Best Foot Forward

The partnership between Best Foot Forward and ETS Aviation has taken a step forward with the launch of an updated version of Aviation Footprinter - a tool designed to help aviation operators meet their reporting requirements under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). New in this version of Aviation Footprinter is an ‘efficiency view’ which allows operators to better understand their emissions profile and thereby assist in targeting reduction efforts. For example, aircraft emissions can be benchmarked against best practice and route-by-route emissions can be compared within and between years. For a video demo of Aviation Footprinter please click here.

Yesterday, BFF Director Craig Simmons was literally bathing in the warm glow of the sun whilst outside temperature plummeted to below zero. How? The solar hot water (SHW) system on his house was producing water at a steady 34 degrees centigrade warmed only by the winter sun. These wintry conditions have also led to some discussion within the office today on the carbon balance of the heavy snowfall; our hunch is there’ll be reductions from less travel, less economic activity, and more outdoor fun displacing TV/computer use. On the downside, more people staying home requiring energy, more gas for home heating, higher coal use in power stations…and perhaps a reference point for climate change sceptics? 

In 2010 we hope that you will be joining BFF, and thousands of other organisations and individuals, who are aiming to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% during the year as part of the UK's 10:10 campaign. Here is a little gift that should help; free, unlimited access to a special 10:10 version of BFF's popular footprinter™ enterprise carbon accounting solution for business. You get your own secure account and all the calculation and reporting facilities you need to meet the 10:10 campaign targets.

Well, on a very wintery, cold, dark afternoon we want to wish all our readers a very happy festive period and New Year. 2009 has been a good year for BFF despite the economic challenges, although the Copenhagen Accord has been somewhat deflating for the wider movement. However, we can but try, and the commitments to financing adaptation measures, a commitment (of sorts) to the 2 degree limit and a strong showing by Ed Miliband offer some hope. From BFF’s perspective, embarking on a number of large new projects, expanding our staff team and launching Footprinter will help us to maximise our own influence on emissions reductions through 2010 and beyond.

BFF has been commissioned by RSSB to undertake a whole lifecycle carbon footprint analysis of the national rail network. BFF will be developing an emissions profile that includes traction energy, offices, rolling stock and infrastructure such as track, stations, depots and signalling equipment. The rail industry is undoubtedly complex, but is also a data-rich environment which is essential for carbon footprint analyses. BFF will be liaising with key members of the industry, including Network Rail and train operating companies to provide an industry-wide emissions profile. Our project will provide insight for RSSB, DfT and other stakeholders to enable effective planning for emissions reductions in line with the objectives of the industry white paper, “Delivering a Sustainable Railway”. Our project will be completed in the first half of 2010, with results made publicly available in due course. 

BFF are warning aviation operators that they only have until 31 December 2009 to submit a monitoring plan if they want to be eligible for free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The allowances will be allocated anyway – so overall emissions are not affected – but the initial cost to aviation companies will be higher. BFF have been working closely with aviation experts ETS Aviation to provide carbon management and reduction services to the sector. A version of footprinter, Aviation Footprinter, is already helping companies to meet their requirements under the EU ETS and is being extended to provide broader support for carbon reductions.

Over the autumn BFF undertook a recruiting campaign to add new skills and resource to the team. We had a tremendous response to our advertisements, and have recruited three excellent new staff. In keeping with the international flavour of the company, our new recruits hail from China, Scotland and Australia. Luhui has joined our software team to support the growing demand for our Footprinter™ product, while consultants Rachel and Jacob will ensure BFF’s metrics and technical analyses continue to be combined with strategic insight. Staff profiles for Luhui, Rachel and Jacob have been added to our website today.

SEEDA have published an innovative interactive Guide aimed at providing local authorities within the South East the tools, information, ideas and inspiration they need to reduce their footprint and the footprint of their administrative area. Developed by BFF, in collaboration with Roger Levett (of levett-therivel) and Colin Tingle (of theNRgroup), the appropriately named ‘No Nonsense Guide’  gives straightforward practical advice, and is peppered with real life success stories, to illustrate how to make change happen.

Best Foot Forward are supporting the UK’s 10:10 campaign to get businesses, government and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions by at least 10% in 2010. As well as offering technical assistance to the 10:10 team, BFF are pleased to make available a FREE version of their popular Footprinter software which has been specially set-up to meet the campaign’s reporting requirements for businesses. Register for your free 10:10 version here. Learn more about footprinter.

BFF has been commissioned to look at the carbon footprint of satellite communications, such as television and internet services. Having previously footprinted various types of passenger and freight aircraft, helicopters and hot air balloons, the prospect of investigating the rocket-powered transport of satellites held no fear for our analysts... but it did yield its fair share of surprises.