Glasgow-based R-Biopharm Rhone, manufacturer and distributor of analytical test kits, has become the first company in its sector to be certified as carbon neutral.
The firm, which is part of the R-Biopharm Group, achieved carbon neutrality over 2021 for all Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and Scope 3 emissions for business travel.
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources such as gas and company vehicles; Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity consumed by the company; and Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions, for example, business travel, water consumption, waste output and supply chain emissions.
R-Biopharm Rhone now aims to replicate its success – which has been verified by BSI to the internationally applicable PAS 2060 standard – based on its 2022 emissions. This standard provides a recognised method of substantiating that claims companies make about not adding new greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere are genuine.
Simon Bevis, Managing Director of R-Biopharm Rhone, said: “Protecting the environment is an integral part of the culture and processes at R-Biopharm Rhone and we are committed to becoming net zero before 2050 in line with UK Government targets. We are proud to be the first company in our field to be certified as carbon neutral and will continue to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and invest in eco-friendly equipment.”
R-Biopharm Rhone undertook a stringent, three-stage verification process to achieve its accreditation, including accurate measurement of emissions data for the baseline year of 2021 and establishing targets in a carbon management plan. It also offset emissions by purchasing high-quality carbon credits and documented and verified its progress though explanatory statements and public disclosure.
In 2022, it has reduced its carbon footprint by in the region of 29% by purchasing electricity from 100% renewable supply and introducing energy saving initiatives.