Caithness Engineering Services was one of several local companies to benefit from Focus North’s fully-funded Net Zero Nation Accelerator programme, supporting SMEs to create meaningful carbon reduction plans. Directors Graham Robertson and John Crowden share their thoughts on the experience.
Why did you sign up for Net Zero Nation?
We could see the value in it, especially as we work towards ISO14001 compliance. We were aware of changes in legislation so we wanted to get under the skin of it early and ensure we fully understood it. Carbon reduction is often a question in tenders too, so we recognised this was something we would have to do. If the help and support is there to enable us to make a start, we felt we should make use of it.
How would you describe the course?
It’s a bit daunting at the outset, in terms of addressing the unknown. What does scope one, two and three emissions mean to us as a business? Gathering our data required a bit of digging but being part of a group of other local businesses was really helpful. The opportunity to join the webinars, share stories and chat through things was a really invaluable support. The other businesses were from a mix of sectors but they were all people we knew and could relate to. Once you’re in a rhythm with it, it all becomes easier.
How did it change your mindset to your business and its carbon footprint?
As the numbers start coming in, you begin questioning and analysing things more. For example, why send a man in a van to do a delivery when we could drop it off ourselves on the way home? Essentially, carbon is money. That realisation helps you to become more efficient and think differently. We have already made some initial savings and we will look at any big decisions in the future through a climate lens.
What is next for your Net Zero journey?
One of the services we offer our clients is support with their management systems. For many, they feel spooked by the changes ahead and that will make it all the harder when funding becomes linked to carbon reduction plans. The insights we now have will not only give us an edge in tenders, but also allow us to offer this service to clients, where we can take the pain out of the process for them. We have always advocated ISO9001 and other quality management systems. This is no different: it’s about being as efficient and effective as possible. It then becomes business as usual.
What is your advice for other businesses starting out with their carbon reduction plan?
It’s coming, but it’s nothing to be scared of. It’s a process that will prompt you to ask different questions and make more educated decisions. Ultimately, it’s about helping your business and doing the right thing, too.
Picture: Graham Robertson, Director, Caithness Engineering Services