You Know Where You Stand. Now It’s Time to Act.   

By now, you’ve likely taken the first essential step: measuring your carbon footprint. You know your baseline, and you understand your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

But measurement alone doesn’t cut carbon. 

To reach net zero, you need to reduce emissions significantly across every part of your business, and do it in a way that’s structured, evidence-based, and accountable. 

That’s where your Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) comes in.  

A verified CRP allows you to not only communicate your plan, but allows you to answer that question of “says who”. Validating your short, medium and long term goals and actions.  

What Is a Carbon Reduction Plan and Why Does It Matter?

A Carbon Reduction Plan is your operational roadmap for decarbonisation. It sets out: 

• What actions you will take 

• When you’ll take them 

• Who is responsible 

• How you’ll measure progress 

• Who has validated this plan. 

It transforms your carbon data into practical next steps, helping you stay aligned with your net zero targets and meet growing stakeholder expectations. 

More importantly, it allows you to say: 

“We’re not just talking about sustainability; we have a plan, we’ve started, and we’re accountable.” 

Key Benefits of a Carbon Reduction Plan 

✅ Progress toward Net Zero
It’s how you move from ambition to impact. Without a clear plan, net zero targets risk becoming empty promises.

✅ Stronger Supply Chain Relationships
By sharing your plan with suppliers, you show leadership, and create space for collaboration.

If you’re asking them to reduce, show how you’re reducing too.

✅ Better Performance in Tenders and Bids
Many procurement processes now require a formal reduction plan with targets, metrics, and verification.

✅ Improved ESG Ratings & Investor Confidence
A robust plan aligned with frameworks like SBTi or GHG Protocol shows you’re serious about climate risk and long-term value.

✅ Clarity Across Teams
It sets expectations internally, from procurement to operations to leadership, and empowers your team to take action.

What Should Your Carbon Reduction Plan Include?

Here’s what a good plan looks like, whether you’re starting small or preparing for a science-based target. 

1. Clear Goals and Targets

• Set short-term (1–3 years) and long-term (to 2030 or 2040) targets. 

• Align with international standards where possible (e.g. SBTi, PPN 06/21 in the UK). 

2. Prioritised Actions by Emissions Hotspot

• Focus efforts where your emissions are highest. 

• Scope 1: Electrify fleets, switch fuels, optimise heating. 

• Scope 2: Shift to renewable electricity, improve energy efficiency. 

• Scope 3: Collaborate with suppliers, rethink logistics, reduce waste. 

3. Ownership and Accountability

• Assign responsibility to individuals or departments. 

• Build it into performance reviews or job descriptions. 

• Report progress annually, ideally with independent verification. 

4. Progress Tracking and Reporting

• Use tools like the NCZ platform to monitor reductions. 

• Compare progress against your baseline and adjust strategy as needed. 

5. Supplier Engagement Section

• Outline how you will engage suppliers in your reduction efforts. 

• Invite suppliers to use the same frameworks or calculators. 

• Show that you’re part of the same journey and not just issuing demands. 

Your Plan Is Also Your Story

In a world where transparency matters more than ever, your carbon reduction plan is not just a management tool, it’s a communications asset. 

• Include it in tender responses 

• Share highlights in sustainability reports 

• Use it to guide supplier onboarding 

• Reference it in investor updates 

• Talk about it publicly as a sign of progress, not perfection 

When you’re clear about what you’re doing and how, others follow your lead. 

Get in touch today and book in a call here: 

https://zcal.co/t/csm/nczexploratory 

Contact us: jacob@neutralcarbonzone.com