Science-Based Targets (SBTs) are clearly defined, science-based pathways for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), that are independently assessed and approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with strict criteria.

In FY2021-22, BDP submitted its application to the SBTi. This is currently undergoing validation to confirm our target of a 46.2% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2030. “Scopes” are the basis for mandatory GHG reporting in the UK, and are categorised as such:

• Scope 1 emissions cover the GHG emissions that a company makes directly
• Scope 2 emissions cover the GHG emissions it makes indirectly
• Scope 3 emissions cover the emissions associated, not with the company itself, but that the organisation is indirectly responsible for, up and down its value chain

We look forward to sharing our confirmed targets with the wider industry once they have been validated by the SBTi.

Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions per capita have been decreasing year on year, with an overall 5-year decrease of 61.8%. This year, we have continued to see this trend with a 20.8% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions per capita in FY2021-22 compared to FY2020-21

Each year, we implement new initiatives and suggest opportunities for improvements in environmental impact for each of our studios. Each studio is unique and therefore has different opportunities to work within its individual restraints to make as much of an impact as possible. Some examples include:

• Our Sheffield studio has installed energy-efficient zip taps in its kitchen
• Food composting is now in place in our Birmingham studio
• The replacement of our London studio’s lighting in the main stairwells with energy-saving LEDs has led to lower maintenance costs and a reduction in energy consumption of approximately 1230kWh/yr

Together, these slight changes will continue to have a significant impact.

By embracing the increased use of technology that our hybrid working model has given our practice, we have been able to reduce total business travel emissions per capita by 89% compared to the last ‘typical’ year unimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (FY2018-2019). To help this trend continue, we will be making updates to BDP’s business travel plan.

Our non-electrical waste levels were reduced by 54% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This reflects the robust waste management procedures put in place in our UK and Ireland studios, ensuring that we are accountable for the waste we produce. We also make every effort to maximise waste diversion from landfill. In our Sheffield studio, for example, unrecyclable waste feeds into the local Veolia district heat system that supplies our building with heat. In London, our chosen waste contractor First Mile collects waste and converts it to energy to power London homes.

Finally, white paper waste has reduced by 85% and printer cartridge waste has reduced by 95% compared to the last “typical” year. This is a strong indication of our staff developing a practice of only printing documents when absolutely necessary, a message that is encouraged throughout the practice.

To learn more about these statistics, as well as our plans for improvement, read our full report here.