CARBON REDUCTION PLAN OUTLINE – CLUTTER-B-GONE
Clutter-B-Gone is a professional organising and deep cleaning company based in the South East of England. The company specialises in providing decluttering solutions for residential and commercial spaces, offering a personalised, respectful, and efficient service tailored to each client’s unique needs. In addition to organisation and space transformation, Clutter-B-Gone also delivers deep cleaning services, ensuring environments are not only clutter-free but hygienic and refreshed. The business prides itself on creating calm, functional spaces that support improved well-being, productivity, and peace of mind for clients.
The team comprises between 8 to 12 trained staff members, depending on project load and seasonal demand. The company operates primarily across London and the South East region, covering a wide geographical area while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and responsible waste management.
Clutter-B-Gone is home-based, with administrative operations managed from the owner’s home office and by a business development manager working remotely. Unlike traditional office-based models, the business functions almost entirely on-site at client properties, reducing the need for permanent office infrastructure. This mobile model supports flexibility and allows for responsive service delivery while minimising the environmental footprint associated with large office spaces.
A key operational element of the business is its vehicle-based logistics system. The company owns a fleet of four vehicles, including three diesel-powered vans used to transport teams and remove waste from sites, and one petrol-powered car used for client consultations and site surveys. Staff members routinely share transport and travel in groups to minimise emissions and reduce the number of vehicles present at any single site.
Clutter-B-Gone is actively committed to sustainability through waste reduction practices, partnerships with recycling organisations and charities, and an increasing focus on lowering its carbon footprint across all areas of the business.
To estimate Clutter-B-Gone’s carbon footprint, we have applied the UK Government’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Factors for Company Reporting (DEFRA, 2024) to quantify emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This baseline covers the most recent 12-month period and provides a foundation upon which future reductions and offsets will be measured.
Emissions have been categorised as follows:
This baseline does not yet include embodied emissions from cleaning products in full detail but acknowledges their contribution qualitatively.
Scope | Category | Emission Source | Notes |
1 | Transport (Fleet) | 3 diesel vans and 1 petrol car | Estimated using mileage and fuel-type-specific DEFRA factors |
2 | Office Energy | Home office electricity (owner + BDM) | Estimated using usage per day and average unit rates |
3 | Waste Management | Weekly waste removal (1–2 tonnes/week) | Mixed destination: recycling, charity, landfill |
3 | Purchased Products | Flash and HG cleaning supplies | Emissions from manufacture and distribution (estimated) |
3 | Water Use | Site-based cleaning using clients’ water | Not directly metered by company, minor contribution |
3 | Remote Work | Home electricity used by remote staff | Estimated as equivalent to office admin load |
➤ Scope 1: Transport (Fleet Emissions)
Using DEFRA emission factors (2024):
→ Total Scope 1: ~10.34 tonnes CO₂e/year
➤ Scope 2: Office Electricity
→ Total Scope 2: ~0.14 tonnes CO₂e/year
➤ Scope 3: Waste Disposal
→ Total Scope 3 Waste: ~10.26 tonnes CO₂e/year
➤ Scope 3: Purchased Products
→ Purchased Goods: ~0.5 tonnes CO₂e/year
➤ Scope 3: Remote Work (energy duplication)
Scope | Category | Estimated CO₂e (tonnes/year) |
Scope 1 | Fleet Transport | 10.34 |
Scope 2 | Office Electricity | 0.14 |
Scope 3 | Waste | 10.26 |
Scope 3 | Cleaning Products | 0.50 |
Total | ~21.24 tonnes CO₂e/year |
This section provides an in-depth analysis of each major emission source contributing to Clutter-B-Gone’s carbon footprint. By understanding the origin and scale of emissions across business functions, the company can effectively prioritise actions that yield the highest impact in its carbon reduction journey.
Although Clutter-B-Gone operates from a home-based office and remote settings rather than a traditional business premises, electricity usage still contributes a small share to overall emissions. The owner uses the home office approximately three days per week, while the business development manager works remotely with similar energy patterns.
Despite its low contribution (<1% of total emissions), this area represents an opportunity for low-effort savings through behavioural changes such as switching to LED lighting, using energy-efficient devices, and enabling standby modes.
The most significant emission source for Clutter-B-Gone is its fleet of four vehicles, which are essential for site visits, waste transport, and client meetings.
Although the company reduces impact through carpooling/van-sharing among staff, the fossil fuel dependency of the fleet remains a key concern. Transitioning to hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs), along with route optimisation tools and eco-driving training, could offer significant emission savings.
Clutter-B-Gone manages a large volume of waste as part of its decluttering and cleaning services, making this the second-largest contributor to emissions.
The company already demonstrates strong waste management practices by separating materials, donating reusable items, and working with Recycling for Rehoming. However, emissions from landfill disposal remain substantial. Further reduction could come from:
Clutter-B-Gone uses branded products such as Flash and HG, which have embedded carbon emissions from production, packaging, and distribution.
While these emissions are modest in comparison to fleet and waste impacts, they can be mitigated by:
The company uses water primarily on-site at client properties for deep cleaning tasks. As this consumption is not billed or tracked directly by Clutter-B-Gone, and usage is moderate, it is not currently quantified within the baseline.
While emissions from remote work setups (home heating, lighting, screens) do exist, they are already estimated in Scope 2 to avoid duplication. However, as remote work continues, these emissions should be monitored via simple self-assessment tools.
Clutter-B-Gone is already demonstrating proactive efforts to manage and reduce its carbon footprint through fleet sharing, waste segregation, and sustainable partnerships. However, achieving meaningful emissions reduction requires a structured and forward-looking strategy. This section outlines both existing measures and planned initiatives to significantly lower the company’s environmental impact, while aligning with UK climate commitments such as the Net Zero by 2050 target and the SME Climate Hub framework.
Clutter-B-Gone has already implemented several good practices that contribute to its sustainability goals:
These initiatives form a strong foundation for further progress, and should be formalised into staff training protocols, sustainability checklists, and internal guidelines.
To reduce total annual emissions (currently estimated at ~21.24 tonnes CO₂e), Clutter-B-Gone will adopt a phased set of reduction initiatives focused on the largest carbon sources: fleet transport and waste disposal.
✅ Expected impact: 30–40% drop in Scope 1 emissions over five years
✅ Expected impact: 50% drop in landfill-related emissions over three years
✅ Expected impact: Reduce embedded carbon in cleaning supplies by up to 50%
✅ Expected impact: Maintain Scope 2 emissions under 0.15 tonnes CO₂e
Initiative Area | Priority | Cost | Ease of Implementation | Impact |
Fleet electrification | High | High | Moderate | High |
Waste reduction | High | Low | High | High |
Product procurement | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Medium |
Office energy actions | Low | Low | Easy | Low |
Staff engagement | Medium | Low | Easy | Medium |
These initiatives will be phased in line with Clutter-B-Gone’s operational capacity, staff availability, and vehicle replacement cycles. Short-term goals focus on waste and behavioural changes, while medium-term efforts will address infrastructure (e.g., vehicles and procurement).
While the primary goal of Clutter-B-Gone is to reduce direct and indirect emissions through sustainable operations, certain residual emissions, particularly those related to vehicle use and waste to landfill, will remain in the near term. Therefore, a complementary carbon offsetting strategy will be implemented to compensate for unavoidable emissions, enabling the business to progress toward carbon neutrality.
Carbon offsetting involves investing in environmental projects that remove or prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) from entering the atmosphere. These can include tree planting, renewable energy development, and conservation programs. Offsetting is not a substitute for emissions reduction but a short- to medium-term tool for managing residual impacts while reduction initiatives are underway.
Clutter-B-Gone’s offsetting approach will follow the “Reduce first, offset what remains” principle. The strategy will be guided by these key criteria:
Based on the current annual emissions profile:
Emission Source | Tonnes CO₂e/year | Offset Required? |
Vehicle Fleet (Scope 1) | 10.34 | ✅ Yes |
Waste to Landfill | 10.26 | ✅ Yes |
Office Energy (Scope 2) | 0.14 | Optional |
Products (Scope 3) | 0.50 | Optional |
Total | ~21.24 | ~21–22 tonnes/year |
🎯 Target: Offset 100% of current emissions (~22 tonnes/year)
Clutter-B-Gone will consider the following certified offset partners:
Provider | Project Type | Location | Certification |
Woodland Trust | UK native tree planting | UK | Woodland Carbon Code |
Ecologi | Global reforestation + wind & solar | UK + Global | Gold Standard + VCS |
Carbon Neutral Britain | Mixed UK/global carbon offsets | UK-based | Verified Carbon Units |
Gold Standard Marketplace | Renewable energy, cookstoves, water filters | Global | Gold Standard |
A hybrid portfolio combining UK woodland creation and global renewable energy or reforestation will provide both local visibility and measurable climate benefit.
To strengthen client trust and brand positioning, Clutter-B-Gone will:
Year | Action | Target |
2024 | Identify and partner with offset provider | 22 tCO₂e |
2025 | Fully offset 2024 emissions | 22–25 tCO₂e |
2026 | Continue offsetting, adjust for reductions | <20 tCO₂e |
2027 | Combine offsetting with near-zero landfill | 15 tCO₂e or less |
Clutter-B-Gone is committed to progressively reducing its carbon emissions across all operational areas while maintaining service quality and affordability for its clients. This section sets out clear, measurable targets to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next five years, in line with national and global climate commitments.
Target Year | Carbon Emissions Goal | Key Milestones |
2024 (Baseline) | ~21.24 tonnes CO₂e/year | Establish baseline emissions, implement tracking tools |
2025 | 10–15% reduction (≤18.1 tCO₂e/year) | Begin fleet transition, introduce sustainable procurement policy |
2026 | 25–30% reduction (≤15.9 tCO₂e/year) | Replace one van with electric/hybrid, formalise zero-to-landfill policy |
2027 | 40–50% reduction (≤12.7 tCO₂e/year) | Offset remaining emissions, expand eco-product usage |
2030 | 80–90% reduction (≤5 tCO₂e/year or lower) | Fully electrified fleet, near-zero landfill, green supply chain |
2031+ | Net Zero Operations | Maintain minimal emissions, offset residual CO₂ through certified projects |
🚐 Fleet Transition
♻️ Waste Diversion
🧼 Procurement Reform
💻 Low-Carbon Admin
🌱 Carbon Offsetting
To ensure the effectiveness, accountability, and credibility of its carbon reduction strategy, Clutter-B-Gone will implement a structured and transparent monitoring and review process. This approach is essential not only for measuring progress but also for maintaining alignment with changing operational realities, client expectations, and regulatory requirements. A core component of this process will be the conduct of annual carbon audits. These audits will involve collecting and analysing actual operational data across all key emission categories—vehicle mileage and fuel consumption, waste volumes and destinations, electricity usage in administrative functions, and procurement patterns. Emissions will be recalculated annually using the latest DEFRA conversion factors or equivalent GHG protocols to ensure accuracy and comparability over time. In addition, carbon reduction targets will be reviewed every 12 months. These reviews will assess whether goals remain achievable in light of business growth, geographic expansion, changes in fleet composition, or new service offerings. Where necessary, interim targets may be adjusted to remain ambitious yet realistic.
Clutter-B-Gone will also remain adaptive to market conditions and innovations, such as the availability of new low-emission vehicles, changes in waste collection infrastructure, or incentives for using eco-certified products. Crucially, employees will be actively engaged in the monitoring process through quarterly “Green Review” meetings. These sessions will invite feedback, share sustainability metrics, and encourage staff to suggest improvements in practices. By cultivating a culture of shared ownership over the carbon reduction plan, the business ensures that behavioural change is embedded at all levels. The monitoring process will culminate in an annual sustainability report, internally reviewed and used to guide decisions on future initiatives, offsetting requirements, and client communications.
The Clutter-B-Gone Carbon Reduction Roadmap (2024–2030) visualises the company’s strategic pathway to achieving net-zero emissions. Starting with an estimated baseline of 21.24 tonnes of CO₂e in 2024, emissions are projected to fall progressively each year. Key milestones, such as launching an electric fleet in 2025, adopting a zero-to-landfill policy in 2026, and initiating full carbon offsetting by 2027, mark significant intervention points. By 2030, emissions are expected to drop to 5 tonnes CO₂e, representing an 80%+ reduction, with full fleet electrification and sustainable operations in place. The chart illustrates both annual targets and cumulative impact across the timeline.
Clutter-B-Gone’s carbon reduction targets are intentionally designed to align with the company’s broader business objectives. The strategy not only addresses environmental responsibility but also enhances operational, financial, and reputational performance in a highly competitive service market.
Firstly, reducing emissions directly supports operational efficiency. By transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles, the company can substantially lower its fuel costs and reduce maintenance expenses over time. Similarly, diverting more waste from landfill through recycling and reuse will reduce the volume of materials requiring costly disposal, thereby decreasing overall waste management fees. The adoption of concentrated and refillable cleaning products will also cut procurement and packaging costs while supporting efficient stock management.
Secondly, sustainability initiatives will help strengthen brand positioning. As more domestic and commercial clients prioritise environmental credentials when selecting service providers, Clutter-B-Gone’s commitment to carbon reduction, recycling, and offsetting becomes a differentiating factor. Transparent reporting and carbon neutrality certification will increase client trust and unlock marketing opportunities across digital and print platforms.
Finally, these efforts future-proof the business in anticipation of expanding regulatory and client-led ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expectations. From public sector tenders to private client procurement policies, demonstrating measurable environmental performance will increasingly be a precondition for contract eligibility, partnerships, and investment access. By embedding sustainability at the strategic level, Clutter-B-Gone not only reduces its environmental impact but also builds long-term business resilience and competitiveness.
Achieving meaningful and sustained reductions in carbon emissions requires more than just technological upgrades or procurement shifts—it depends heavily on the behaviours, habits, and culture within the organisation. At Clutter-B-Gone, staff engagement and team-wide participation are considered essential for embedding sustainability into everyday operations.
Clutter-B-Gone will introduce sustainability induction training for all new staff and provide refresher sessions annually. These sessions will cover:
Practical checklists and visual guides will be introduced on-site to reinforce best practices, especially in waste sorting and cleaning material usage.
To build ownership and motivation, Clutter-B-Gone will appoint Green Champions within the team. These individuals will:
This role will rotate annually, giving all staff the opportunity to participate and contribute.
Behaviour change will be encouraged through simple, visible prompts:
In addition, a “Green Performer of the Month” recognition scheme will be introduced. Team members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability—such as reducing waste on a large job or minimising vehicle mileage—will be acknowledged in team meetings and may receive small eco-friendly rewards (e.g., reusable bottles, gift cards from green suppliers).
As part of organisational streamlining, Clutter-B-Gone will shift towards a fully paperless workflow by 2025. This includes:
This change not only reduces paper waste but also improves operational efficiency and transparency.
Feedback mechanisms will be formalised through:
All suggestions will be reviewed and—where feasible—integrated into future updates of the Carbon Reduction Plan.
Clutter-B-Gone recognises that long-term change depends on building a culture of environmental responsibility. By involving all staff, recognising achievements, and reinforcing sustainable habits, the company aims to create an organisational identity where sustainability is seen as a shared value, not just a business goal.
A robust monitoring and reporting framework is essential for ensuring that Clutter-B-Gone’s carbon reduction plan is not only actionable but also accountable. Regular measurement, transparent documentation, and internal evaluation will enable the company to track its environmental performance, identify areas for improvement, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
Clutter-B-Gone will implement a structured data-gathering system across all major emission categories:
Each year, Clutter-B-Gone will recalculate its total carbon footprint using the most current UK Government GHG Conversion Factors (DEFRA). These recalculations will ensure:
Annual carbon reports will include:
Clutter-B-Gone will hold quarterly “Green Reviews”, which are short internal meetings where:
This ongoing review process reinforces accountability and empowers staff to contribute to sustainability goals.
To strengthen trust and visibility:
For large tenders or contracts—especially with local authorities or eco-conscious businesses, Clutter-B-Gone will provide its Carbon Reduction Plan as supporting documentation, in line with Public Procurement Notice (PPN) 06/21.
The monitoring and reporting process will feed directly into Clutter-B-Gone’s annual strategy updates. Insights gained from performance tracking will be used to:
By embedding sustainability reporting into core operations, Clutter-B-Gone ensures that its commitment to carbon reduction is measurable, transparent, and continuously improving.
This appendix provides a breakdown of emissions calculations for Clutter-B-Gone’s key carbon sources, using DEFRA 2024 emission factors and company-provided data.
Vehicle | Fuel Type | Annual Mileage | Emission Factor (kg CO₂e/mile) | Annual Emissions (tonnes CO₂e) |
BN16BKU – Ford Transit Custom | Diesel | 12,000 miles | 0.271 | 3.25 tonnes |
MJ19HNC – Ford Transit Custom | Diesel | 10,000 miles | 0.271 | 2.71 tonnes |
HD21EWW – Renault Trafic | Diesel | 10,000 miles | 0.271 | 2.71 tonnes |
BO55CBG – Kia Sportage | Petrol | 8,000 miles | 0.209 | 1.67 tonnes |
→ Total Fleet Emissions: 10.34 tonnes CO₂e per year
User | Days Used Per Year | Avg kWh Per Day | Total kWh/year | Emission Factor (kg CO₂e/kWh) | Annual Emissions (tonnes CO₂e) |
Home Office (Owner) | 156 days | 2.2 kWh | 343.2 kWh | 0.19338 | 0.066 tonnes |
Business Dev. Manager | 156 days | 2.2 kWh | 343.2 kWh | 0.19338 | 0.066 tonnes |
→ Total Office Electricity Emissions: 0.13 tonnes CO₂e per year
Emission Source | Conversion Factor |
Diesel Vehicle (average) | 0.271 kg CO₂e per mile |
Petrol Vehicle (average) | 0.209 kg CO₂e per mile |
Electricity (UK grid average) | 0.19338 kg CO₂e per kilowatt-hour (kWh) |
B.1 Waste Log Sheet Template
This template is designed for use at the lock-up storage facility where waste is temporarily stored before being collected. It helps record and categorise waste volumes by type and destination on a weekly basis.
Week Starting | Client/Job Name | Total Waste Volume (kg or bags) | Recycling (kg) | Charity (kg) | Landfill (kg) | Collected By | Notes |
DD/MM/YYYY | Example Client 1 | 150 kg | 60 kg | 40 kg | 50 kg | XYZ Waste Ltd | Broken furniture, textiles |
This form can be filled out monthly or quarterly to track all key carbon-generating activities across the business.
Date | Category | Activity Description | Unit Measured | Amount | Emission Factor | Emissions (kg CO₂e) | Notes |
MM/YYYY | Transport | Van mileage (MJ19HNC) | Miles | 850 | 0.271 kg/mile | 230.35 kg | Monthly site work log |
MM/YYYY | Electricity | Home office use (owner) | kWh | 28.6 | 0.19338 kg/kWh | 5.53 kg | 3 days/week usage x 4 weeks |
MM/YYYY | Cleaning Supplies | Flash multi-purpose cleaner | £ | 100 | 0.42 kg/£ | 42.00 kg | Estimated embedded emissions |
MM/YYYY | Waste | Landfill disposal | kg | 200 | 0.263 kg/kg | 52.60 kg | From waste collector invoice |
This table outlines reputable carbon offset providers that offer certified, traceable, and impactful offsetting options. Clutter-B-Gone may choose one or more providers based on project type, location preference, cost, and visibility.
Provider | Project Types | Location | Certification | Key Features | Estimated Cost per Tonne |
Woodland Trust | Native tree planting, woodland creation | UK | Woodland Carbon Code | Supports biodiversity; highly visible UK-based impact | £11–£15 |
Ecologi | Reforestation, wind, solar, cookstoves | UK + Global | Gold Standard, VCS | Transparent dashboard; team gifting options; small business-friendly | £4–£12 |
Carbon Neutral Britain | Mixed global offsets, UK tree planting | UK-based HQ | Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) | Provides certificates; used widely by SMEs and public tenders | £7.50–£10 |
Gold Standard Projects | Renewable energy, clean water, clean cooking | Global | Gold Standard | Premium global offsets with measurable SDG benefits | £10–£15 |
Forest Carbon | Woodland and peatland restoration | UK | Woodland Carbon Code, Peatland Code | Long-term UK land management focus; traceable plots | £12–£18 |