Carbon Reduction Plan

1. Commitment to Achieving Net Zero

The Shore Group is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in alignment with the UK Government's target. This Carbon Reduction Plan outlines our baseline, reduction targets, and the measures we are implementing to reduce our carbon footprint. 

As a fast-growing business expanding into new service offerings, we recognise our responsibility to manage and reduce our environmental impact across all operations. As such this plan will evolve to ensure it mirrors business operations. 

2. Baseline Emissions 

Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.

The Shore Group's baseline year of 2021 reflects our predominantly recruitment-focused operations, with retail merchandising and temporary workforce placement representing our core business activities. Our baseline encompasses the emissions as detailed below. 

Baseline Note: at the time of baselining our emissions, and as a result of the impact from the Covid-19 pandemic, some data available was incomplete and in some cases estimates from comparable businesses has been used as a proxy for actual values. 

Important Note on Evolving Business Model: The Shore Group is currently expanding into areas with a significantly higher carbon impact including civil engineering and groundworks, facilities management, site logistics and contracting services through newly formed divisions. 

If successful, our carbon footprint profile will change materially. Construction and contracting activities typically generate higher Scope 3 emissions from materials, plant operations, and supply chain activities. We commit to updating this Carbon Reduction Plan within 36 months to reflect the emissions profile of our expanded service offering, establishing new baselines and reduction pathways appropriate to our evolved business model.

3. Emissions Reduction Targets

To continue our progress toward Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets based on our current recruitment-focused operations:

•       Reduce total emissions by 25% by end of 2028 (from 2021 baseline)

•       Reduce total emissions by 50% by end of 2030 (from 2021 baseline)

•       Achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050

These targets will be reviewed and adjusted as our newly formed civil engineering FM, and contracting divisions mature and contribute a greater proportion of Group revenue. We recognise that construction-related activities will require specific carbon management strategies and may necessitate revision of our reduction pathway to reflect the higher carbon intensity of these operations.

4. Carbon Reduction Projects

Completed Projects:

•       Transition to green energy in all office locations

•       Implementation of hybrid working policy reducing commuting emissions

•       Migration to cloud-based IT infrastructure reducing server energy consumption

Projects Underway:

•       Vehicle fleet assessment to identify opportunities for electric/hybrid vehicle adoption

•       Development of sustainable travel policy encouraging public transport and car sharing, prioritising the merchandising workforce as the highest user group

•       Implementation of waste segregation and recycling programmes across offices

5. Future Projects for New Divisions

As our Civils, FM, Site Logistics and Contracting divisions develop, we will implement construction-specific carbon reduction measures including site logistics optimisation, waste management strategies, sustainable materials procurement, and supply chain carbon engagement programmes. These initiatives will be detailed in the updated Carbon Reduction Plan once these divisions represent a material proportion of Group operations.

We will maximise our carbon reduction impact by strategically prioritising projects where we can exert the greatest influence. We recognise that our ability to affect environmental outcomes varies significantly between projects where we are the main contractor and can influence design, programme, and delivery methodology, versus projects where we are an appointed sub-contractor delivering works specified by the main contractor. 

To identify the areas of greatest opportunity, we will develop a prioritisation framework, working closely with clients and main contractors. For projects identified as high impact, we will develop a specific carbon reduction plans, supply chain engagement programmes, and documented case studies for knowledge sharing and community engagement.   

6. Declaration and Sign Of

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance. It reflects our genuine commitment to measuring, managing, and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. 

As our business evolves and our service mix changes with the growth of our civils, FM, site logistics and contracting divisions, we commit to updating this plan to ensure it remains accurate and actionable.

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been approved by The Shore Group board. 

Date: December 2022