1. Purpose and Commitment

SBL Academy, a trading name of Silvia Brothers Logistics Ltd, recognises its responsibility to address environmental impacts caused by carbon emissions. This carbon reduction strategy is our plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations. Through this plan, we will tackle our primary sources of emissions, from energy consumption to waste management, while engaging our community to actively participate in our efforts.

 

2. Objectives and Targets

Our mission is to cut carbon emissions across all operations, using a series of defined targets to guide our progress:

• 2025: Reduce emissions by 30%
• 2030: Achieve a 60% reduction
• 2040: Reach an 80% reduction
• 2050: Achieve net zero across all scopes of emissions

These targets span direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), and emissions related to supply chains, waste, and transport (Scope 3).

 

3. Emissions Baseline

To set a clear foundation for our efforts, we have established a baseline from the prior year:

• Scope 1 (Direct): 30 tCO2e
• Scope 2 (Indirect energy-related): 60 tCO2e
• Scope 3 (Supply chain, waste, transport): 80 tCO2e
• Total Emissions: 170 tCO2e

This baseline gives us a point of reference as we aim and plan for reductions.

 

4. Key Focus Areas and Initiatives

 

4.1. Energy Efficiency:

Energy consumption is one of our major contributors to carbon emissions. We will prioritise energy reduction through:

• Building upgrades: Retrofit all facilities with smart energy systems to monitor usage in real-time.
• Efficient lighting: Install motion-sensor LED lighting across classrooms, offices, and common areas to minimise unnecessary energy use.
• Procurement: Ensure that all future equipment purchases meet energy efficiency standards.

 

4.2. Renewable Energy Adoption:

Transitioning to renewable sources of energy is important to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We will implement:

• Green Power Contracts: Shift our remaining electricity consumption to 100% renewable energy sources by partnering with certified green energy suppliers.
• Energy Storage Solutions: Invest in battery storage systems to enhance our capacity to store and efficiently use renewable energy.

 

 

4.3. Transport and Mobility

Transport-related emissions are a factor in our carbon footprint. To reduce these emissions:

• Electric Vehicles: Introduce electric vehicle (EV) charging points across our sites parking areas, encouraging both staff and students to transition to EVs.
• Shuttle Services: Launch a low-emission shuttle service to reduce single-passenger car journeys and encourage carpooling among students travelling to practical course sites.
• Public Transport Partnerships: Offer subsidised transport passes for public transit, incentivising students and staff to use buses and trains instead of private vehicles.

 

4.4. Waste Reduction and Management

Waste management plays a key role in lowering our Scope 3 emissions. Our waste reduction initiatives focus on:

• Zero-Waste Commitment: Implement a comprehensive zero-waste policy, aiming to drastically cut down on landfill contributions by maximising recycling and composting.
• Paperless Operations: Continue to shift to digital-first solutions, minimising the need for printed materials across administration and learning processes.
• E-Waste Recycling: Set up dedicated points for the collection and responsible recycling of e-waste, ensuring old electronics are disposed of sustainably.

 

4.5. Carbon Offsetting

While reducing emissions is our primary goal, offsetting residual emissions will be part of our long-term strategy:

• Certified Carbon Credits: Purchase verified carbon offsets in projects that contribute to carbon sequestration and renewable energy development, ensuring any remaining emissions are neutralised.

 

5. Education and Community Engagement

As an educational institution, we are in a unique position to influence behaviour and build environmental awareness:

• Student Representatives: Establish a Green Reps program where students can lead sustainability projects and promote green initiatives within the company.
• Public Events and Campaigns: Host sustainability forums and community events, promoting carbon-conscious behaviours in the wider community.
• Curriculum: Integrate climate change education into courses, encouraging students to learn about and advocate for sustainable practices.

 

6. Tracking Progress and Governance

To ensure accountability and measure our success, we will:

• Establish a Sustainability Team: A sustainability team has been formed to oversee the execution of the carbon reduction strategy, ensuring that we stay on track to meet our goals.
• Annual Reporting: Emissions data is tracked and shared with the community via annual sustainability reports. These reports include updates on progress toward each emissions reduction target.

 

7. Annual Progress Report (Period: 2023)

In our first year of implementation, we have achieved the following reductions verses our baselines from the year prior outlined in section 3 above:

• Scope 1 Emissions: Reduced to 27 tCO2e
• Scope 2 Emissions: Reduced to 50 tCO2e
• Scope 3 Emissions: Reduced to 72 tCO2e
• Total Emissions reduced by 12.3%: 149 tCO2e

 

 

8. Continuous Improvement

We are committed to regularly revisiting and refining this carbon reduction strategy to ensure that we continue making meaningful progress toward our 2050 target. The plan will undergo annual reviews, ensuring we adapt to evolving environmental technologies, regulations, and opportunities.