Publication Date: 05/03/2025
1. Introduction
This document presents Serconnect’s Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP), produced in accordance with the UK Government Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21: Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the Procurement of Major Government Contracts. This plan outlines Serconnect’s commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and details the environmental management measures in place to support this goal.
Serconnect is a specialist provider of electrical infrastructure solutions, delivering services in independent connections, network upgrades, substation installation, maintenance, and fault response. Serconnect operates from two sites – its headquarters near Blackburn and an additional office facility in Workington. This Carbon Reduction Plan accounts for operations across both sites, ensuring a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction. Serconnect is committed to integrating sustainable practices into its operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and minimising its carbon footprint.
As a supplier to public sector organisations and regulated industries, Serconnect recognises the importance of reducing emissions in line with the UK’s legally binding Net Zero target. This Carbon Reduction Plan establishes a clear baseline for the company’s carbon footprint, reports on current emissions, and sets out strategies for emissions reduction across Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 categories.
This plan will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect progress and any further initiatives undertaken to reduce emissions.
2. Commitment to Achieving Net Zero
Serconnect is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) for its UK operations by 2045, five years ahead of the UK Government’s legally binding 2050 target.
Recognising the urgency of climate action and the increasing expectations placed on responsible businesses, Serconnect has set an ambitious yet realistic target. This commitment reflects the company’s proactive approach to sustainability—going beyond compliance to ensure a structured and well-planned transition to Net Zero.
Serconnect is currently undertaking a detailed assessment of its decarbonisation pathway, identifying the most effective measures to reduce emissions while maintaining operational resilience. This approach allows the company to make well-informed, evidence-based decisions at the right time, avoiding last-minute reactive measures that could compromise efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By targeting Net Zero by 2045, Serconnect positions itself ahead of regulatory deadlines, ensuring it can implement sustainable solutions in a measured and strategic manner.
3. Baseline and Current Emissions Reporting
Serconnect has established 2024 as its baseline year for carbon reporting, aligning with PPN 06/21 requirements and the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. This baseline provides a reference point for tracking future progress towards the company’s 2045 Net Zero target.
As this is Serconnect’s first Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP), the baseline and current emissions are identical. Future annual updates will compare emissions against this 2024 baseline, reflecting the impact of carbon reduction initiatives.
3.1 Emissions Breakdown
Serconnect’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2024 amount to 1,471 tCO₂e, distributed as follows:
Table 1 – Scope 1 (direct emissions)
Emission Source | Consumption | GHG Emissions (tCO₂e) |
Gas consumption | 33,663 kWh | 6.2 |
Diesel consumption (transport fleet) | 111,642 litres | 280.5 |
Total Scope 1 | – | 286.7 |
Table 2 – Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity)
Emission Source | Consumption | GHG Emissions (tCO₂e) |
Electricity consumption | 23,207 kWh | 4.8 |
Total Scope 2 | – | 4.8 |
Table 3 – Indirect emissions from value chain
Emission Source | Consumption | GHG Emissions (tCO₂e) |
Business commuting | 2,877 miles | 0.64 |
Working from home | 304 hours | 0.10 |
Water consumption | 176 m³ | 0.07 |
Waste management |
|
|
– Recycled waste | 32 tonnes | 0.37 |
– Green waste | 11 tonnes | 0.10 |
– Waste to energy | 9 tonnes | 0.06 |
– Waste to landfill | 23 tonnes | 11.8 |
Procurement emissions | £1,358,846 | 1,167 |
Total Scope 3 | – | 1,180 |
Table 4 – Total organisational emissions
Scope | Serconnect GHG emissions 2024 (tCO2e/y) | % of total |
Scope 1 | 287 | 19% |
Scope 2 | 4.8 | 0.33% |
Scope 3 | 1,180 | 80% |
TOTAL | 1,471 | 0 |
Figure 1 – Total organisational emissions
Figure 2 – Scope 3 emissions breakdown
3.2 Future Reporting and Improvements
Serconnect acknowledges that Scope 3 emissions, particularly those from procurement, represent the largest share of its carbon footprint. The company aims to address these in the following ways:
- Improve data collection on supply chain emissions.
- Engage with key suppliers to reduce embodied greenhouse gas emissions in purchased goods and services.
- Encourage low-carbon commuting options for employees.
This baseline assessment provides the foundation for Serconnect’s carbon reduction strategy, with future CRP updates tracking progress towards Net Zero by 2045.
4. Business Growth and Future Emissions Considerations
Serconnect is undergoing significant business expansion, with a projected 75% growth over the next three years. This includes increased revenue, workforce expansion, and infrastructure investments across the UK. Key developments include:
- Expansion of Maintenance and Faults contracts across private networks
- Securing higher voltage contracts (33kV and 132kV), enabling larger-scale operations
- Workforce growth, with new talent acquisition and geographic expansion
- New satellite depots
- Investment in property to reduce travel and hotel costs
- Purchasing additional machinery and equipment to reduce hire dependencies
- Exploring renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions
- Developing a Design House and Training Academy
While these developments are essential for business success, they will also impact greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in energy consumption, transport, and supply chain emissions. Serconnect will actively integrate sustainability considerations into this growth, ensuring that expansion aligns with its Net Zero 2045 strategy.
5. Emissions Reduction Targets
Serconnect is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045, ensuring a structured and measurable reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
To support this ambition, Serconnect has established the following emissions reduction trajectory shown in Table 5 and Figure 3.
Table 5 – Serconnect greenhouse gas emissions reduction trajectory
Year | Reduction from 2024 Baseline (%) | Projected Emissions (tCO₂e) |
2024 (Baseline Year) | 0% reduction | 1,471 |
2030 | 29% reduction | 1,051 |
2035 | 52% reduction | 701 |
2040 | 76% reduction | 350 |
2045 (Net Zero Target) | 100% reduction | 0 |
Figure 3 – Serconnect greenhouse gas emissions reduction trajectory
These targets align with Serconnect’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility while ensuring a practical and phased approach to decarbonisation.
Serconnect will regularly review progress against these targets, updating its Carbon Reduction Plan accordingly. The company will ensure that reductions are driven by operational improvements and supply chain engagement, with minimal reliance on offsets.
Serconnect recognises that business growth will influence absolute emissions. While the company is committed to a structured Net Zero 2045 pathway, this plan accounts for potential increases in Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions due to fleet expansion, new depots, and procurement growth. To counterbalance this, Reconnect will prioritise low-carbon technologies, sustainable procurement, and operational efficiency measures as outlined in the Carbon Reduction Measures section.
6. Carbon Reduction Measures
6.1 Completed Initiatives
Serconnect has already implemented several sustainability initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. These measures have contributed to lowering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in line with the company’s long-term Net Zero 2045 commitment.
6.1.1 Environmental Management & Certification
ISO 14001 Certification
Serconnect has achieved ISO 14001: Environmental Management System (EMS) certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, legal compliance, and continual environmental improvements. The EMS ensures structured emissions monitoring, waste reduction, and resource efficiency across operations.
6.1.2 Resource Efficiency & Waste Reduction
Cartridge-less Printing Systems
Serconnect has adopted cartridge-free printers, reducing plastic and hazardous waste from conventional ink cartridges. This also lowers emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of ink supplies.
Cardboard Recycling
A structured cardboard recycling programme has been introduced to minimise landfill waste. By ensuring that packaging materials are recycled and repurposed, Serconnect has reduced its Scope 3 emissions associated with waste disposal.
Metal and Cable Recycling
All surplus metal and electrical cabling from projects is now sent for recycling rather than disposal. Working with sustainability-focused suppliers, Serconnect ensures that valuable materials are reprocessed and reintroduced into the supply chain, reducing the environmental impact of raw material extraction.
Reusable Plinth Shuttering and Stakes
Serconnect has moved away from single-use construction materials, instead using reusable plinth shuttering and stakes to reduce material waste. This approach extends the lifecycle of construction components and significantly cuts down on embodied greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing.
6.1.3 Transport & Fleet Optimisation
Transport Optimisation Using Software
Advanced route planning software has been implemented to optimise vehicle movements, reduce unnecessary mileage, and improve fuel efficiency. This has led to lower fuel consumption and emissions across the company’s fleet, contributing to a reduction in Scope 1 emissions.
Electric Forklift Trucks
Serconnect has transitioned to electric forklift trucks, replacing diesel or LPG-powered models. This switch eliminates direct emissions from on-site material handling while also reducing fuel costs and air pollution. In addition, at its Blackburn warehouse Serconnect has an electric order picker machine. As the company scales, further electrification of equipment and vehicles will be explored.
6.1.4 Impact & Next Steps
These completed initiatives have already contributed to reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and cutting emissions across multiple areas of Serconnect’s operations. Serconnect will build upon these measures, scaling sustainability efforts in line with business growth and evolving Net Zero targets.
6.2 Planned Future Initiatives
Serconnect is committed to reducing further its carbon footprint by implementing targeted initiatives across energy efficiency, transport, waste management, and renewable energy adoption. These measures will help drive down Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions while supporting sustainable business growth.
6.2.1 Energy Efficiency and Heating System Decarbonisation
Heating System Controls
Serconnect plans to introduce advanced heating system controls to improve efficiency and reduce energy waste. By optimising heating schedules, setting appropriate temperature zones, and integrating smart thermostats, the company aims to cut unnecessary energy consumption, particularly in office and warehouse areas.
Temperature Monitoring for Improved Control
It is intended that real-time temperature monitoring will be deployed across facilities to provide data-driven insights on heat loss, overheating, and energy wastage. This will inform further optimisation of heating and cooling systems, ensuring consistent thermal comfort while minimising energy demand.
Net Zero Heating Supply – Exploring Radiant Heating and Heat Pumps
To further decarbonise space heating, Serconnect is considering:
- Radiant heating for warehouse areas – an efficient heating solution that directly warms objects and occupants, rather than air, reducing energy waste in high-ceiling spaces.
- Heat pumps for office areas – a low-carbon alternative to gas heating, using electricity to extract heat from the air or ground to provide efficient heating and cooling.
Transport & Fleet Decarbonisation
- Driver Training to Reduce Emissions
Serconnect will implement eco-driving training programmes to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from fleet operations. This will focus on:
- Smoother acceleration and braking to reduce fuel consumption.
- Efficient route planning to avoid congestion and unnecessary mileage.
- Regular vehicle maintenance awareness to keep engines optimised for performance.
- Further Introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Building on the transition to electric forklift trucks, Serconnect plans to increase the use of EVs in its operational fleet. Key steps include:
- Assessing EV suitability for different fleet applications (e.g., maintenance vans, company cars).
- Expanding on-site EV charging infrastructure at depots and offices.
- Exploring vehicle leasing models to accelerate EV adoption without large upfront costs.
Lighting & Building Energy Optimisation
- Lighting Controls with Occupancy Sensors
Serconnect plans to install occupancy sensors and daylight-linked lighting controls in office spaces, warehouses, and operational facilities. These systems will:
- Automatically turn off lights when areas are unoccupied, preventing energy wastage.
- Adjust brightness based on natural daylight availability, reducing electricity demand.
- Renewable Energy Supply – Rooftop Solar PV Consideration
The feasibility of rooftop solar PV installations will be explored at existing and future facilities to generate on-site renewable electricity. This initiative aims to:- Reduce Scope 2 emissions by displacing grid electricity consumption.
- Enhance energy security and lower operational costs over time.
- Integrate with battery storage solutions where applicable, to maximise self-consumption.
Waste & Circular Economy Initiatives – Improved Waste Separation and GHG Emissions Measurement
Serconnect will implement enhanced waste separation and tracking systems to improve resource recovery rates and enable more accurate Scope 3 emissions reporting. Key actions include:
- Introducing better waste segregation systems for recyclables, general waste, and hazardous materials.
- Tracking the quantity and final destination of waste components (e.g., landfill, recycling, energy recovery).
- Calculating GHG emissions impact for each waste stream to inform reduction strategies.
Sustainable Business Growth & Organisational Change
- Net Zero Business Growth with Sustainable Facilities
As Serconnect expands with new depots, offices, and operational sites, a Net Zero design framework will be adopted to ensure facilities are low-carbon from the outset. This includes: - Energy-efficient building design, integrating passive heating and cooling strategies.
- On-site renewable energy generation where feasible.
- Low-carbon construction materials and supply chain engagement.
- Net Zero Workshops & Organisational Change for Carbon Reduction
To embed sustainability into business operations, Serconnect will develop Net Zero workshops to educate and engage employees across all levels. These will:- Create a structured programme for practical implementation of carbon reduction measures.
- Align emissions reductions with core business objectives, ensuring operational continuity.
- Facilitate internal collaboration on decarbonisation strategies.
Conclusion
These planned initiatives will play a key role in achieving Serconnect’s Net Zero 2045 target. By integrating low-carbon technologies, transport efficiencies, waste reductions, and renewable energy solutions, Serconnect will continue to drive emissions reductions while supporting business growth.
7. Environmental Management Measures
Serconnect has established a structured approach to environmental management, integrating recognised sustainability frameworks to drive continuous improvement in energy efficiency, resource use, and emissions reduction. The company is committed to implementing best practices in environmental management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and alignment with its Net Zero 2045 strategy.
Ongoing and future greenhouse gas reduction initiatives will be overseen by Sharon Leary, who is responsible for the implementation of energy-saving measures, emissions tracking, and sustainability improvements across Serconnect’s operations. Her role includes coordinating efficiency projects, engaging with stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for further reductions in environmental impact.
8. Declaration and Sign-Off
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 guidelines and approved by Serconnect’s senior leadership.
Signed:
Date: 04/03/2025
Name: Neil McKillop
Position: Managing Director