Getting Ready for 2026 and Setting Our Baseline for Carbon Reductions

 



Getting Ready for 2026 and Setting Our Baseline for Carbon Reductions

At ConferenceDirect we committed to the SME Climate Hub for a 30% reduction in our carbon footprint by 2030.  Next year is going to be when we establish our baseline to measure our carbon footprint.  Committing to the SME Climate Hub is a public pledge to cut your company’s carbon footprint in line with climate science. But what does that commitment actually require?

Here are the key actions every person/company should look at when committing to something like the SME Climate Hub:

1. Measure Your Carbon Footprint

Establish a baseline by measuring Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions using a GHG Protocol–aligned tool. Recalculate emissions annually to track progress.

2. Set Science-Aligned Targets

Establish you goals.  IE:  Commit to reducing absolute emissions 30% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. These targets must be leadership-approved and publicly visible.

3. Create a Credible Reduction Plan

Identify your largest emissions sources and implement real actions—such as energy efficiency, renewable electricity, smarter travel policies, and waste reduction.

4. Reduce Travel and Transportation Emissions

Limit unnecessary travel, prioritize lower-carbon transport, and transition company vehicles to electric or hybrid options.

5. Engage Suppliers

Engaging your partners and vendors is key.  Focus on suppliers that impact sustainability.

6. Report Progress Transparently

Update your emissions annually and share progress publicly through the SME Climate Hub or your website. Transparency builds trust and accountability.

7. Reduce First, Offset Last

Carbon offsets should only address residual emissions—real reductions must come first.

Bottom line:
A carbon reduction commitment isn’t just a pledge—it’s an ongoing process of measuring, reducing, and reporting emissions in a transparent, science-aligned way.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Science Based Targets for Sustainability What Are They & Why are They Important?

Image
  Science Based Targets for Sustainability What Are They & Why are They Important? S cience-based targets (SBTs) for sustainable development are specific, measurable goals that align with scientific evidence and pathways to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. These targets are often set in alignment with the latest climate science to ensure that actions taken by organizations, governments, and other stakeholders contribute effectively to global efforts in mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable development. Here's a breakdown of what they entail and their significance: Key Features of Science-Based Targets: Alignment with Climate Science: SBTs are grounded in the latest climate science, particularly the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Measurable and Tim...
Read more

Things to Think About When Buying an Electric Car and Top 5 Cars Recommended

Image
  Things to Think About When Buying an Electric Car (In regards to Sustainability) I recently bought an electric car. At first, I was mostly focused on how far it could go on a charge. But then I realized there were other important things to consider—like sustainability and how the car is made. After looking into it more, I ended up going with the Volvo EX30. 1. What’s in the battery? EV batteries use stuff like lithium and cobalt, which can be pretty rough on the planet (and people) to mine. Look into brands that get these materials responsibly and have a plan to recycle old batteries. 2. How are you charging it? If you’re plugging into clean energy (like solar or a green electricity plan), that’s awesome. If your electricity still comes mostly from coal, the EV isn’t as green as it could be. 3. How was the car made? Some car companies are doing a better job than others at using recycled materials and cutting emissions during production. It’s worth checking if the car is ...
Read more

REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC USAGE

Image
  Plastics harm the environment by polluting ecosystems, threatening wildlife, contributing to climate change, and persisting for generations. Reducing plastic usage is essential for protecting our planet and ensuring sustainable living.   Below are some great ways you can reduce your plastic usage at home   1. Switch to Reusable Alternatives Shopping Bags : Use cloth or canvas tote bags instead of plastic bags. Water Bottles : Use filtered water at home Food Storage : Use glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers instead of plastic ones. Coffee Cups : Bring your own reusable coffee cup or thermos. Straws : Switch to stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone straws. 2. Buy in Bulk Purchase items like grains, spices, and cleaning products in bulk to avoid unnecessary packaging. Bring your own containers or bags to bulk food stores. 3. Choose Plastic-Free Products Opt for products packaged in paper, glass, or ...
Read more