Annual report 2014: Responsible operations
Last year we aimed to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions per head by an average of 2.5 per cent. So we are very pleased to report that our annual emissions have fallen by 16 per cent.
Our investment in more energy efficient boilers at our London office has helped to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (Photo: Matt Wright/IIED)
The drop has been principally achieved through a significant reduction in staff travel combined with the installation of more energy efficient boilers in our London office.
IIED's annual carbon footprint (April 2011 to March 2014)
Travel emissions
Travel emissions per head are down by 16.5 per cent. This reduction is largely due to a drop in the average trip length, rather than our staff taking fewer trips. This suggests that the location of our activities next year will impact hugely on our footprint. To help our staff manage this effectively, we have introduced a new travel policy.
Buildings emissions
Buildings emissions per head are down by 12 per cent, despite a small increase in our electricity consumption. Our investment in more energy efficient boilers at our London office has paid dividends by helping us reduce our use of gas — although a mild winter last year also played its part.
IIED's emissions by category
The view ahead
Over the coming year a range of activities will help us further reduce our carbon footprint. A new travel policy will help staff minimise their travel emissions. The installation of double glazing on the remaining single glazed windows of our London office should further reduce our gas usage. And a review of our lighting systems will allow us to identify areas where we can install lower energy options to cut our electricity use.
We are committed to 'managing down' our adverse environmental impacts and continue to identify and implement new initiatives through our ISO14001-certified environmental management system.
