Happier Every Chapter Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan
Plan Reference Period
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been prepared for Happier Every Chapter and reflects our current approach to managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and supply chain.
Effective date: 27 January 2026
Review date: 27 January 2027
Expiry date: 26 January 2028 (unless superseded earlier by an updated version)
Commitment to Net Zero
Happier Every Chapter is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, with an ambition to reduce emissions as early as reasonably practicable through operational improvements, supplier engagement and lower-carbon growth.
We recognise that literacy, education and social impact should be delivered responsibly, with environmental stewardship integrated into how we operate.
Our Organisation
Happier Every Chapter is a UK-based literacy, books and social impact organisation providing curated book supply, literacy programmes, educational resources, subscription services, workshops, events and advisory support to schools, families, local authorities, corporates and community organisations.
Our principal emission sources are expected to arise from:
- Purchased books, paper products and packaging
- Courier and freight transport
- Business travel
- Electricity use in offices, storage or workspaces
- Waste generation
- Digital operations including websites, software and cloud services
- Supplier and outsourced fulfilment activity
Baseline and Measurement Approach
As a growing SME, Happier Every Chapter is developing a proportionate carbon accounting model aligned to recognised standards such as the GHG Protocol.
We will measure and improve reporting across:
- Scope 1: Direct fuel use and controlled sources
- Scope 2: Purchased electricity and energy
- Scope 3: Supply chain, logistics, waste, business travel, employee commuting, purchased goods and services
Our first formal baseline year will be FY 2026/27, with annual reporting thereafter.
Carbon Reduction Targets
Near-Term Targets
By 2030, we aim to achieve:
- 50% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from baseline
- 35% reduction in relevant Scope 3 emissions intensity per £ revenue
- 80% recyclable, reusable or responsibly sourced packaging
- 75% of core suppliers engaged on sustainability expectations
- Majority of deliveries routed through lower-emission options where available
Medium-Term Targets
By 2035, we aim to achieve:
- 75% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- 50% reduction in material Scope 3 emissions intensity
- Fully renewable electricity for controlled premises where feasible
- Low-carbon procurement criteria embedded into supplier selection
Long-Term Target
By 2045, Happier Every Chapter intends to reach Net Zero, with any residual hard-to-abate emissions addressed through credible, high-quality carbon removals.
Carbon Reduction Initiatives
Sustainable Procurement
We will:
- Prioritise UK and regional suppliers where commercially viable
- Source from publishers and partners with environmental credentials
- Encourage FSC-certified, recycled or responsibly sourced paper products
- Consolidate orders to reduce transport emissions
- Include sustainability considerations in supplier reviews
Logistics and Distribution
We will:
- Use low-carbon or carbon-managed courier options where available
- Reduce split shipments through smarter fulfilment planning
- Encourage bulk ordering for schools and organisations
- Minimise urgent single-item dispatches where practical
Energy and Operations
We will:
- Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment
- Reduce unnecessary printing and paper use
- Operate digitally where possible using e-invoicing and digital receipts
- Encourage hybrid and remote working where operationally suitable
- Review workspace energy efficiency annually
Waste and Circularity
We will:
- Recycle packaging and office materials
- Reduce single-use plastics where possible
- Reuse cartons and protective packaging where appropriate
- Donate or repurpose suitable surplus books and materials
Travel
We will:
- Use virtual meetings as first option where suitable
- Combine site visits efficiently
- Prefer rail over domestic air travel wherever practical
- Track business travel emissions annually
Residual Emissions and Offsetting
Our priority is reduction before offsetting.
Where emissions remain unavoidable, we may support credible environmental projects such as:
- Verified reforestation and biodiversity restoration
- Permanent carbon removal projects
- Renewable energy transition initiatives with recognised standards
Any offsetting used will complement, not replace, direct emissions reduction.
Governance and Responsibility
Responsibility for delivery of this plan sits with the leadership team of Happier Every Chapter.
We will review progress annually and update targets, actions and reporting maturity as the organisation grows.
Declaration This Carbon Reduction Plan has been approved by the leadership of Happier Every Chapter and is published in good faith.
Signed:
Ndah Mbawa
Founder & Director