-to-landfill policy and increasing the use of recycled office materials.
Declaration and Sign Off
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 006 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.
Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard[1] and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting[2].
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard[3].
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).
Signed:
Tom Dunne, Director
Date: 26th August 2025
[1] https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-conversion-factors-for-company-reporting
[3] https://ghgprotocol.org/standards/scope-3-standard
