How we did it
At Froglife we have been working to reduce our negative environmental impact and enhance our positive environmental impact for many years. Climate change is impacting us all and we know that amphibians and reptiles are particularly susceptible.
We have been monitoring our utility usage since 2018. In 2023 we partnered with The University of Bath to help us calculate our carbon footprint. Eleanor Jones undertook the task as a paid intern through The University of Bath’s Humanities and Social Sciences Employability Projects programme, sponsored by Santander.
For 2023–24 we used similar methods but improved the accuracy and detail. We have had useful advice from the Wildlife Trust’s Carbon Manager. Lily Walwyn, Discovering Dewponds Trainee, did the bulk of the calculations.
The results
Our carbon footprint 2023-24 is: 47.06 tonnes CO2e
Our main impacts are:
- Scope 1 and 2: 0.06 tonnes CO2e. Scope 1 is direct emissions that result from activities that are under the organisation’s control. Scope 2 is indirect emissions from any electricity, heat or steam purchased and used.
This is very low because our only Scope 1 and 2 emissions are gas and electricity at our offices, and most staff work from home.
- Scope 3: 47 tonnes CO2e. Emissions include purchased goods and services, use of sold goods and business travel.
This comprises:
- Materials 97.6%
- Working from home 0.2%
- Travel and accommodation 2.2%
This lower than last year, probably due to the number and stage of projects.
The pattern is the same as last year with scope 1 and 2 being very low and our main footprint is through the materials we use. The main materials are pond liner, pond plants, fencing, signage and art/sculptures.
Action Plan
Based on these figures, we are developing an action plan to reach net zero by 2030.
This includes:
- Biggest hitters: Identifying all materials purchased that are >0.5 tonnes CO2e and developing individual plans for reduction.
- Each project increasing the percentage of re-used materials each year, with higher percentages for projects currently re-using the least.
- Identifying the projects with the highest environmental performance and transferring good practice across Froglife. For example, our Somerset Green Pathways for Life project has no car usage; staff travel for all sessions is undertaken with a bike and trailer.
We will re-calculate our carbon footprint each year to assess our progress towards net zero.
