Introduction

Commitment to achieving Net Zero. Mainstream Training Limited is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions (compared to 1990 levels) in the UK by 2050.

Baseline Emissions Footprint. Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and are produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured. 3

Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions

The image below summarises the key elements captured by scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Scope 1 – Direct GHG emissions: Includes emissions from activities owned or controlled by Mainstream that release omissions into the atmosphere. Examples of our emissions reported in Scope 1 are fuel (diesel and petrol) and natural gas.

Scope 2 – Energy indirect emissions: Includes emissions from own consumption of purchased electricity, heat, steam and cooling. These are a consequence of the company’s activities but are from sources not owned/controlled. The use of electricity is being reported in Scope 2.

Scope 3 – Other indirect emissions: Emissions that are as a consequence of our actions, but the source is not owned or controlled, and which are not classed as scope 2 emissions. Examples of emissions that we are reporting on in Scope 3 include grid losses, electricity generation, water supply, water treatment, homeworking and hotel accommodation.

Baselines

Current Emissions Reporting

Emissions reduction targets

In order to continue our progress to achieving Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets.

We project that carbon emissions will decrease over the next five years by 400 tCO2e by 2028 per annum. This is a reduction of 21.19% and demonstrates our commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Progress against these targets can be seen in the graph below:

Carbon Reduction Projects

Completed Carbon Reduction Initiatives

Mainstream Training has made measurable progress in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, despite a period of significant organisational growth. As a result of growth in provision within government-funded contracts, the company’s activities have expanded. This has resulted in increase in operational activity, particularly within Scope 1 emissions, as the nature of HGV driver training necessitates high fuel usage. During the reporting period, the company consumed an additional 94,000 litres of fuel (average biofuel blends), contributing to a rise in direct emissions.

However, despite this increase in fuel consumption, Mainstream Training achieved a net reduction of 94.955 tCO₂e in total carbon emissions, from 1,887.9 tCO₂e in the baseline year to 1,792.945 tCO₂e in Year 2. This equates to a 5.03% reduction, maintaining alignment with the company’s interim target of a 21.19% reduction by 2028, and its longterm commitment of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Significant gains have also been realised in Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions through a series of deliberate organisational and behavioural changes. Scope 2 emissions in Year 2 are 90.45% lower than the baseline year, while Scope 3 emissions have seen an 88.67% reduction. These achievements are attributed to improved monitoring and efficiency in electricity and water usage, the transition to a newer and more energy efficient office space, and the transition from homeworking to office-based working as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes.

Together, these efforts demonstrate Mainstream Training’s commitment to embedding sustainability within its operations while maintaining service growth and excellence.

In the future we hope to implement further measures such as:

• Our 5-year plan contains initiatives to reduce CO2e emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3, in addition to measures that improve the accuracy of our emissions reporting and forecasting.

Mainstream Training is actively pursuing several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across its operations:

• Fuel-Efficient Driver Training

Incorporation of Safe and Fuel-Efficient Driving (SAFED) techniques and monitoring of MPG performance to promote more economical driving behaviours with both learners and employees.

• Virtual and Simulation-Based Training -  Investment in virtual training systems to reduce reliance on fuel-intensive on-road training. A selection of MOD employees have already engaged with training and the directors are currently discussing the operational benefits.

• Driver Performance Technology -  Testing of visual and cognitive training tools aimed at reducing test failures and overall training hours, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

• Alternative Fuels -  Ongoing investigation into alternative fuel sources such as biodiesel and other loweremission fuels.

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring - Implementation of regular tyre pressure checks to maintain fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary emissions.

• Training Schedule Optimisation - Review and adjustment of training schedules and logistics to minimise vehicle idling, dead mileage, and unnecessary journeys.

These measures reflect Mainstream Training’s continued commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and alignment with long-term carbon reduction targets.

Carbon Neutral Status

To achieve carbon neutral status by 2050 Mainstream Training will reduce, or offset, its Scope 1, 2 and scope 3 emissions equating to 1887.90 tCO2e. Between calculating the 2022/23 baseline year and the first reporting year’s figures, Mainstream Training have reduced gross fossil fuel emissions by 304.36 tCO2e. Net emissions have fallen by 104.36 tCO2e due to the decision to offset 200 tCO2e in the baseline reporting year. Mainstream Training is on track for its 2028 target of reducing emissions (from the baseline reporting year) by 400 tCO2e per annum.

Declaration

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans 1 .

Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting. 

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors.

ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/ghg-protocol-revised.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2024