Carbon Reduction Plan 2026-2028

Business Name: Michelle Howard Consulting Ltd
Assessment Period: 2026-2028
Baseline Year: 2025

Overview

Michelle Howard Consulting Ltd is committed to sustainability and aligned with the UK’s Net Zero 2050 targets. Building on prior initiatives, the business aims to reduce its carbon footprint through energy-efficient operations, smart working practices, continued digital adoption, and responsible supplier management. Hybrid and virtual working continue to minimise travel and environmental impact. The focus for 2026–2028 is on optimising energy use, reducing business travel, minimising paper and waste, and supporting sustainable supplier practices.

Current Carbon Footprint

I have established a baseline for my carbon footprint, focusing on the following key areas:

• Business Travel:Approximately 4,000 miles annually using an electric vehicle (EV). Travel minimisation continues through hybrid and virtual working.
• Energy Use: Office operations and car charging utilise a renewable, smart energy tariff, all IT equipment was upgraded in 2025, and energy consumption is monitored via a smart meter. Devices are switched off when not in use.
• Printing and Waste Management: Minimal paper use, with ongoing adoption of digital platforms. Recycling is in place, and paperless systems are standard wherever possible.

Carbon Reduction Goals (2026–2028)

1. Business Travel

• Target: Reduce travel-related emissions by a further 10% by 2028.

• Actions:

  • Continue prioritising virtual meetings and hybrid working.

  • Use train travel where appropriate.

2. Energy Efficiency

• Target: Maintain and optimise energy efficiency across all operations.

• Actions:

  • Continue using energy-efficient devices and upgraded IT equipment.

  • Monitor energy use through the smart meter and adjust practices as needed.

  • Maintain use of renewable energy tariff and explore minor efficiency improvements (e.g., smart plugs).

3. Data & Digital Operations

• Target: Reduce energy consumption from digital platforms and data storage by 10% by 2028.

• Actions:

  • Optimise cloud storage and consolidate digital files to reduce server load.

  • Adopt digital collaboration tools and electronic signatures.

  • Maintain paperless practices in training and operational workflows.

4. Waste Reduction & Recycling

• Target: Reduce remaining paper use by 10% over 2026–2028.

• Actions:

  • • Adopt electronic signature solutions such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign to eliminate the need for printed documents that require signing. This not only saves paper but also streamlines processes
    • Use digital AI note-taking applications to take notes during meetings instead of relying on paper.
    • Establish clear guidelines regarding printing, including limiting colour printing, printing only essential documents
    • Transition to paperless systems through the development of digital platforms and intelligent software.
    • Transition to digital resources in training practices.
    • Continue recycling waste produced.

5. Supplier Alignment

• • Target: Work exclusively with suppliers who demonstrate and are committed to strong environmental and sustainability policies by 2026.
  • Actions:
    • Regularly review supplier practices and ensure alignment with my business’s sustainability goals and values of nature and nurture
    • Prioritise suppliers who operate sustainably, reducing their carbon footprint and engaging in responsible sourcing.

6. Social Commitment
Contribute to community and nature-focused projects as part of my commitment to “nature and nurture” in my value proposition and ESG policy.

Monitoring and Reporting

I will review progress annually to assess the effectiveness of the carbon reduction measures. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will include:

• Total miles travelled annually for business and the baseline rate in 2025.
• Energy consumption from the home office, tracked through energy bills.
• Amount of paper and other office supplies consumed, compared to previous years.
• Supplier sustainability audits to ensure alignment with my values.

Whilst reporting is not mandatory for the company, it will continue to monitor progress.

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis to ensure that it remains relevant and up to date.

Contact

If you have any questions about the company’s carbon reduction plan please contact michelle@michellehoward.co.uk.