To achieve net zero targets, organisations are required to significantly reduce their emissions, aiming for a reduction of up to 90% compared to their baseline levels. However, an unavoidable, small proportion of emissions will need to be offset annually to attain a 'net' zero footprint.

This distinction sets net zero apart from carbon neutral, emphasising that ongoing and intentional efforts to minimise emissions year after year are essential, rather than merely compensating for the entire footprint through offsets without substantial efforts to reduce emissions. 

Following on from the first article in our workplace emissions series, which outlined the difference between net zero and carbon neutral, our latest piece explores where to begin reducing the emissions your organisation directly controls.

You may be asking yourself, where do I begin to make a meaningful dent in my workplace carbon footprint? Today we are going to explore what can be done to reduce your scope 1 emissions - that being, what is directly emitted by your organisation within your direct operations.  

Identify your scope 1 sources 

Start by identifying your sources of carbon within the scope 1 category that includes: 

• Gas fired heating and hot water 

• Company-owned or controlled vehicles 

• Refrigerant/ F-Gas leakage from your AC units 

Once you have identified your scope 1 carbon sources, you can begin to map out a short, medium and long-term plan to reduce or even eliminate your scope 1 carbon. 

So, what can I do to reduce my emissions now that I have identified my sources? 

Start with where carbon sits. A clear view of your emissions footprint reveals the real hotspots. That means measuring the output of each scope 1 source using accurate quantity-based data where possible - such as annual gas use in kilowatt hours, fuel in litres or recorded F-gas loss. If this data is not available, a spend-based estimate provides a workable starting point. Identifying these concentrations early makes it easier to prioritise interventions and track impact over time.  

Eliminating gas-fired heating and hot water

Many office buildings still depend on gas for heating and hot water. Replacing these systems requires both infrastructure change and improved building performance.

Begin with an energy audit to identify all gas-powered equipment and understand how demand is distributed across the building, and address any structural inefficiencies. This includes:

• Upgrading insulation in walls and roofs

• Replacing single glazing with double or triple glazing

• Sealing gaps to reduce heat loss and drafts

Once demand is reduced, replace systems with electric alternatives:

• Heat pumps (air or ground source) for general heating

• Electric boilers or infrared panels for targeted spaces

• Heat pump or solar-assisted water heating

Smart thermostats and zoning controls allow more precise energy use. Building management systems can help monitor, automate and optimise performance. In high-use buildings, solar PV and battery storage can reduce grid reliance and energy costs.

Reducing emissions from your vehicle fleet

Fossil fuel-powered vehicles remain common in corporate fleets. Transitioning to electric vehicles is a practical and visible way to cut emissions.

Start with a fleet audit. Assess vehicle types, fuel use, and mileage and use this to calculate annual emissions. Then:

• Replace internal combustion vehicles with EVs at lease renewal

• Right-size the fleet to meet actual operational need

• Introduce workplace EV charging infrastructure

• Encourage travel alternatives where possible

The goal is to make low-carbon mobility standard, not exceptional. Over time, this contributes to operating cost and emissions reduction in parallel.

Addressing refrigerant leakage

Refrigerants used in HVAC systems often have high global warming potential. Even minor leaks can undo other carbon reduction efforts. To prevent it, you need to:

•  Audit all systems using refrigerants: capture the type, volume and maintenance history, and use this to prioritise upgrades or replacements.

• Improve leak detection with sensors linked to your building management system.  

• Schedule regular inspections and train teams to respond quickly and safely.

• Where possible, replace high-GWP refrigerants with lower-impact alternatives. New systems should be sealed, efficient and compliant with future regulatory changes. Keep full records of servicing, top-ups and system performance to support audit readiness and environmental reporting.

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Embedding change through governance and monitoring

Decarbonisation must be managed as a core operational function. The change can be supported through different initiatives such as an internal decarbonisation training and clear communication with occupants to support adoption and behavioural change.

Make carbon reduction part of how things run day to day. Keep people in the loop with regular updates - a simple dashboard showing monthly gas use can make the impact visible and real. Combine this with clear communications and role-relevant training to help teams understand what’s changing and how they can contribute.

Where infrastructure upgrades are required, exploring funding options such as grants or green finance can help accelerate progress and reduce upfront barriers. Just as important is monitoring. Comparing performance before and after implementation allows leadership teams to track improvements, address gaps and demonstrate impact over time. 

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Taking action

Scope 1 emissions are where organisations have the greatest control and accountability and reducing them is both a compliance requirement and a strategic opportunity.

By focusing on vehicles, gas systems and refrigerants, organisation can take measurable, defensible steps toward net zero. The work is technical, but the impact is operational. It lowers costs, strengthens resilience, and positions the organisation for long-term sustainability.

Let's talk sustainability

If you'd like to discuss your workplace sustainability strategy with one of our experts, get in touch with us here.