Rochdale-based developers of clean air technology solutions refined their sustainability strategy with improved carbon footprinting methodology.
Envair Technology provide clean air systems and equipment to a range of clients across education, research, and pharmaceuticals, including the NHS. Their equipment uses innovative technologies to protect people and product in the medical and scientific industries.
They started working with Katie Pepper, Carbon & Sustainability Consultant at Green Economy, in September 2024 with the goal of refining their carbon footprinting methodology to present accurate data.
“Carbon footprinting is a key area of interest not just for us but also our customers,” explains Helen Finney, Director of Finance at Envair Technology. “It’s part of our wider ESG strategy, and the strategies of our clients. As such, we wanted to find a way to share our carbon data that could flex in line with specific client needs. We’re all on the same journey, but each organisation needs that insight in a slightly different format.”
In April 2023, the NHS introduced mandatory carbon footprinting requirements, known as PPN 06/21, for large contracts and subsequently in April 2024 extended the requirements to cover all new procurements. These requirements were introduced to align with the NHS’s Net Zero targets, which include net zero for the emissions it controls directly by 2040, and emissions it influences by 2045. A growing number of organisations are introducing policies such as these which impact their value chain.
“It was very important for us to know our footprint so we could align with our stakeholder organisation’s goals and support their net zero journey. We needed a bit of help in finding the best way to work with clients to meet these requirements .”
Katie partnered with Helen to help refine Envair Technology’s carbon footprinting. She helped Helen and the team go through the NHS carbon footprint requirements, categorise their own emissions into Scope 1, 2 and 3, and identify which elements were valid for Envair Technology and needed to be incorporated into their footprint to meet the requirements given to them.
“We went through the NHS requirements to ensure everything that needed to be included in their footprint, was included,” says Katie. “We are in the process of breaking down the requirements to ensure all are met and we that have right data together. Not only will this mean we’re giving NHS and other partners the information that they need - it shows Envair Technology’s stakeholders that they take sustainability seriously.”
“The data we collected then led us to other conversations,” Katie explains. “We undertook a site survey to assess Envair Technology’s energy use, using half-hourly electricity data to inform us. As a result, we are in the process of quoting for some voltage optimisers which will be used at Envair Technology’s site.”
Envair Technology wanted to have a clear, accurate footprint calculated before they progressed with their other sustainability strategies By doing this, organisations will be able to roll out impactful policies that reduce carbon and energy use.
“Organisations looking to be more sustainable should engage with someone who can help get their footprint together,” says Helen. “Once you gather the data, you can make changes going forward. When it comes to carbon and sustainability policies, small, incremental changes make a massive difference. Don’t try and do everything at once. Start with the footprint, and the future strategy will develop from there.”
