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Carbon Footprint Assessment for UK SMEs — Scope 1, 2 & 3 Measurement

Service · The Carbon Stamp · Led by Frazer Holroyd, Founder & Lead Carbon Consultant

The Carbon Stamp provides professional carbon footprint assessments for UK small businesses and SMEs. We measure your Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions using GHG Protocol Corporate Standard methodology and DEFRA emission factors, delivering a detailed Carbon Impact Report with reduction recommendations in 4–6 weeks.

Client Results

Medicom Healthcare — 490 tCO2e measured, carbon neutral certified
NHS pharmaceutical supplier Medicom Healthcare commissioned a full Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint assessment. The Carbon Stamp delivered a 490 tCO2e baseline, which formed the foundation for their ISO 14068-aligned carbon neutrality certification using Gold Standard credits — supporting both their NHS procurement submissions and PPN 006 compliance.
Addis Housewares — Full Scope 1, 2 and 3 assessment
UK household goods manufacturer Addis Housewares required a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment covering all three scopes — including manufacturing process emissions, product distribution, and upstream supply chain purchases. The Carbon Stamp delivered a full Scope 1, 2 and 3 Carbon Impact Report with reduction recommendations.
J Hopkins Civil Engineering — Construction sector assessment and CRP
J Hopkins needed both a carbon footprint assessment and a PPN 006-compliant Carbon Reduction Plan for government tender submissions. The Carbon Stamp completed both in a single engagement, covering site-based Scope 1 emissions, grid electricity, and material supply chain Scope 3.
6 O'Clock Gin — Distillery carbon footprint
Craft gin distillery 6 O'Clock Gin commissioned a sector-specific carbon footprint assessment covering distillery energy use, raw ingredient supply chain, packaging, and distribution. The assessment gave the business a credible baseline for stakeholder reporting and B Corp environmental requirements.
Wake The Tiger — Visitor attraction footprint
Wake The Tiger, an immersive visitor attraction in Bristol, needed a carbon footprint to support their sustainability communications and ESG reporting. The Carbon Stamp measured Scope 1, 2 and key Scope 3 emissions including visitor travel, construction fit-out supply chain, and hospitality operations.

What Does a Carbon Footprint Assessment Measure?

A business carbon footprint assessment measures all greenhouse gas emissions across three scopes, as defined by the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard:

Most UK SMEs find that Scope 3 represents 70–90% of their total footprint. We help you identify and quantify the Scope 3 categories most material to your business.

What You Receive

At the end of your assessment you receive a professional Carbon Impact Report which includes:

Who Is This For?

Sectors We Work With

Healthcare and NHS Suppliers

NHS suppliers and healthcare businesses face growing pressure to measure and reduce their carbon footprint — from PPN 006 compliance requirements to NHS Trust Green Plans and the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap. The Carbon Stamp has delivered carbon footprint assessments for NHS pharmaceutical suppliers including Medicom Healthcare, producing a 490 tCO2e baseline that enabled both carbon neutral certification and compliant CRP submission. Healthcare Scope 3 typically includes medical supply chain, packaging, cold chain logistics, and clinical waste.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers face some of the most complex carbon footprints, with Scope 3 emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing processes, and product distribution often representing 80–90% of total emissions. The Carbon Stamp has delivered full Scope 1, 2 and 3 assessments for UK manufacturers including Addis Housewares and Advanced Coated Products. Manufacturing assessments typically require careful mapping of purchased goods and services (Scope 3 Category 1) alongside energy-intensive production emissions (Scope 1 and 2).

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage businesses face significant Scope 3 emissions from agricultural ingredients, packaging, refrigeration, and distribution. The Carbon Stamp has experience with sector-specific assessment methodologies for this industry, including our work with craft gin distillery 6 O'Clock Gin. For food and beverage businesses responding to retailer sustainability requirements or pursuing B Corp certification, a credible carbon footprint is increasingly a commercial necessity.

Construction and Civil Engineering

Construction companies tendering for government contracts need accurate carbon data to complete PPN 006 Carbon Reduction Plans. The Carbon Stamp has delivered assessments for construction and civil engineering businesses including J Hopkins Civil Engineering, covering plant and machinery fuel, site energy, materials embodied carbon, and subcontractor supply chain emissions. Carbon footprint assessment is the essential first step before completing a CRP. See our Carbon Reduction Plan service →

Professional Services and Creative Industries

Professional services firms, consultancies, and creative businesses typically have lower absolute emissions but still need credible carbon data for B Corp certification, client ESG questionnaires, and sustainability reporting. The Carbon Stamp has worked with tech and professional services companies including Moventi, as well as visitor attractions such as Wake The Tiger. Scope 3 for these sectors focuses on business travel, home working, purchased services, and IT supply chain.

Our Process

Pricing

Carbon footprint assessments from The Carbon Stamp start from £1,500 for a straightforward Scope 1 and 2 assessment (single site, under 50 employees). Full Scope 1, 2 and 3 assessments for mid-sized SMEs typically range from £2,000–£4,000. A free initial consultation is available with no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a carbon footprint assessment?

A carbon footprint assessment measures all greenhouse gas emissions your business produces across Scope 1, 2 and 3 categories, expressed in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The result is a Carbon Impact Report showing where your emissions come from and how to reduce them.

What data do I need to provide?

Energy bills (electricity and gas), fuel and mileage records for company vehicles, business travel records, waste disposal receipts, water bills, and key supplier spend data. We provide a guided template — most clients can gather this in under a week.

How long does it take?

Typically 4–6 weeks from data collection to final report. Accelerated delivery is available for tender deadlines.

Can this be used for a PPN 006 Carbon Reduction Plan?

Yes. The assessment is the essential foundation for any PPN 006-compliant CRP. We offer a combined assessment and CRP service to streamline delivery for suppliers with upcoming tender deadlines.

Do you cover Scope 3 emissions?

Yes. We identify and quantify the Scope 3 categories most material to your operations. For NHS suppliers under PPN 006, Scope 3 coverage is increasingly expected. Scope 3 typically represents 70–90% of an SME's total footprint.

How much does it cost?

From £1,500 for a basic Scope 1 and 2 assessment. Full Scope 1, 2 and 3 assessments range from £2,000–£4,000. Free initial consultation available.

What is Scope 3 and do I need it in my assessment?

Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions that occur in your value chain — upstream from your suppliers and downstream from your customers. They typically represent 70–90% of a business's total carbon footprint. For PPN 006 compliance, Scope 3 coverage is mandatory. For ISO 14068 carbon neutrality, all material Scope 3 categories must be included. Even for voluntary assessments, omitting Scope 3 understates your true footprint significantly. The Carbon Stamp identifies which Scope 3 categories are material to your business before agreeing your assessment scope. Read more: Scope 3 emissions guide →

What is SECR and is it different from a carbon footprint assessment?

SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) is a mandatory UK reporting requirement for large companies (250+ employees, or turnover over £36m with balance sheet over £18m, using more than 40,000 kWh of energy annually). It requires annual disclosure of energy use, Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and an intensity ratio in company accounts. A carbon footprint assessment goes further — covering Scope 3 emissions, providing reduction recommendations, and producing a standalone Carbon Impact Report suitable for PPN 006 tenders, ESG disclosures, and stakeholder reporting. The Carbon Stamp can deliver assessments that satisfy both purposes simultaneously. Read more: SECR reporting requirements →

How often should I reassess my carbon footprint?

Best practice under GHG Protocol is to update your carbon footprint annually, using the same base year and methodology for comparability. Annual reassessment tracks progress against reduction targets, keeps your CRP data current for PPN 006 annual publication requirements, and maintains ISO 14068 certification. The Carbon Stamp offers annual update services at a reduced fee for existing clients, typically delivered in 2–3 weeks once data is provided.

What does the Carbon Impact Report look like?

Your Carbon Impact Report is a professional document covering: an executive summary of your total footprint in tCO2e; a breakdown by Scope 1, 2 and 3 with per-category detail; an emissions intensity ratio; year-on-year comparison if prior data exists; identification of your highest-impact emission sources; and specific, prioritised reduction recommendations. The report is formatted for use in PPN 006 tender submissions, ESG disclosures, stakeholder communications, and as the foundation for ISO 14068 carbon neutral certification.

Related Resources

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