In our desire to adhere to best international practice, guidance and standards, Target Neutral with Environmental Resources Management (ERM) reviewed the methodology behind calculating greenhouse gas emissions from travel. As a result of this review the calculations are now based on ‘All Scopes’ GHG emissions rather than ‘Total Direct GHG emissions’. The difference being that ‘All Scopes’ includes both the production and combustion of the fuel whereas ‘Total Direct’ takes only the emissions at combustion into account.

Our travel calculator has been updated accordingly on 15/03/2013.

For further information please refer to Guidelines to Defra/DECC’s GHG Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors for Company Reporting.

James Daffurn, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Freshfields collects the award

The Legal Business Awards 2013 recognise the outstanding work from across the legal profession and acknowledge the accomplishments of the finest lawyers currently working in the UK and beyond. On the 7th February, the international law firm and London 2012 partner, Freshfields, was awarded the CSR programme of the year 2013. Target Neutral was part of Freshfields’ CSR submission as they offset the travel emissions from all of their employees and guests travelling to the Games with us.

“Target Neutral formed a big part of our activation plans as the official legal services provider to London 2012. It allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and lessen the impact our business has on the environment. It was great to work with BP and help make London 2012 the lowest carbon Games ever!”
James Daffurn, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Now that the holiday season is behind us, lots of people will be taking up New Year resolutions — back to gym, read more books or make more time for friends and family. How about adding ‘reducing my carbon footprint’ to the list? With the help of Target Neutral, you can find easy ways to reduce your carbon emissions from driving, which could also help you to save money. Isn’t that a great way to start 2013?

Our Target Neutral community is growing, in numbers and reach. We have refreshed our presence in the Netherlands and are continuing to support the US Olympic Committee to calculate, reduce and offset its travel related carbon emissions. In the UK we will be building on the success of our London 2012 offsetting programme and reaching out to the huge numbers who offset with us, offering tips and information on how to reduce and offset travel related carbon emissions.

Our Reduce, Replace, Neutralise philosophy is really well explained by Adam Hart-Davis in this entertaining and informative video. Share with your colleagues or friends and get even more people to rethink their carbon footprint for 2013.

BP Target Neutral continues to set a world record even after closing ceremonies!

Another world record has been set as over half a million journeys have been offset to London 2012, helping to make it the lowest carbon Games possible.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said “Sustainability underpinned all of our plans – and has done since the bid. BP’s Target Neutral scheme proved to be a fantastic opportunity for millions to offset their carbon footprint and helped London 2012 to inspire positive social, economic and environmental change for the future. ”

This mass participation, from a global sporting audience of more than 160 countries, is the first of its kind and marks the largest number of people to offset their travel carbon footprint to a single event. Using the enthusiasm surrounding this summer’s Games as a way to raise awareness about the impact of carbon emissions from travel, the initiative caught the attention of the national and international public.

Tonnes of Carbon Offset

The gold medal for offsetting tonnes goes to the US with 29,002 tonnes offset while the gold medal for number of journeys goes to the UK with 482,268 journeys offset. Even the remote Pacific island of Tuvalu is represented, with one return journey offset.
The 86,674 tonnes of carbon offset relates to travel to and from the Games by spectators, athletes, media and London 2012 sponsors. Through Team GB, many British Olympians and Paralympians lead the way by offsetting their travel to London 2012 during their kit out camps pre-Games.

“Target Neutral is based on the power of the collective, each person or organisation doing their bit to reduce and offset the impact of travel related carbon emissions. Our aim was to help London 2012 achieve its sustainability goal – and thanks to everyone who participated in the Games time offset, we believe we are setting a positive benchmark which we hope future Games will follow” said Andrea Abrahams, Global Director of BP Target Neutral.