Shiva Analyticals Pioneers Carbon Footprint Assessment within Cotecna

Under the guidance of CEO Nagaraj Ranganathan, this project marks a pioneering effort in understanding and reducing the environmental impact of Shiva's operations. 

A carbon footprint assessment is a detailed evaluation of an organization’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, measured in metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). Shiva's assessment, conducted in 2022, meticulously calculated emissions based on the GHG Protocol's Scopes 1, 2, and 3, utilizing the internationally recognized PAS 2060 standard for accuracy and consistency. 

The findings revealed a total carbon footprint of 1758 metric tons of CO2e for 2023. Scope 1 emissions, representing direct emissions from analysis work and gas consumption, accounted for 11% of the total. Scope 2 emissions, arising from electricity consumption, accounted for 43%, while Scope 3 emissions, encompassing the indirect impact from equipment purchases, consumables, business travel, and employee commuting, made up the remaining 46%. 

To contextualize these figures, Shiva analyzed its carbon intensity, which stood at 10.7 metric tons of CO2e per full-time employee (FTE) in 2023. While this exceeds global warming mitigation targets of 2 metric tons per person, it provides a critical baseline for setting future reduction goals. 

The inspiration behind this project stemmed from the undeniable links between human activity and climate change. As Nagaraj Ranganathan explains, "The urgency of addressing emissions and sustainability cannot be overstated. Recognizing our operations' contribution to emissions, we felt a responsibility to quantify our impact and explore mitigation strategies." 

The journey was not without challenges. Initial awareness and documentation processes posed significant hurdles. Cotecna’s training programs were instrumental in bridging knowledge gaps, helping the team understand what to measure and identify emission sources. Data collection and organization proved complex, requiring extensive efforts to sift through numerous sources. This process, however, became a valuable learning curve, prompting the implementation of streamlined data measurement and documentation practices for future assessments. 

Looking ahead, Shiva is committed to tangible reductions in its carbon footprint. Energy consumption, which accounts for 43% of the total footprint, is a primary focus. The company plans to adopt energy-efficient practices, including the use of solar energy, water recycling, and a comprehensive reduce, reuse, and recycle approach. These initiatives aim to minimize waste generation, promote the reuse of IT equipment, and enhance recycling efforts, collectively reducing the overall carbon footprint. 

Nagaraj Ranganathan emphasizes the importance of creating widespread awareness within the organization. “Achieving carbon neutrality and eventually carbon net zero requires collective effort. By making sustainability a habitual practice rather than a one-off task, every employee can contribute significantly, benefiting not only our organization but also the broader environment.” 

Through this pioneering carbon footprint assessment, Shiva Analyticals has set a benchmark for sustainability within the Cotecna group. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, paving the way for a more sustainable future.