LUPC:
Smarter Data, Smaller Footprint
How LUPC Corrected a 64% Overestimation in Carbon Reporting
LUPC set out to calculate its carbon footprint by using a hybrid methodology of spend data and real emissions data. What LUPC found was that broad data categorisation and some general assumption led to a significant overestimation. MyCarbon refined their approach with precise, data-driven insights. The result? A 64% reduction in reported emissions. This breakthrough not only cut costs on carbon offsets but also provided LUPC with a clearer, more accurate foundation for long-term sustainability.
Scroll to see their journey
Behind the Scenes: Who is LUPC
Established in 1968, the London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC) is a not-for-profit organisation that unites universities and other public-sector related organisations such as research institutes, galleries, libraries, and museums, among others, to drive smarter, sustainable procurement. With a mission to create value for its members while minimising environmental impact, LUPC has long championed responsible procurement across the education, arts, and science sectors.
Eager to enhance their environmental contributions, LUPC turned their focus to carbon accounting. Their goal was to accurately calculate and offset their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions while ensuring their methodology aligned with best practices. At the same time, they aimed to build internal expertise to independently conduct high-quality carbon assessments in the future.
Recognising a shared commitment to sustainability, LUPC first connected with MyCarbon through the EAUC Carbon Coalition. This collaboration laid the foundation for a tailored approach to improve data accuracy, refine reporting methods, and strengthen LUPC’s long-term sustainability strategy.
The Challenge: Overcoming Scope 3 Complexity
If calculating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions is a puzzle, Scope 3 is often the trickiest piece to fit. For LUPC, the largest share of their emissions stemmed from Scope 3 Category 1: purchased goods and services. It was a great challenge to ensure accuracy while working with the limitations in available data.
Relying on spend-based data, LUPC initially grouped emissions into 10 broad categories using the HESCET tool, which assigned a single emission factor per category. While useful as a starting point, this method fell short of capturing the granularity required for precise emissions reporting. They needed answers to critical questions: Were their calculations correct? Were they offsetting the right amount of carbon? And most importantly, how could they refine their process for the future?
Recognising the complexity of Scope 3 emissions and the limitations of spend-based data, MyCarbon partnered with LUPC to tackle the data dilemma head-on. Together, we identified inaccuracies, verified their calculations, and guided LUPC toward improved data collection for even greater accuracy in future assessments.
Our Approach: From Complexity to Clarity
Collaboration was key in simplifying the complexities of carbon reporting and delivering actionable results for LUPC:
- Deep-Dive into Scope 3: We introduced a more detailed breakdown of Scope 3 emissions by expanding the Scope 3 Category 1 categorisation from 10 to 39 categories, applying individual emission factors to each. This refined approach reduced calculated Scope 3 Category 1 emissions by 72%, and reduced their total reported carbon footprint by 64%, giving LUPC a clearer picture of their actual impact. We also eliminated double counting, such as natural gas appearing in both Scope 1 and Scope 3 (via office service charges).
- Workshopping the Way Forward: We ran a hands-on workshop to equip LUPC with the skills to take ownership of their carbon footprint. The session covered key reporting challenges, highlighted areas for improvement, and provided practical guidance for future assessments.
- Smarter Carbon Offsetting: We guided LUPC in selecting high-quality carbon offset projects aligned with their recalculated emissions, ensuring their investments would have meaningful and measurable climate impact.
The Results: Smarter Reporting, Stronger Impact
- Sharper Calculations, Clearer Pathways: LUPC’s recalculated footprint was 64% lower than initially estimated. This allowed them to allocate resources more effectively—whether by saving on offsets or investing in higher-quality carbon credits.
- Future-Focused Improvements: With Scope 3 Category 1 identified as their largest emission source, LUPC can now focus on the transition from spend-based to activity-based data collection, providing even greater granularity and precision in future assessments.
- Sustainability Confidence: With newfound expertise in GHG reporting, LUPC is now well-equipped to conduct independent carbon footprint assessments, strengthening their sustainability leadership.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Progress
LUPC’s collaboration with MyCarbon led to a 64% reduction in their reported carbon footprint, proving that greater accuracy can lead to significant environmental and financial benefits. By refining their data collection process and eliminating overestimations, LUPC now has a much clearer picture of their actual emissions.
Through their partnership with MyCarbon, LUPC has taken significant steps toward smarter, more sustainable practices. By addressing their largest emission sources, improving data accuracy, and building internal expertise, they’ve laid the foundation for sustainability leadership.
As LUPC continues its journey, their commitment to precision and progress ensures that they’re not just meeting today’s challenges but building a better, greener tomorrow.