This is the third article in our emissions series, designed to support organisations at every stage of their decarbonisation journey.

In our first article, we introduced the three categories of emissions - scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 - and explained how they relate to workplace operations. In the second, we explored scope 1 emissions and how to reduce direct emissions from fuel use and onsite combustion.

This piece focuses on scope 2 emissions, which are generated from the electricity your organisation purchases. These emissions are often the most straightforward to measure and reduce, making them an ideal starting point for businesses looking to make meaningful progress toward net zero.

What are scope 2 emissions?

Scope 2 emissions refer specifically to indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heating or cooling. In most workplaces, this includes the energy used for lighting, HVAC systems, IT equipment and general building operations.

Because these emissions are tied directly to your energy supplier and how efficiently you use electricity, they offer a clear and actionable route to decarbonisation.

Step 1: Understand your electricity consumption

Before you can reduce emissions, you need to know how much electricity you are using. This is your consumption baseline, and it is essential for identifying opportunities to improve.

You can establish your baseline in a number of different ways including:

• Installing a smart meter to track usage in real time

• Taking regular manual meter readings

• Reviewing a full calendar year of energy bills to understand patterns and peaks

This data gives you a clear picture of where energy is being used and where it is being wasted.

Step 2: Identify efficiency opportunities

Once you understand your usage, you can start making changes. These can be grouped into quick wins, medium-term upgrades and long-term strategies.

Some quick wins are: switch to LED lighting, install PIR sensor lighting that activates only when needed, and Enable auto shutdown for monitors and screens after inactivity.

Medium-term upgrades include:

• Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems

• Use smart zoning to group desks and shut off lighting or heating in unused areas

• Introduce intelligent temperature controls and occupancy sensors

Long-term strategies are:

• Retrofit buildings with insulation and glazing

• Integrate smart building systems for automated energy management

These measures reduce energy use, cut costs and improve comfort, all while lowering emissions.

Step 3: Review your energy source

Reducing consumption is only half the story. You also need to look at where your electricity comes from.

Can you generate renewable electricity on-site?

If you own your building or have roof space, consider installing solar panels, small wind turbines or battery storage to save excess energy for weekends or evenings.

If you are a tenant, speak to your landlord. They may be open to collaboration.

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If on-site generation is not possible, review your tariff and ask yourself these questions:

• Are you on a renewable electricity tariff?

• Look for tariffs backed by REGO certificates (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin)

• Be cautious of greenwashing. Some suppliers include biomass, which can be highly polluting and lacks transparency

• Prefer mixes with solar, wind, hydro and nuclear sources

For larger energy users, consider a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

A PPA is a long-term contract to buy electricity directly from a renewable energy generator. It offers price stability and guarantees your energy is genuinely green. If your organisation consumes significant electricity, this could be a strategic next step.

Step 4: Combine energy source with monitoring and efficiency

To truly reduce scope 2 emissions, combine renewable sourcing with robust energy monitoring and efficiency initiatives across quick, medium and long-term horizons.

This integrated approach ensures reductions are measurable, sustainable and aligned with your net zero goals.

Step 5: Engage your people

Technology alone will not get you to net zero - you need your team on board. It’s important to share initiatives transparently using dashboards, newsletters and team briefings. You can also encourage energy-conscious behaviour, just like people do at home, and celebrate progress internally and externally.

A culture of sustainability starts with awareness and grows through action.

The outcome: Reduced scope 2 emissions and a stronger business

By following these steps, your organisation can significantly reduce or even eliminate scope 2 emissions. This supports your net zero goals, lowers operating costs and builds resilience in an unpredictable energy market.

How can we help?

At TSK, we support organisations at every stage of their decarbonisation journey. From energy audits and smart building design to renewable sourcing and employee engagement strategies, we help clients reduce emissions and build more efficient workplaces.

We have delivered scope 2 reductions for clients across sectors, integrating smart technologies, renewable energy solutions and behavioural change programmes.

‍Ready for next steps?

Visit https://www.tsksgroup.co.uk/contact-us/ to speak to our sustainability team and start building a more efficient, future-ready workplace.

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