Better carbon data is becoming increasingly important for SMEs as customers, employees and shareholders place greater weight on credible environmental progress.
Matchtech has recognised that carbon reporting is no longer just a compliance exercise. While the business was already meeting mandatory requirements, including SECR reporting and Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions calculations, earlier reporting relied partly on estimates and averages. That was sufficient for basic disclosure, but less useful for making clear business decisions or proving progress to customers.
The company has since strengthened its approach by calculating emissions across all material scopes and categories, setting SBTi-approved Net Zero and near-term targets, and improving the quality of the data behind its reporting. Stronger data gives management a better view of risk, cost, customer expectations and the timing of future investment.
Larger customers increasingly need accurate supplier data for their own Scope 3 reporting. That means SMEs with stronger carbon information may be better placed in procurement discussions, especially where buyers are asking not only for a carbon reduction plan, but for evidence of actual emissions reductions.
Matchtech has focused on replacing assumptions with real information. It has worked to gather more accurate data on office energy use, business travel, commuting and homeworking. It is also engaging suppliers on purchased goods and services, which is often one of the more difficult areas for SMEs to measure.
The company has used its findings to support a switch to renewable energy, move one office into a more sustainable building, identify employee commuting to head office as a key emissions area, explore sustainable transport options with neighbouring businesses and introduce an employee EV scheme.
Gattaca plc (LON:GATC) is a specialist recruitment and workforce solutions company headquartered in Fareham, UK. It provides contract and permanent staffing solutions, engineering consultancy, and statement of work (SOW) services. Brands include Matchtech, Gattaca Projects and InfoSec People.
