1. Introduction

1.1 Obsidian Healthcare Recruitment Ltd (“Obsidian Healthcare”, “we”, “us”, “our”) recognises its responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise environmental impact across all UK operations. This Carbon Reduction Plan (“CRP”) demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible business practices.

1.2 This plan sets out the strategies, processes, and measurable targets we have adopted to reduce emissions associated with our business activities, including recruitment operations, office facilities, travel, digital systems, and support services.

1.3 This CRP has been prepared in accordance with the UK Climate Change Act 2008, the Environment Act 2021, the UK Net Zero Strategy, and established carbon accounting methodologies under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocoland ISO 14064 standards.

2. Scope

2.1 This CRP applies to all Obsidian Healthcare UK operations, including:
2.1.1 Office facilities, administrative functions, and business operations.
2.1.2 Recruitment, onboarding, and candidate management processes.
2.1.3 Staff travel undertaken for business purposes.
2.1.4 Energy use associated with electronic systems, servers, and IT equipment.
2.1.5 Procurement of goods and services where carbon emissions are relevant.

2.2 All employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners are expected to support and comply with this plan.

3. Baseline Carbon Assessment

3.1 Obsidian Healthcare has established a baseline carbon footprint for FY2025, covering:
3.1.1 Scope 1: Direct emissions (e.g., fuel use in any company-owned vehicles or heating systems, if applicable).
3.1.2 Scope 2: Indirect energy emissions from purchased electricity used in offices.
3.1.3 Scope 3: Wider indirect emissions, including business travel, staff commuting, procurement, technology services, and waste.

3.2 As a digital-first, paperless organisation, emissions associated with paper consumption are minimal.

3.3 This baseline assessment follows the GHG Protocol and has been validated internally by the Sustainability Officer.

4. Carbon Reduction Targets

4.1 Obsidian Healthcare is committed to achieving measurable and achievable reductions in emissions. Our targets are:
4.1.1 Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 30% by FY2030, compared to FY2025 levels.
4.1.2 Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 20% by FY2030, focusing on business travel, commuting, and supplier emissions.
4.1.3 Achieve net-zero office emissions by FY2035 through efficiency improvements, low-carbon energy sourcing, and verified offsetting where required.

5. Carbon Reduction Strategies

5.1 Energy Efficiency and Facilities

5.1.1 Install energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and IT infrastructure at all office locations.
5.1.2 Encourage hybrid and remote-working models to reduce commuting-related emissions.
5.1.3 Transition to renewable electricity providers, where commercially feasible.

5.2 Travel and Transport

5.2.1 Reduce business travel by prioritising virtual meetings, video interviews, and remote training.
5.2.2 Promote low-carbon commuting options such as rail, cycling, or walking.
5.2.3 Encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles for essential business travel.

5.3 Digital Operations and Paperless Working

5.3.1 Maintain fully digital records and onboarding to eliminate paper use.
5.3.2 Use cloud-based systems with high energy efficiency and reduced carbon intensity.
5.3.3 Replace printed documentation with electronic formats across all business functions.

5.4 Supply Chain and Procurement

5.4.1 Prioritise suppliers with demonstrable carbon reduction credentials.
5.4.2 Integrate environmental performance into procurement decisions.
5.4.3 Encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable packaging and low-carbon delivery services.

5.5 Culture, Training, and Staff Awareness

5.5.1 Deliver sustainability awareness training to all staff.
5.5.2 Set internal KPIs to monitor progress against carbon targets.
5.5.3 Promote initiatives that support energy-saving behaviours across the organisation.

6. Monitoring and Reporting

6.1 Emissions will be measured annually using recognised UK carbon-accounting standards.
6.2 KPIs include electricity usage, business travel emissions, commuting data, and total organisational carbon footprint.
6.3 Annual progress reports will be reviewed by senior management and shared with stakeholders.

7. Governance and Accountability

7.1 The Board of Directors holds ultimate accountability for this CRP.
7.2 A designated Sustainability Officer is responsible for:
7.2.1 Monitoring emissions and performance.
7.2.2 Reviewing and updating environmental policies.
7.2.3 Coordinating staff engagement and sustainability initiatives.
7.2.4 Ensuring compliance with UK environmental regulations.

8. Continuous Improvement

8.1 This CRP will be reviewed annually to incorporate advancements in sustainability practices, technologies, and legislation.
8.2 Feedback from staff, suppliers, clients, and stakeholders will inform continuous improvements.

9. External Communication and Transparency

9.1 This Carbon Reduction Plan will be published on our UK website for transparency.
9.2 Stakeholders may request additional information or clarification regarding sustainability practices.

10. Contact Information

For questions or sustainability-related enquiries, contact:

Obsidian Healthcare Recruitment Ltd
4 Minster Court
Tuscam Way
Camberley
Surrey
GU15 3YY
United Kingdom

Email: sustainability@obsidianhealthcarerecruitment.com
Telephone: 0208 068 7099

11. Approval and Review

11.1 This CRP has been approved by the Board of Directors of Obsidian Healthcare Recruitment Ltd and is effective from 1st July 2024.
11.2 The plan will be reviewed at least annually, or earlier if legal, operational, or carbon-accounting requirements change.