Reducing Carbon Footprint: My Experience as an Intern at Lendology CIC
May 17 2023
May 17 2023
As an intern at Lendology CIC, I have been working to help the organization reduce its carbon footprint. After conducting a thorough analysis, I identified the three main sources of carbon emissions: staff commuting, business travel, and energy usage. To address these issues, I presented a framework for a carbon budget for business travel, as well as strategies for reducing energy usage and digital carbon emissions.
In this blog post, I will delve into the importance of carbon neutrality for Lendology CIC and discuss the process of calculating carbon emissions. I will also explore the broader impact of Lendology’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable finance.
First and foremost, carbon neutrality is essential for Lendology CIC because the organization has committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable business practices. As a financial institution, Lendology CIC has a responsibility to minimize its carbon footprint and lead the way in promoting sustainable finance. By striving for carbon neutrality, Lendology CIC can significantly reduce its carbon emissions and become a more sustainable organization. Achieving carbon neutrality requires a comprehensive approach that includes identifying and addressing sources of carbon emissions, implementing measures to reduce emissions, and offsetting unavoidable emissions.
Calculating carbon emissions is a complex process that involves collecting data on energy usage, transportation, and other factors, and then multiplying that data by the relevant emissions factors. Lendology CIC provides their data on company activities to Carbon Neutral Britain. Looking to do their part for the environment, Lendology C.I.C engaged with Carbon Neutral Britain in December 2022, with the ambition to measure and offset the total organization emissions – to continue their Carbon Neutral status. The process of providing data on company activities helps Carbon Neutral Britain identify areas where Lendology CIC can reduce its carbon footprint and track progress towards carbon neutrality.
The impact of Lendology’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint extends beyond the organization itself. By providing accessible finance for retrofit measures such as wall insulation, solar panels, and renewable heating systems, Lendology CIC is supporting homeowners in reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, Lendology’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality sets an example for other businesses in the financial sector, demonstrating that it is possible to operate in a way that is both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Through the Carbon Neutral Britain Climate Fund™, Lendology C.I.C has offset its total carbon emissions through internationally certified carbon offsetting projects. These projects have been certified via the Verra – Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the Gold Standard – Voluntary Emission Reductions (VER), or the United Nations – Certified Emission Reductions (CER) programmes and have been selected based on their direct and indirect impact around the world. The projects not only offset carbon emissions but also support education, employment, and clean water, as well as having a net positive impact on local wildlife and ecology. The three largest and most regulated voluntary offsetting standards used by organizations and even countries in their emissions reductions ensure that all measurements and tonnes of CO₂e offset are accurate and verified.
In addition to the positive impact they are making on the environment, I was also touched by the warmth and kindness of the Lendology team. They provided me with a train ticket to come and visit their facility for our first meeting, and the Commercial & Finance Director, Anna Osborne, picked me up from the railway station. She was a delight to meet and work with, as was the Commercial and Finance Assistant, Chris Weetch, who provided me with the data on carbon emissions.
Furthermore, during one of our meetings, I shared my interest in agri-tech and the challenges I was facing in finding a job in the sector. To my surprise, a few days later, Chris Weetch reached out to me with information about an agri-tech company to which I could apply or get in touch with. These gestures of kindness and support meant a lot to me and made my experience working with Lendology CIC even more fulfilling.
In conclusion, Lendology CIC’s commitment to carbon neutrality is crucial for the organization’s mission of promoting sustainable finance and investing in a more sustainable future. By taking a comprehensive approach to reduce its carbon footprint and leading the way in promoting sustainable business practices, Lendology CIC is contributing to a broader shift towards sustainability. As an intern, I am proud to have been a part of this effort and to have contributed to Lendology CIC’s ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.