In a significant leap towards sustainability, the maritime division of John Good Group, comprising DAN Shipping and Bay Shipping, has successfully achieved operational carbon neutrality. This milestone comes as part of the company’s broader sustainability initiative, which also includes sister companies Good Travel Management and TEPS.
With the support of RSM, a leading audit, tax, and consulting firm, John Good Group meticulously measured and reported its carbon footprint for 2022. This assessment adhered to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and utilized the Quantis tool for Scope 3 emissions.
The journey towards carbon neutrality encompasses various strategies across all businesses within John Good Group. These encompass ventures into renewable energy generation, the integration of Hybrid and EV vehicles, supplier evaluations, and the implementation of people-centric initiatives targeting carbon-contributing factors, such as commuting miles.
While this achievement is commendable, TEPS, the Group’s largest carbon-producing business, faces constraints due to the slow pace of technological advancements within the industry. Progress in alternative fuelling solutions and suitable vehicle alternatives remains several years away. Additionally, limitations within the national electricity grid hinder additional solar energy generation, preventing surplus solar energy export.
To offset residual emissions for 2022, John Good Group collaborated with Climate Impact Partners, investing in carbon credits. This partnership identified initiatives that not only make substantial local contributions but also combat climate change by mitigating carbon emissions. Selected projects include Rural Clean Cooking in India, Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve REDD++ in Indonesia, Mudbrick Rocket Stoves in Malawi, and Degraded Grasslands Afforestation in Uruguay.
James White at Climate Impact Partners emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with John Good Group is about delivering action on climate change and creating a more sustainable world.”
These efforts align seamlessly with several UN Sustainable Development Goals that John Good Group has pledged to support, including No Poverty, Good Health and Wellbeing, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Climate Action.
Adam Walsh, Chief Executive of the John Good Group, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment but acknowledged there is more work to be done. Engaging both customers and suppliers, especially regarding non-operational scope 3 emissions, is a priority. The introduction of carbon insight at the point of booking for travel customers and comprehensive sustainability training reflects progress in this area.
Walsh concluded, emphasizing the urgency of reducing carbon output. He highlighted the Group’s commitment to engagement, collaboration, and leadership within their industries to drive positive change and influence a greener future.
