At Nicoll Curtin, we recognise the urgent need to address sustainability, and we have embarked on a journey aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Goals. Through rigorous assessment and a dedicated strategy, we are not only evaluating our current sustainability practices but also laying the foundation for long-term commitments that will shape our company and the wider recruitment sector.
Conducting our first carbon footprint report
Led by our Head of Corporate Governance, Maddy Richards, we recently carried out our first Carbon Footprint Measurement with a specialist third-party partner, Positive Planet. This analysis calculated our annual carbon footprint in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), covering all seven greenhouse gases outlined in the UNFCC Kyoto Protocol. The measurement aligns with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and UK Government Public Procurement Notice 06/21.
Our report has helped us identify key emission hotspots within our business:
- Procurement – The largest category, which is common within our industry.
- Business travel – A significant contributor due to our global operations.
- Employee commuting and home working – Another major area of impact.
You can view our carbon footprint dashboard here or request the full report by emailing compliance@nicollcurtin.com.
Our carbon reduction targets
We are dedicated to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and have created a Carbon Reduction Plan to guide us. Here are some of the targets we are working towards:
Near-term targets
- Set science-based targets by 2026.
- Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions to zero by 2030.
- Procure 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
- Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 21% by 2030.
Long-term targets
- Reduce total market-based emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by at least 90% by 2050.
- Neutralise any remaining emissions through verified carbon offsets.
The importance of transparency and continuous learning
Maddy Richards emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts.
“Transparency and disclosure are critical practices. It doesn’t have to be perfect from the start, but it is important to begin the journey. Data collection may take longer than expected, as it did for us. We are assured that it becomes simpler year after year. Partnering with an expert third-party will help you remain focused and keep your targets realistic, pragmatic, and progressive.”
We also recognise the need to upskill employees throughout this process, ensuring that sustainability becomes a fundamental part of our company culture.
SBTi compliance and future-proofing our business
Positive Planet points out that over 60% of businesses struggle with Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) compliance, yet customer demand for verified sustainability efforts is growing. We are pleased to have set our science-based targets to support our Net Zero goals. By proactively aligning with SBTi, we hope to future-proof our business and ensure we contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability movement.
Looking ahead
Our journey towards sustainability is just beginning, and we encourage other businesses to take the first step. As Maddy advises: “Start sooner rather than later—it’s a journey. Taking the initiative can feel daunting at first, but progress comes with action.”
We are excited about the road ahead and committed to making a tangible impact. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to refine our sustainability practices and work towards our Net Zero goals.
