Helping Warmworks measure subcontractor emissions to support the journey to net zero
Tailored tools, training and audits helped Warmworks get on track
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Warmworks partners with 30 suppliers to install energy efficiency measures in Scotland under the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.
To achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2030, Warmworks needed to be able to accurately measure these subcontractors’ direct carbon emissions.
We developed an easy-to-use tool for Warmworks subcontractors that allows them to measure and track subcontractor emissions.
We also trained users, built reporting dashboards for Warmworks, and continue to optimise the tool through ongoing account support.
The challenge
Warmworks is a joint venture partnership between Energy Saving Trust, Changeworks and Sureserve. It manages the Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland scheme and delivers energy efficiency projects across the UK.
Under its corporate goals and the Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland contract, Warmworks is committed to reaching net zero by 2030. Having already achieved this for direct emissions from its fleet and buildings, the business needed to focus on its supply chain.
Warmworks’ big challenge was to get its subcontractors’ emissions down to zero over five years. This meant having an accurate, easy-to-use tool to measure and track them. When nothing on the market offered all the features they needed, they came to us for help.
Our solution
We delivered an online tool tailored to Warmworks’ specific needs.
Over 18 months, our support included:
Designing a user-friendly online survey that collected required data in a way easy for subcontractors to complete.
Testing and refining the survey after running an online feedback session with suppliers.
Holding two virtual workshops to show subcontractors how to complete the survey and answer their questions.
Auditing the data supplied by five companies with higher emissions for quality and accuracy checks.
Creating a data dashboard and generating individual reports for each subcontractor.
Offering ongoing support to refine the survey, through regular calls and emails.
Through responsive, ongoing support, we were able to offer a unique technical solution that fully met Warmworks’ needs.
They fed back that our knowledge and expertise had helped them across their wider emissions reduction work too.
The outcome
Out of Warmworks’ 30 suppliers, 29 have now completed the survey. This reflected how easy it was to use, and the effectiveness of our guidance and support.
Warmworks now manages the survey in-house, using it to generate reports that help suppliers develop carbon reduction plans and provide a clear pathway to net zero.
The project has had a wider impact too. As a member of the Edinburgh Climate Compact, Warmworks has shared what we’ve done with other businesses looking to reduce their carbon emissions.
This project with Energy Saving Trust has been critical to helping Warmworks work towards net zero.
“The tool they developed has given us a level of understanding that means we can better support our subcontractors to track and reduce their emissions. This also offers us a competitive advantage when we bid for contracts.
“For most businesses, measuring their suppliers’ emissions is a huge challenge. As climate leaders, we’ve been able to share our progress in this area with others to show them what’s possible. There’s been real interest in what we’ve achieved
Mike Prior, supply chain sustainability managerWarmworks
Support for all
Wherever you are in your carbon accounting and net zero journey we’ve got a package of tailored support to help.
