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What is a carbon footprint, and how is it measured?

In this guide on what is a carbon footprint and how is it measured, we&#8217;ll cover:
<ul>
<li><a href="#what">What is a carbon footprint?</a></li>
<li><a href="#how">How is a carbon footprint measured? </a></li>
<li><a href="#seven">Seven of the best carbon footprint calculators </a></li>
<li><a href="#reduce">How can I reduce my carbon footprint?</a></li>
<li><a href="#ecologi">How Ecologi can help businesses reduce their carbon emissions</a></li>
</ul>

A simple definition is the total amount of greenhouse gases that is emitted directly or indirectly by an entity &#8211; for example, a person, product or business. In other words, it is one measure of the impact their activities are having on the environment, and how much they are contributing to climate change. 
The carbon footprint is usually expressed in terms of tonnes of ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’ &#8211; which allows us to account for the emissions of both carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Activities like travel, energy use, producing goods and services all contribute to a carbon footprint, and once you know the measure of it, the goal should be to reduce it as much as possible.
<h3>What are some examples of carbon footprint?</h3>
We usually talk about the carbon footprint of an individual or company, but it could also refer to the impact of an event, like a big music festival or sporting event for example, or of a product throughout its life cycle. 
<h3>Why is it important to measure your carbon footprint?</h3>
Measuring your carbon footprint is important because it helps you understand and take responsibility for the amount of greenhouse gases you’re releasing into the atmosphere through your activities, whether that’s indirectly or directly. 
There are many reasons why that matters, but here’s just a handful:
Heightened environmental awareness  
When you understand your carbon footprint, you become more aware of how your actions are contributing to the big issues of climate change and environmental degradation. And awareness is the first step towards action. You’ll find you become more focused on making better choices for our planet.
More responsibility and accountability
Measuring your carbon footprint encourages personal responsibility. It helps people and businesses recognise the impact they have on the environment, and fosters a sense of accountability for their contribution to climate change.
Easier goal setting
If you know about it, you can do something about it. Once you’ve measured your carbon footprint, the next step is to set goals to reduce it. For businesses it could involve switching energy providers, using more efficient vehicles or working with greener suppliers. For individuals this might involve making changes to your lifestyle or choosing more environmentally-friendly products. 
Competitive advantage for businesses  
Calculating, understanding and reducing your carbon footprint is a collective responsibility for the wellbeing of the planet. Increasingly consumers are aware of this responsibility and are choosing businesses that show a commitment to sustainability. So carbon footprinting is good business! 
Economic savings
Many actions that reduce carbon footprints, like using energy-efficient lightbulbs or electric vehicles, can also lead to cost savings. Reducing energy consumption not only benefits the environment but also lowers bills, so it&#8217;s good for both the planet and profit. Win-win!

Measuring a carbon footprint involves assessing the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual or business, and it’s typically expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

How can businesses calculate their carbon footprint?

Let’s take a look at how to calculate the carbon footprint of a company. The process of calculating a carbon footprint is very complex and methodologies vary. Companies may tailor their carbon footprinting approach based on their industry, location and available data &#8211; and it’s always advisable to work with an organisation with a carbon accounting background, to ensure you’re on the right track. 
Here’s the basic process:
Step 1 &#8211; Define boundaries
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines three types (‘scopes’) of emissions:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g. emissions from company-owned vehicles, or from an onsite gas boiler).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy (e.g. electricity).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the entire value chain, including both upstream and downstream activities (e.g. supply chain, transportation and business travel).</li>
</ul>
As well as understanding the scopes of emissions business must also define the organisational and operational boundaries of the footprint &#8211; to establish which emissions the specific entity is responsible for.
Step 2 &#8211; Identify emission sources
Determine all sources of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the defined scopes. For a company’s carbon footprint, this can include: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Energy consumption, including electricity, fuel, and other energy sources (this includes Scope 1 and 2 emissions).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transportation, from owned or leased vehicles (Scope 1), as well as emissions from commuting and business travel (Scope 3).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supply chain emissions, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation (Scope 3).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Waste management, including emissions from waste generation and disposal.</li>
</ul>
Step 3 &#8211; Collect data 
Next you need to gather data on energy use, fuel consumption, production processes, transportation methods, and any other relevant activities contributing to emissions. 
Our carbon footprinting tool, <a href="https://ecologi.com/business/zero" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ecologi Zero</a>, simplifies this process. After answering a few essential questions about your business, including your number of offices and employees, you can connect Ecologi Zero to your Xero accounting software to import transaction data and get emissions values for each transaction. Collecting activity data about your energy usage, vehicles, and other parts of your business will refine your carbon footprint as well. 

Step 4 &#8211; Convert data to CO2e 
Different greenhouse gases have different ‘global warming potentials’, so the next step is to convert the activity or expenditure data for each emission source into emissions (measured in CO2e), so you have a standardised measure. 
This is done using emissions factors, which are values that represent the average amount of emissions produced per unit of activity. Using these factors you can convert the data about how your business runs, into a total amount of emissions, in CO2e.
Step 5 &#8211; Calculate the carbon footprint 
Then all you need to do is multiply the activity data by the appropriate emission factor to calculate the emissions for each source. And once all these emissions are added together, voila, you get your total carbon footprint.
Step 6 &#8211; Report the carbon footprint 
Show your commitment and build trust by transparently reporting your carbon footprint and sharing your progress (even if you&#8217;re not perfect). Subscribers to Ecologi Zero Premium get an annual report included in their plan. 
Step 7 &#8211; Set goals and take action
Once the carbon footprint is measured, businesses can identify their emissions hotspots and set goals to reduce them. This might involve switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, or making changes in the supply chain. Identifying hotspots and setting goals is another feature included in Ecologi Zero Premium.

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Seven of the best carbon footprint calculators 

Looking for a helping hand? Here’s seven tools that can do a lot of the hard work for you: 
<a href="https://ecologi.com/business/zero">Ecologi Zero </a>
Ecologi Zero makes it quick and simple for UK-based SMEs to calculate their carbon footprint by integrating with Xero accounting data. Premium users can also get tailored advice to identify hotspots and benefit from an annual report to share with their community. 
<a href="https://ghgprotocol.org/">GHG Protocol</a>
Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG Protocol provides a comprehensive framework for businesses to measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. It offers standards and guidance for both corporate and product life cycle accounting.
<a href="https://www.carbontrust.com/">Carbon Trust</a>
Carbon Trust offers a suite of tools and calculators for businesses and individuals. Their individual calculator considers energy usage, transportation and lifestyle choices, providing a comprehensive overview of your carbon footprint. Their Footprint Expert software helps businesses measure and manage their carbon emissions, providing insights into areas where emissions can be reduced.
<a href="https://eightversa.com/services/net-zero-carbon/carbon-footprint-for-business/">Eight Versa </a>
Eight Versa is a sustainability consultancy that works with all kinds of businesses. They provide expert carbon footprinting and carbon reduction support, guiding organisations through Scopes 1, 2 &amp; 3 and creating a roadmap of decarbonisation solutions. Their methods are in-line with international standards such as ISO 14064, the Science Based Targets Initiative and GHG Protocol. 
<a href="https://www.footprintnetwork.org/">Global Footprint Network</a>
The Ecological Footprint calculator by Global Footprint Network not only calculates carbon emissions but also considers other ecological factors. It also provides an estimate of how many Earths would be needed if everyone lived like you.
<a href="https://www.myclimate.org/en/">My Climate Carbon Footprint Calculator</a>
My Climate offers a carbon footprint calculator that considers various aspects, including travel, energy and consumption. It also facilitates users to support climate protection projects.
<a href="https://myemissions.green/food-carbon-footprint-calculator/">MyEmissions </a>
MyEmissions is a leading provider of food carbon labelling, working with some of the largest food companies in the world. They’ve also published a free food carbon footprint calculator so everyone can see the impact of what they eat.

For both businesses and individuals alike, knowledge is power when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. By going through the process of calculating your carbon footprint you’ll get a clearer idea of where your hotspots are, and therefore where you can make the biggest impact in reducing them.
For individuals it&#8217;s about making conscious lifestyle choices. For businesses it involves a combination of strategic planning, operational changes, and employee engagement. 
Ecologi Zero Premium customers receive in-depth technical guidance on how to reduce their emissions &#8211; which can vary from business to business. Here’s ten general tips that both individuals and businesses can use to minimise their environmental impact:
For businesses:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be more energy efficient: Conduct an energy audit and invest in energy-efficient technologies and appliances.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Switch to renewable energy: Consider switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encourage cleaner commuting: Encourage hybrid working and offer staff incentives to use public transport, carpool, or bike to work.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Green your supply chain: Work with existing suppliers to reduce emissions and prioritise new suppliers who have strong climate creds.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduce waste: Encourage employees to minimise paper use, invest in digital technologies, and choose suppliers that use minimal packaging.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Go circular: Consider circular economy principles like product refurbishment and recycling.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Engage your team: Create a culture of environmental awareness among employees and provide training on sustainable practices.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Assess life cycles: Conduct life cycle assessments of products and services to identify opportunities for improvement, considering the impact from design to disposal.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get certified: Seek third-party certifications like ISO 14001 for environmental management.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Collaborate and advocate: Work with industry peers to share best practices and advocate for sustainable policies.</li>
</ol>
For individuals:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Power down: Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and unplug chargers! </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drop the diesel: Choose public transport, start a carpool, or even better, get on a bike.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle: Reject single-use plastics, recycle what you can, and donate or sell items when you’re done with them.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Embrace plant power: Switch to a plant-based diet (or at least eat less meat), choose locally-sourced and seasonal foods, and be mindful of food waste.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Every drop counts: Fix leaks and think about how you can limit water use (even switching off the tap while brushing your teeth helps!)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Buy green: Shop for products with minimal packaging and support eco-friendly brands.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Make your home more efficient: Insulating your walls, installing energy-efficient windows and doors, and using programmable thermostats can all make your home that little bit smarter.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Switch to renewable energy: Switch to an energy supplier that uses renewable sources, and consider installing solar panels on your property if you can.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Travel lightly: Choose direct flights to reduce emissions and consider eco-friendly accommodation. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Go minimal: Embrace a minimalist lifestyle to reduce consumption and waste.</li>
</ol>
Remember, every small effort counts, and collectively these actions will all add up to a big reduction in your carbon footprint. You have to start somewhere, so choose the changes that are easiest to get going with and you can gradually incorporate more and more sustainable switches into your day to day. 
<h3>What are the biggest causes of carbon emissions for businesses?</h3>
The biggest causes of carbon emissions for businesses can vary from industry to industry, but here’s some of the usual culprits that most businesses will need to tackle: 
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Energy consumption, including energy-intensive processes for manufacturing, heating and powering equipment, which involve burning fossil fuels.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transportation, including fleet vehicles and the daily commuting of employees.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supply chain, including raw material production and logistics.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Waste management, including generation and disposal.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Product manufacturing, including carbon-intensive manufacturing processes and product transportation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Buildings, including construction, maintenance, heating, cooling and lighting.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Technology, including data centres powered by non-renewable energy sources, and the disposal of electronic equipment.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Water, including waste water treatment.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Business travel, particularly by air!</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Financial Investments, particularly if a business has investments in fossil fuel industries </li>
</ol>
Understanding the main sources of emissions allows businesses to be more strategic in pinpointing their sustainability efforts. If in doubt, start where you can make the biggest dent with the least effort!
<h3>What are the biggest causes of carbon emissions for individuals?</h3>
For individuals, the causes of carbon emissions are also very lifestyle dependent, and stem from various comings and goings of people’s daily lives. Here’s some of the main offenders:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Energy consumption, including heating, cooling, and powering homes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transportation, including driving and air travel. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diet, including meat consumption and choosing food that has been transported long distances.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Waste generation, particularly the disposal of single-use plastics and sending waste to landfills.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shopping, particularly fast fashion and excessive consumption.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Water use, including heating water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing, along with excessive water usage.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Technology, including the production and disposal of electronic devices and internet use.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Financial choices, particularly through investments in fossil fuel industries (which your pension provider could be doing without you even knowing!)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Events, particularly large scale events and celebrations, which might involve a lot of travel and consumption.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lack of awareness about sustainable practices can sometimes be a big cause of unintentionally high carbon footprints.</li>
</ol>
Ultimately it&#8217;s all about balance, and doing what you can. No-one would want to totally give up all of the above, or even be able to, but being aware of the impact of each choice is the first step to making good decisions where possible. And often there’s a win-win, as making a greener choice can also save your money or be better for your health and wellbeing.

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How Ecologi can help businesses reduce their carbon emissions

From tree planting, to funding certified climate avoidance projects, through to calculating your company’s carbon footprint, we&#8217;re your trusted partner in taking climate action. We offer a range of products and services to businesses of all sizes.  
<a href="https://ecologi.com/business/zero">Ecologi Zero </a>
It’s quick and simple to calculate your carbon footprint with Ecologi Zero. We take the legwork out of calculating your emissions through simple integrations, so you can focus on reducing them. Ecologi Zero is suitable for service-based small and medium businesses using Xero (other options available to larger businesses)
<a href="https://ecologi.com/business/business-signup">Custom climate action</a>
For larger businesses looking for a custom climate impact solution, or for those who are not sure where to start, our team of experts can create a tailored solution to suit your needs. They can support your business and find the right solution to suit your needs including calculating your business’s carbon emissions through one of our specialist partners.

To get started select your business size

Start calculating your business' carbon footprint today

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Hopescrolling: The good news timeline

It’s not all bad. While there’s a lot of negative news about the climate, let’s not forget the good stuff. Find climate wins, reasons to be hopeful and plenty of positivity in our good news timeline.

The good news timeline

Ready to make a difference for our planet? Get in touch, and let’s chat about how we can help you on your climate journey. 

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Ecologi acquires Net Zero Now

In a landmark move set to reshape corporate climate action, we’re excited to announce that Ecologi, the UK&#8217;s most trusted climate action platform, has acquired <a href="https://netzeronow.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Net Zero Now</a>, the sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction platform for businesses.
The combined entity operating under the Ecologi brand will create a single solution for industry climate leadership towards net zero. The integration combines sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction with world class verified climate projects that supports businesses wherever they are on their net zero journey.

<h2>The game-changing impact of this acquisition</h2>
The strategic acquisition solves two fundamental challenges in corporate climate action: businesses have been forced to choose between fragmented solutions and generic ‘one size fits all’ approaches that ignore crucial sector-specific needs. By combining Net Zero Now&#8217;s sector-specific protocol expertise with Ecologi&#8217;s platform funding top-tier climate projects, we&#8217;re creating a tailored and complete solution helping businesses lead their industries towards net zero.

Reduce emissions.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Measure Scope 1, 2 &amp; 3 emissions with sector-specific industry GHG protocols</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Set short term and long term reduction target emissions aligned to SBTi</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tailored reduction plans for sector-specific emissions pathways</li>
</ul>
Restore our planet.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Compensate for unavoidable emissions as you reduce them through 
funding verified, high-quality carbon avoidance and removal credits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contribute to global climate goals by funding climate Impact Funds for 
beyond value chain mitigation and/or as part of your products &amp; services</li>
</ul>
Report on progress.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corporate sustainability standards e.g. CSRD, SECR, SBTi, CDP, B Corp</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sector specific standards e.g. Accountancy, Hospitality, Public Sector</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Custom climate impact reports and embeddable dashboards</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communications toolkit for board and stakeholder engagement</li>
</ul>

Climate leadership starts here

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Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director of Net Zero Now, said:
<blockquote>Businesses want to take climate action, but they want to know they’re doing it right and what’s right for a restaurant business is not the same as what’s right for an accounting firm.  They need industry-specific guidance and clear pathways to climate leadership. By joining forces with Ecologi, we&#8217;re creating a platform that allows us to provide credible, simple and affordable, sector-specific, end-to-end climate solutions for businesses in our existing sectors and collaborate with industry partners on new sector-led solutions.</blockquote>

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The acquisition aligns with Ecologi&#8217;s mission to accelerate business climate action and grow our 24,000 strong customer base. Established sector protocols including hospitality and professional services will be the initial focus with plans to expand across additional industries throughout 2025.
With organisations under increasingly complex stakeholder and industry compliance demands for environmental accountability, this end-to-end solution also ensures streamlined reporting, monitoring progress, supply chain transparency, and voluntary disclosures. This transforms business leaders into climate leaders with the confidence to tackle their climate commitments head-on, communicating and meeting critical regulatory requirements like SECR, CSRD and SBTi.

<h2>More about Net Zero Now</h2>
Founded in 2021, Net Zero Now has developed a proprietary sector-led approach, which combines climate expertise alongside the sector knowledge and experience of relevant industry bodies, industry influencers and larger businesses to reach a consensus around what Net Zero means in practice for businesses in each sector. To date, the company has measured and validated 1.8 MtCO2e lifetime emissions supporting more than 50+ leading brands including Coca Cola Europacific Partners, L&#8217;Orèal, Heineken, Pernod Ricard, Subway, Hard Rock Cafe, Adnams, Edgbaston and James Cowper Kreston.

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Case studies

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4 hospitality companies leading the way on climate action

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have in the hospitality industry — it&#8217;s a business necessity. With increasing regulatory pressure, shifting customer expectations, and the growing impact of climate change, hospitality businesses are finding that taking action isn&#8217;t just about responsibility—it&#8217;s about resilience. This is particularly evident as 70% of Brits are now actively trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle (Nutritics, 2024), and 44% say sustainability is important in their choice of venue to visit (Morning Advertiser, 2023). From tackling food waste to cutting carbon emissions, the sector is facing both challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change.
At the heart of this transformation is the food system. The hospitality industry relies on farming—a sector responsible for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions and one that is increasingly vulnerable to climate disruption. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and supply chain instability are already affecting food availability and costs, making sustainability not just an ethical priority but a commercial imperative. This is reflected in consumer behavior, with 47% of consumers wanting more information about carbon footprints on menus, and 41% saying this information would influence their order (CGA Strategy, 2023).
Fortunately, forward-thinking hospitality businesses are stepping up, driven by clear market demand—34% of UK pub and restaurant goers are prepared to spend more in venues with strong sustainability credentials, increasing to 47% for Gen Z and Millennials (Sustainability Beat, 2023). This generational shift is significant, with consumers aged 18-34 being nearly twice as likely to pay more for sustainability than those aged 55+ (WaterAid, 2023).
As the food and beverage industry awakens to its environmental responsibilities, and with climate change threatening to fundamentally disrupt global food security, restaurants and food service enterprises are stepping up to take meaningful climate action. These pioneering businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can enhance business performance while making a positive environmental impact, even as they navigate the unique challenges of being both a contributor to and victim of climate change.
Read about four hospitality companies that are championing climate action, and explore how they are turning environmental challenges into business opportunities.
Whether it&#8217;s engaging employees, measuring carbon footprints, or developing new sustainable service offerings, these venues are setting the standard for a greener future in hospitality.
<ol>
<li>Hawksmoor: Leading Sustainability in Fine Dining</li>
<li>Freemans Event Partners: Pioneering Sustainable Event Catering</li>
<li>Lisini Pub Co: Family Legacy Meets Sustainable Innovation</li>
<li>The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol</li>
</ol>

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<h2>Hawksmoor: leading sustainability in fine dining</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li> Achieved B Corp certification in September 2022</li>
<li>Comprehensive review of operational sustainability across all locations</li>
<li>Implementation of energy reduction initiatives</li>
<li>Enhanced waste management systems</li>
<li>Water conservation measures</li>
<li>Integration of sustainability into staff training programs</li>
</ul>
Hawksmoor&#8217;s journey exemplifies how restaurant groups can lead in sustainability within the hospitality sector. Their comprehensive approach includes setting ambitious net-zero targets for 2030 while focusing on immediate operational improvements. The restaurant group&#8217;s commitment is evidenced by their systematic review of day-to-day operations across their locations in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and New York. What sets them apart is their holistic approach to sustainability: examining energy usage, waste management, and water consumption while maintaining their reputation for quality dining. Their structured approach to employee engagement includes a two-day intensive induction program that emphasises sustainability, making it a core part of their culture.
Ellie Besley-Gould, Head of Purpose at Hawksmoor, said:
<blockquote>We&#8217;ve been heavily involved with the Sustainable Restaurant Association since about 12 years ago&#8230; It&#8217;s a really important area for us to be stepping up the work in, looking at how we can inspire change.</blockquote>

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<h2>Freemans Event Partners: pioneering sustainable event catering</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Achieved 38.4% reduction in emissions compared to projections</li>
<li>Implemented innovative &#8220;Zero Zone&#8221; testing area</li>
<li>Introduced shuttle buggies for reduced transport emissions</li>
<li>Deployed hybrid power generators</li>
<li>Established carbon menu labelling</li>
<li>Enhanced waste management through compostable solutions</li>
</ul>
Freemans Event Partners&#8217; journey demonstrates how large-scale event catering can embrace sustainability without compromising service quality. Their innovative approach at the British Grand Prix showcases their commitment to reducing environmental impact in high-pressure environments. The company&#8217;s dedication is evidenced by exceeding their initial 5% emissions reduction target and implementing a groundbreaking &#8220;Zero Zone&#8221; area for testing new sustainability initiatives. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: measuring and analysing emissions across all aspects of their operation, from food stalls to logistics and waste management.
Richard West, Sustainability Manager at Freemans Event Partners, said:
<blockquote>Through partnering we&#8217;ve realised that collaboration is key to making lasting and impactful environmental changes in the events catering industry. The process has been much more straightforward than we thought it would be and we look forward to setting even bigger reductions targets as we go forward.</blockquote>

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<h2>Lisini Pub Co: family legacy meets sustainable innovation</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48% through renewable electricity</li>
<li>Won the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award</li>
<li>Achieved lowest electricity demand in 10 years</li>
<li>Implemented LED lighting and sensor systems</li>
<li>Launched biodiversity project at Dalziel Park</li>
<li>Developed sustainable kitchen practices and menu innovation</li>
<li>Created venue-specific green teams</li>
</ul>
Lisini Pub Co&#8217;s journey demonstrates how family-owned hospitality businesses can transform their environmental impact while preserving their heritage. Their comprehensive approach combines traditional Scottish hospitality with modern sustainability practices across their venues, including the historic Angels hotel in Uddingston. What sets them apart is their innovative approach to sustainability: implementing competitive green teams across venues, achieving dramatic emissions reductions, and maintaining their commitment to quality service. Their structured approach includes both operational improvements and employee engagement, making sustainability a core part of their 45-year family legacy.
Siobhan Edwards, Director Lisini Pub Group, said:
<blockquote>It&#8217;s not until we&#8217;ve been working in the last year that we&#8217;ve really truly understood our carbon footprint. It&#8217;s the right thing to do, it&#8217;s the right thing for our customers, for our planet, for the environment, and actually it saves us money at the same time.</blockquote>

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<h2>The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Established 100-mile radius local sourcing policy</li>
<li>Implemented full venue LED lighting systems</li>
<li>Introduced reusable cups for music events</li>
<li>Developed nose-to-tail food waste reduction policy</li>
<li>Created vegetarian menu options to reduce emissions</li>
<li>Enhanced supplier partnerships for sustainability</li>
<li>Achieved an impressive 3-star rating in the Food Made Good Standard, scoring 92% overall and 91% specifically in environmental practices</li>
</ul>
The Assemblies&#8217; journey showcases how urban hospitality venues can lead in sustainability while building strong community connections. Since their inception in 2009, they&#8217;ve demonstrated that local sourcing and environmental responsibility can coexist with business success. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: analysing carbon ratings, implementing local sourcing policies, and creating innovative menu solutions. Their comprehensive strategy includes everything from sound system upgrades to waste reduction initiatives, making sustainability integral to their operation.
Anna Blightman, Brand Marketing Manager, said:
<blockquote>Something that our partnership has allowed us to do, is lay all the data out on the table so that we can actually look at it, and stand to analyse it and understand where we can make changes. If we don&#8217;t start now, when will we start?</blockquote>

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As these leading hospitality companies show, meaningful climate action can drive significant business benefits—from stronger customer and employee engagement to enhanced brand reputation and risk mitigation. By taking a thoughtful, transparent, and impactful approach, businesses can pave the way for a sustainable future.
Ready to take the lead in climate action? Book in a 30 minute discovery call with our Hospitality sector experts and find out more about partnering with Ecologi to measure your emissions, set reduction goals and fund high-quality climate action on the road to net-zero.

What is a carbon footprint, and how is it measured?