Roadmap to Net-Zero

Our roadmap to net-zero outlines the first steps we have taken as well as ongoing and future initiatives that will greatly reduce our environmental impact. This document serves as our long-term guide to embedding sustainability into our operations and office environment.

COMPLETED INITIATIVES

1. Office Recycling and Refilling Programme

• Introduced and encouraged recycling within the office, with designated bins for different waste types collected by the local authority.
• We have eliminated plastic waste on cleaning products by introducing glass bottle dispensers and implementing a mobile refilling station for cleaning products (e.g., washing-up liquid, hand soap, sanitisers, surface cleaners).

2. Elimination of Disposable Water Containers

• Removed filtered water machines requiring plastic vats and disposable cups and in place installed a filtered water tap in the office kitchen.
• Transitioned to ceramic mugs, glasses, and metal cutlery, all washed and reused.

3. Sustainable Promotional Materials

• Minimised printed promotional materials, shifting to digital formats where possible, including our business cards which are now digital.
• Stopped printing brochures, or other unnecessary materials.
• Branded stationery and merchandise (pens, notebooks etc) made from recycled materials.

4. Cycle to Work Scheme

• Implemented a scheme to encourage employees to commute sustainably.

5. Water and Lighting Efficiency Improvements

• Installed dual flush systems on all office toilets.
• Installed energy efficient LED lighting around the office, in place of previous fluorescent tube bulbs.

6. Electric Vehicle (EV) Transition

• Partnered with an electric vehicle company to offer a salary sacrifice scheme, making electric vehicles accessible to all staff.

7. Responsible Disposal and Recycling

• Ensured that all non-roadside recyclable materials (e.g., computer equipment, furniture, batteries) are correctly disposed of rather than sent to landfill.

---

ONGOING AND FUTURE INITIATIVES

8. Energy Efficiency Measures

• Shutting down all workstations at the power socket at the end of the working day.
• Upgrading office insulation to improve energy conservation.
• Transitioning to the most energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems.

9. Sustainable Procurement and Waste Reduction

• Procuring 100% recycled single-use products, such as printing paper.
• Further eliminating plastic waste by exploring ways to reduce plastics bought into the office kitchen (e.g., coffee, hot chocolate, squash, sugar, sweeteners and tea).

10. Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure

• Installing EV charging points at the office to support staff transitioning to electric vehicles.

11. Renewable Energy Transition

• Switching to a renewable energy supplier to power office operations.
• Exploring the feasibility of installing solar panels for on-site renewable energy generation.

12. Carbon Offsetting and Further Sustainability Initiatives

• Offsetting unavoidable carbon emissions (e.g., corporate travel, mass-printing and office heating/cooling systems) by partnering with accredited carbon offsetting programmes.
• Conducting regular sustainability audits to track progress and identify new areas for improvement.
• Encouraging staff participation in environmental awareness initiatives and green volunteering programmes.
• Although already in motion, we should continue to pursue partnerships with sustainable suppliers to further reduce our indirect carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Although small, YTC is dedicated to making meaningful, gradual improvements in our environmental impact. This roadmap reflects our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in alignment with national targets. Through ongoing initiatives, responsible business practices, and a culture of sustainability, we aim to make a positive contribution to a greener future.

Review & Monitoring:

• Progress against our net-zero roadmap will be reviewed annually.
• New sustainability opportunities will be identified and incorporated as and when necessary, to ensure we remain aware of trends in corporate responsibility and positive impact.