Carbon footprint - Our journey continues
Welcome to our epic quest to shrink our carbon footprint.
Let’s dive straight in and save our planet one eco-friendly step at a time.
We are thrilled to share the results of our successful carbon footprint verification!
Carbon Footprint Ltd has meticulously reviewed the methodology, energy and fuel data sources, and calculations for Simply Sports. The findings are that our location-based carbon footprint stands at 24.83 tCO2e, while our market-based footprint is an impressive 5.78 tCO2e.
We are a dynamic sports retail company, proudly offering a diverse selection of sporting goods and apparel across our four sports stores in Surrey and Kent, UK, with a dedicated team of 26 staff members.
How was our carbon footprint calculated?
At Simply Sports, we love staying ahead of the game, which is why we use Carbon Footprint Ltd.’s online carbon calculator at www.carbonfootprint.com to tally up our carbon footprint for the year from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023.
We're playing by the book, using the latest 2023 emission factors developed by DEFRA and BEIS for accurate emissions reporting.
Our carbon footprint assessments cover:
- Electricity consumption
- Vehicle fuel usage
- Business travel (by rail)
- Homeworking
Even while we're scoring goals, we're committed to protecting our planet!
Total location-based carbon footprint for the period 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 is 24.83 tCO2e, with a market-based footprint of 5.78 (see table 2 below for breakdown). The majority of market-based emissions (94%) are associated with vehicle fuel usage. The total market-based emissions per employee is 0.22 tCO2e.
At Simply Sports we are on a renewable electricity tariff across all 4 of our sites, allowing a market-based total for site electricity to be reported as zero.
Bench marking:
Table 3 here, provides a comparison of Simply Sports’ location-based footprint against the baseline year (2018) and the previous assessment period (2022). Total emissions have decreased by 21.1% since the baseline year and 1.3% compared to the previous assessment. These changes are largely influenced by a decrease in emissions from vehicle fuel use.
What are Carbon footprint standards?
They are a set of internationally recognized standards for demonstrating low carbon credentials.
There are three levels:
1. Carbon Footprint Standard – Assessed
2. Carbon Footprint Standard – Reduced
3. Carbon Footprint Standard – Carbon Neutral Plus +
These standards enable a business to promote their low carbon credentials, whilst giving customers the confidence that an internationally approved process has been followed and verified.
How are the simply sports team making a difference?
Here at simply sports we are extremely proud to be holders of our carbon neutral certification and are 100% committed and passionate about making environmentally friendly choices to help reduce our carbon footprint in any way that we can.
Our journey started a few years ago with more specific recycling with our refuse collectors, nothing sensational but the basics of bulk waste can get forgotten, with the latest of all simply sports staff recycling their crisp packets.
The 3 R’s (Reduce, Recycle, Re-Use) are still very much a focus of our daily activities.
Reduce:
In July 2020 we switched to using 100% renewable energy.
In February 2024 we finished changing all lights in all four stores to LED.
With a Voltage optimiser being installed at our Reigate store on the 21st of February 2024 and more recently installed in July 2024 at our Oxted store.
Recycle:
We recycle all cardboard and paper waste through our contracts with SITA and SUEZ.
We are increasing the amount of plastic that we send for recycling which now includes all packaging from stock received and all containers, packaging and bottles from staff use.
Re-Use:
In 2023 we fully re-furbished our Reigate branch and using a company Globe Chain, the vast majority of old fittings were re-used in a project in Romania.
This avoided 1932KGS of waste and saved the end users approximately £16k.
Find out more about how Globechain help businesses achieve their zero waste targets and sustainable development goals (SDG) targets as well as helping your community:
Globechain | Reuse Marketplace for Business
We can also do our bit at home as well as at work, here are some practical tips that could help reduce your carbon footprint:
Energy Efficiency
Upgrade to LED light bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.
Check the insulation of your home.
Sealing windows and doors to prevent drafts and loss of energy.
Use a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and any cooling systems efficiently.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
To minimize waste and conserve resources reuse items where you can.
Recycle materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
Water Conservation
Fix any leaks.
Take shorter showers.
Install low flow showerheads.
Use water-efficient appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.
Renewable Energy
Consider solar panels or if that is not an option purchase green power from renewable energy providers.
Transportation
You can help reduce your Carbon footprint from transportation by using public transport (we know these are not always the most reliable, to get you to where you need to be and on time).
Driving a fuel efficient or electric vehicle.
Plan and combine trips to minimize driving.
Sustainable food choices
Choose locally sourced, organic, plant based and seasonal foods when at all possible.
Composting
Use a composting bin to recycle organic waste such as food scraps and garden trimmings, turn it into a nutrient-rich addition for your garden.
Plant a tree.
Maintain green spaces around your office or home to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide shade, and a natural habitat for wildlife.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle at Simply Sports.
Did you know?
We also recycle old trainers and help to support local children’s charities, helping to improve young lives every day.
You can drop off your old (clean) running or everyday shoes at your local simply sports store:
Oxted.
Reigate.
Tonbridge.
Tunbridge Wells.
We are also working much more closely in future with brands who are helping to reduce the content of virgin polyester in their products, this all helps towards the indirect emissions that are not controlled by us.
Introducing Hylo, an innovative brand now proudly featured at our Oxted and Reigate stores!
Hylo envisions a groundbreaking, fully circular future where products are crafted entirely from renewable materials. When their journey ends, these products are taken back and transformed into something new, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Dive into the future of sustainability with Hylo and join us in revolutionizing the way we think about the lifecycle of the things we love.
That's why they created hyloop 👏
Hyloop is there recycling platform developed to help local communities extend the lifespan of their products with care and recycling.
In order to take back their products, they need your help.
When you’re done with your hylo’s, here’s the thing, you’re not really done!
You can scan the tongue of your hylo’s to access your products hyloop to learn more about how you can give more life to your shoes and clothing.
OR tap the link below to dive deeper into the fascinating world of hylo recycling, where innovation meets sustainability.
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible technology and eco-friendly practices that are shaping the future of recycling, turning waste into wonder:
https://hyloathletics.com/pages/recycling-returns
https://hyloathletics.com/pages/materials
A simple act can have a BIG impact while helping to reduce landfills.
While most of our suppliers are on the same epic quest as ourselves, there are several key factors that also influence our collaboration choices.
Take Ron Hill Sports, for instance. They have achieved leader status in the Fair Wear Foundation, a best practice measurement in employment in their supply chain. This commitment to excellence makes them an ideal partner for us to work with.
Measuring as below:
- Employment is freely chosen
- There is no discrimination in employment
- No exploitation of child labour
- Freedom of association and the right to
- Collective bargaining
- Payment of a living wage
- Reasonable hours of work
- Safe and healthy working conditions
- Legally binding employment relationship
https://www.simplysports.co.uk/AboutUs.asp
Globechain | Reuse Marketplace for Business
https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/
https://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbonoffset_faq.html
https://www.variety.org.uk/get-involved/
Not everyone likes change, and we appreciate it is not always easy and practical to make loads of changes in one hit but adopting just one of these practices can help lower your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Some FAQs
What is the most carbon neutral material?
Structural timber and thanks to its carbon negative properties, timber is making a comeback as a construction material.
What is a good example of carbon neutrality?
Adding solar panels to your home or switching to an electric vehicle are good examples of things you can do to reduce your carbon dioxide output.
What naturally absorbs CO2?
Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air naturally, and trees are especially good at storing CO2 removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
In case you were wondering - Photosynthesis is a system of biological processes that convert light energy typically from sunlight.
What energy is carbon neutral?
Electricity generation from biomass, hydro, solar and wind are considered to be carbon neutral. It’s the little bits of good put together, that overwhelm the world.
Find out more about Simply Sports and our journey:
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