Commitment to achieving Net Zero

The Real Birth Company Ltd is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, in line with NHS Net Zero ambitions and UK Government policy.

Baseline Emissions Footprint (2026)

Baseline emissions represent the greenhouse gases produced prior to the implementation of carbon reduction measures. They provide a reference point against which future emissions reductions can be measured.

Baseline year January 2025 – January 2026

Baseline Emissions Calculation Methodology

Additional Details relating to the Baseline Emissions calculations.

The 2026 baseline emissions inventory has been calculated in accordance with PPN 06/21 and the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, using an operational control approach.

The footprint includes:
Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions)

Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity)
A defined subset of Scope 3 emissions as required under PPN 06/21 

Scope 3 categories included:
Business travel
Employee commuting (including working from home)
Waste generated in operations
Upstream and downstream transportation and distribution (where applicable)

Where direct data is unavailable, reasonable estimates and UK Government conversion factors (DESNZ) have been applied.

Baseline Year Emissions :

Emissions	Total (tCO2e)
Scope 1	0.9
Scope 2	1.6
Scope 3 (including Business Travel, waste from operations and employee commuting, inclusive of working from home emissions).	8.3
Total Emissions	10.8

 Additional Notes

 Due to the Company’s digital service model, downstream transportation and distribution emissions are minimal. The majority of emissions arise from Scope 3 activities, particularly travel and home working.

 Current Emissions Reporting

As the Company has only recently begun formal carbon measurement, the current reporting period reflects the same methodology as the baseline year.

Current Year Emissions: 

Emissions	Total (tCO2e)
Scope 1	0.9
Scope 2	1.2
Scope 3 (including Business Travel, waste from operations and employee commuting, inclusive of working from home emissions).	5.1
Total Emissions	7.23

Note: Variations reflect improved data capture and early reduction measures.

 System-Wide Carbon Reduction Impact (Avoided Emissions)

In addition to operational emissions, The Real Birth Company Ltd delivers significant carbon reduction across the NHS through its digital antenatal education platform.

An independent evaluation conducted at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust identified:

Approximately 16,600 tCO₂e avoided per Trust per annum

This reduction is primarily attributable to:

• Reduced patient travel
• Reduced face-to-face service delivery
• Lower reliance on physical resources 

Scaling Methodology

To estimate wider system impact:

• Each NHS Trust is treated as a comparable delivery unit
• The Epsom and St Helier evaluation is used as a baseline proxy
• This approach provides a consistent and evidence-informed estimate

Current deployment:

• 36 NHS Trusts

Estimated Annual Avoided Emissions

16,600 tCO₂e × 36 Trusts = 597,600 tCO₂e avoided annually

Reporting Position

In accordance with the GHG Protocol:

• Avoided emissions are reported separately from organisational emissions
• They are not deducted from the Company’s carbon footprint
• They are used to demonstrate system-wide impact

Interpretation

This approach represents a reasonable and scalable estimate. The Company recognises that variations may occur across Trusts and will refine calculations as further multi-site data becomes available.

Emission Reduction Targets 

The Company is committed to continuous improvement in reducing its carbon footprint.

As a growing organisation, formal short-term reduction targets are currently being developed.
Over the next 12 months, the Company will:

• Improve data accuracy and reporting processes
• Establish measurable annual reduction targets
• Seek specialist advice to support further carbon reduction

Carbon Reduction Projects 

The following initiatives are in place or in development to support emissions reduction:

• Digital Infrastructure
• Hosting provided by ANS, a PAS 2060 certified carbon-neutral provider
• Use of renewable energy and energy-efficient infrastructure

Travel and Operations

We prioritise virtual training and delivery wherever possible to minimise travel requirements. Where travel is necessary, we coordinate implementation geographically to reduce journeys and promote the use of public transport, car sharing and active travel options.

Workforce and Behaviour 

We support flexible and remote working to reduce commuting emissions, with all staff trained in Carbon Literacy. This underpins our ongoing commitment to embedding sustainable behaviours across all areas of our operations.

Waste and Supply Chain 

We partner with Pedicargo to deliver zero-emission waste collection, actively reducing our environmental impact. This is supported by a strong organisational commitment to maximising recycling and minimising waste sent to landfill across all operations.

Future Commitments

• Transition to energy-efficient office spaces
• Increased use of renewable energy tariffs
• Exploration of electric vehicle options where required
• Local recruitment strategies to reduce international travel
• Strengthened supplier sustainability requirements

Declaration and Sign Off

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance.

Emissions have been calculated using:
The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard

UK Government greenhouse gas conversion factors (DESNZ)

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions has been included in line with PPN 06/21.

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

Full Name: Zoe Wright
Position: CEO
Date: 27 March 2026
Signature: