Credentials built on verified standards. Not promises.
We hold independently verified credentials across environmental reporting, responsible employment, cybersecurity and social value. Because our clients deserve a partner who practises what they preach.
& pledges held
literacy trained
Standards we're aligned to
and accredited against
Our environmental credentials are independently verified by recognised bodies. Not self-declared.
SBS holds BSI Associate Consultant status, awarded by the British Standards Institution, confirming that our carbon footprinting methodology meets the standards required for ISO-aligned delivery. For clients, this means your reports are produced to a recognised, independently verifiable framework.
BSI Group →As an NQA Associate Partner, SBS is recognised by one of the UK's leading certification bodies for delivering ISO-aligned carbon management consultancy. This partnership provides clients with an additional layer of assurance and a pathway to third-party ISO 14064-3 verification.
NQA →Every SBS carbon footprint is produced in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, the global gold standard for carbon accounting, and aligned to ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14068. Reports are prepared for verification to ISO 14064-3 by an external body. We do not provide verification directly.
GHG Protocol →SBS is a signatory to the UN Race to Zero campaign, committing to reach net-zero carbon emissions by no later than 2050 and to halve emissions by 2030. As a Race to Zero member, we are required to publish a Carbon Reduction Plan and report progress annually.
UN Race to Zero →SBS is a member of the Carbon Accounting Alliance, a coalition of organisations collaborating to advance best practice in carbon accounting, share methodology development and promote robust standards and regulation in the sector. Membership reflects our commitment to standards development, not just standards compliance.
Carbon Accounting Alliance →Every member of the SBS team holds Carbon Literacy training, accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project. This ensures every client interaction, from initial scoping through to annual reporting, is grounded in genuine environmental understanding rather than process alone.
Carbon Literacy Project →Pledges that go beyond
environmental reporting
Sustainability means more than carbon. These credentials reflect how we run SBS, not just what we advise clients to do.
SBS is a signatory to the Better Business Act, a campaign calling on UK government to update the Companies Act 2006 so that every business director has a duty to balance profit with people and planet. Aligning the long-term interests of people, planet and profit should not be optional.
Better Business Act →As an accredited Living Wage Employer, every member of the SBS team earns the real Living Wage, independently calculated to reflect the true cost of living. Central to our pledge to support ethical employment and a more equitable economy.
Living Wage Foundation →SBS is a proud member of the North East Chamber of Commerce, the region's leading business membership organisation. This membership reflects our roots and commitment to supporting the growth of businesses across the North East.
North East Chamber of Commerce →SBS is recognised as a Sustainability Ecosystem Partner for the North East Chamber of Commerce, providing trusted sustainability expertise and net-zero support to NECC members across the region. This partnership reinforces our position as the North East's go-to sustainability consultancy.
Learn about NECC partnerships →Our SHINE Accreditation reflects our commitment to social value, inclusion and responsible growth in the North East. It recognises how SBS supports its community, reduces environmental impact and contributes to a fairer local economy.
View our SHINE profile →Our Cyber Essentials certification, issued by the NCSC, confirms that sensitive client information is managed safely and securely to nationally recognised best practices. Required by many public sector procurement frameworks, including PPN 006 contracts.
NCSC Cyber Essentials →Our Carbon Reduction Plan
We publish our annual Carbon Reduction Plan in line with PPN 006 government transparency requirements, measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across our own operations. We do not just advise clients on carbon reduction. We deliver it ourselves.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Scope 1 · <0.1 tCO₂eDirect emissions from sources owned or controlled by SBS. Our Scope 1 footprint is minimal. Fleet transition to hybrid vehicles is underway with a target of 100% electric by 2028. Home offices run on 100% renewable electricity, eliminating meaningful Scope 2 emissions.
FY 2024/25 base year data. Scope 1 total: <0.1 tCO₂e. Prepared in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2018. This inventory has not undergone independent third-party verification under ISO 14064-3.
Scope 2: Purchased Energy
Scope 2 · ~0 tCO₂eIndirect emissions from purchased electricity. SBS operates on 100% renewable electricity across all home offices. Scope 2 emissions are effectively zero on a market-based accounting approach.
FY 2024/25 base year. Scope 2 market-based: ~0 tCO₂e. Target: sustain zero Scope 2 through continued renewable procurement.
Scope 3: Value Chain Emissions
Scope 3 · 4.4 tCO₂eValue chain emissions represent 97.1% of our total footprint. As a home-based professional services business, this is consistent with sector norms. Purchased goods and services is the largest category, dominated by software and IT equipment procurement.
FY 2024/25 base year. Scope 3 total: 4.4 tCO₂e across 7 material categories. Target: 90% data coverage and 20% reduction in high-impact categories (Cat 1 and 9) by 2026.
Reduction Targets
Base year: 2024/25Our reduction targets are set in line with SBTi SME guidelines and our UN Race to Zero commitment, aligned to a 1.5°C pathway. Net-zero is targeted for 2040 with residual emissions neutralised through verified removals.
Residual emissions after reduction are neutralised through verified nature-based removals via SBS Nature. Offsetting does not substitute for reduction. Net-zero target: 2040. Annual progress published.
Common questions about our credentials
Build credentials your stakeholders can trust
Our Net-Zero Program delivers the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 aligned reporting, Carbon Reduction Plans and reduction strategy that procurement teams, investors and regulators expect.
