What does a Carbon Compliance Officer Do?

In this blog, we will explore what carbon is and why it is important that we work to reduce carbon emissions where possible. As we power forward on our Journey to Green initiative, we have continued to invest in sustainable technologies, to not only reduce our own carbon footprint, but also that of our customers. The ‘Carbon Compliance Officer' plays an integral role in monitoring, reporting and guiding our sustainability journey.  

What is Carbon, and why Should we be Working to Reduce it? 

Carbon is a chemical element that exists in various forms around us, as it’s released into the Earth's atmosphere,  it contributes to global warming and climate change. By reducing carbon emissions, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.  

What is a Carbon Compliance Officer? 

At its core, this role entails gathering and reviewing system data to determine where we can best reduce our carbon footprint and meet industry standards for energy management. We have worked hard to be awarded an ISO 50001 standard; this certification demonstrates an enduring commitment to maintaining and futureproofing our energy management system, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon Compliance Officer, therefore, ensures that we continue to comply with the framework of this international standard and are continually working towards improving energy use through investment in new equipment and encouraging an energy conserving culture.

What is a Typical Day in the Life of a Carbon Compliance Officer? 

This is a varied role, so no two days look the same. However, some tasks must be done daily to ensure we are meeting our carbon compliance goals. Daily activities include: 

• Data gathering: sourcing many data sets from numerous systems around our regional depots
• Checking the fuel usage of company vehicles and gas and electricity used to heat depot buildings
• Reviewing data collected to make a case for new equipment and techniques to improve energy efficiency
• Looking at ways to improve current practices

What Equipment Supports our Customers in Cutting their Site Emissions?

Some recent new equipment we have invested in to reduce emissions includes significant investment in Battery Energy Storage units (BES), also known as hybrids or simply batteries. These units are essentially large batteries that can store energy – whether produced from a solar panel, a wind turbine or a generator. Using these BES units has significantly reduced emissions; they are incredibly versatile and effective, and we now have a fleet of over 200 sets. Other equipment we have invested in to support our carbon compliance goals is Stage V generators, which are the latest engine emissions standard applicable for diesel generators with complex equipment, enabling us to achieve ultra-low emissions targets. We're continuing to invest in this new technology and currently have over 100 sets. 

Hybrid (BES) units    

Battery Energy Storage (BES) units are far more advanced than the household batteries tucked away in your drawers. These systems, also known as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), are charged by electricity – most often supplied by diesel generators in our applications. Their intelligent control systems can be programmed to store energy and release it when needed, providing a reliable and more sustainable power supply on demand or at scheduled times, such as overnight.

Many industries, particularly construction, face fluctuating power demands, environmental commitments and noise restrictions. During peak operational hours, power requirements are significantly higher than during quieter periods. Outside of standard working hours – when welfare facilities see minimal use and plant operations have ceased – energy consumption naturally drops. A BES unit optimises this by reducing generator runtime, cutting fuel consumption and lowering emissions, ensuring efficient and environmentally responsible power management.