July 2024

Case Study: RfM Transform and DKP Consulting

Founded in 1960, DKP Consulting is a Harrogate-based firm of chartered surveyors known for their expertise in national construction projects. The firm has a track record of delivering high-quality services across various sectors, including commercial, residential, and public infrastructure. With a commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship, DKP Consulting has long adhered to the ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 management standards.

In response to the UK government's Procurement Policy Notice (PPN) 06/21, which mandates carbon audits and net zero plans for public sector contractors, DKP Consulting sought our help to align their business with the requirements. PPN 06/21 aims to ensure that all suppliers bidding for major government contracts, including those with the NHS, have credible plans in place to reduce their carbon emissions and achieve net zero by 2050. Specifically, the NHS has set ambitious targets to reach net zero by 2040 for emissions under its direct control and by 2045 for those it influences, with significant interim reductions by 2036 to 2039.

Anticipating the requirements of PPN 06/21 by April 2024, we were tasked with conducting a carbon audit, developing a robust reduction plan, and creating a sustainability statement for DKP Consulting to publish their intentions and progress transparently on their website. Given their existing ISO certifications, DKP required a tailored approach to ensure compliance with PPN 06/21 and to further enhance their sustainability efforts. This included detailed recommendations aligned with their ongoing commitment to quality and environmental management.
RfM Transform provided Harrogate-based DKP Consulting with its full environmental package, which included:

The Carbon Audit: Baseline Reading and Measurement

• Carbon Reduction Plan: Adhering to Greenhouse Gas Protocols, we assessed DKP's existing carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.

The Reduction Plan: Comprehensive short and long term Recommendations

• Tailored to DKP's budget and priorities, our plan included practical steps for immediate and long-term carbon reduction in line with their Net Zero Emissions commitment of Achieving net zero by 2050 and meeting PPN 06/21 requirements by April 2024:

• Importantly, the plan builds incrementally on each prior step to ensure that DKP makes the most impactful decisions at that time.

The Sustainability Statement

• A detailed sustainability statement was written for DKP's website, to showcase their commitment, progress to date and compliance with PPN 06/21 to all key stakeholders.

RfM Transform started by evaluating DKP Consulting's carbon footprint and identifying key areas for improvement across direct, indirect, and supply chain activities. This comprehensive assessment allowed us to develop targeted recommendations to reduce their overall emissions.

We made a range of suggestions, some of which were classed as ‘easy wins’ and others as longer-term objectives, including:

• Promoting remote working and car-sharing to reduce staff commuting emissions.

• Encouraging the use of public transport and cycling with incentives.

• Installing energy-efficient lighting and heating systems.

• Conducting waste audits to enhance recycling and composting efforts.

• Implementing policies for virtual meetings to reduce business travel.

• Exploring the feasibility of solar panels and air source heat pumps.

While reducing emissions is important, offsetting still remains a viable strategy. DKP was keen to undertake offsetting to mitigate the impact of their emissions as they transition to net zero.

By adopting our recommendations, DKP Consulting is well-positioned to meet the requirements of PPN 06/21. The carbon reduction plan not only helps them comply with public sector tender requirements but also enhances their overall sustainability profile and gives them a “to-do list” of initiatives to carry forward.

Key Benefits:

• Reduced Carbon Emissions and adoption of a Net Zero target date.

• Cost Savings: Through efficient energy use and reduced waste.

• Enhanced Compliance: Meeting governmental regulations and standards.

• Sustainability Leadership: Demonstrating environmental stewardship to clients and key stakeholders.

RfM Transform's support has been instrumental in helping us meet PPN 06/21 requirements. Their clear goals and objectives have given us a practical guide to improve our sustainability efforts over the next year, and we're eager to see the results in our next audit.
- DKP Consulting

DKP Consulting’s proactive approach to sustainability, supported by RfM Transform’s comprehensive services, underscores their commitment to environmental responsibility. As they continue to refine their practices and pursue net zero emissions, DKP Consulting sets a benchmark for others in the industry and locale.

I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with DKP Consulting on their carbon audit - just one of our essential Business+Booster services. They were a pleasure to work with, and their commitment to lowering their carbon emissions and starting their journey to NetZero is impressive. It was a pleasure to support such a dedicated team.
- Thea Hutchings, Senior Consultant, RfM Transform

Ready to embark on your own sustainability journey? Contact RfM Transform today to see how we can help your business achieve its environmental goals.

+more: Are mandatory Carbon Audits on the horizon? What SMEs can do to prepare
+more: Transforming Business with the Business+Boosters

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