Aligning with our core value of protecting the planet, and our Journey to Net Zero targets, we hosted Building Services Maintenance‘s first “Carbon Down, Profits Up” seminar at the Group’s London Headquarters on 22nd October 2025.
The event brought together suppliers, partners, and colleagues to talk openly about sustainability, carbon reporting, and how we can all make progress towards net zero. The goal was to show that lowering carbon doesn’t have to be complicated, and that when we work together, everyone benefits.
Understanding Net Zero
Many small businesses want to reduce their emissions but aren’t sure where to start. In fact, according to The Federation of Small Businesses, only 25% expect to reach net zero by 2025.
Recognising this challenge, Group Sustainability Manager Alice Kilner and Bid Coordinator Emma Calow hosted a practical session explaining what net zero really means and how to measure it.
Together, we explored the three scopes under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, drawing on insights from our ongoing collaboration with Normative. Using examples from our own data journey, we showed how businesses can begin identifying and calculating their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Attendees also learned how to convert raw data, such as vehicle mileage or energy use, into CO₂e using free UK Government conversion tools.
Why Supply Chain Collaboration Matters
With around 90% of the Gratte Brothers Group’s carbon footprint linked to its supply chain, GBBSM recognises that collaboration is essential to achieving its environmental objectives.
The seminar highlighted that success in carbon reduction relies not only on internal action but also on partnership, transparency, and shared progress across the built environment.
During the session, we encouraged suppliers to complete our Supplier Emissions Survey, which helps us map the carbon impact of our wider network. This data will be analysed in partnership with carbon calculation platform, Normative, to build a more accurate picture of the Group’s collective carbon footprint and identify opportunities for joint reduction initiatives.
We also discussed how sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. Understanding and sharing your data helps future-proof your company by aligning with growing client expectations around sustainability performance. Many public and private sector tenders now require carbon reporting as part of pre-qualification or evaluation criteria, so being transparent about emissions can strengthen bids and open new opportunities.
Practical Tools
To support continued progress, each attendee received a resource pack containing:
- A recap of Scopes 1, 2 and 3 definitions.
- Links to free carbon calculators and learning resources tailored for UK SMEs.
- Access to the GBBSM Supplier Survey and supporting materials.
In partnership with Ecologi, Gratte Brothers | Building Services Maintenance also funded the planting of one native tree in the Scottish Highlands for every participant, as a symbolic reminder of what collective environmental action can achieve.
Looking Ahead
The Carbon Down, Profits Up seminar showed what’s possible when we share ideas and work towards a common goal.
As Alice Kilner, Group Sustainability Manager, summed up:
“It’s not a big, scary topic to deal with in your business, particularly when you break it down into those easy wins.”
By focusing on small, practical steps, we’re helping our supply chain partners take meaningful action, while continuing our own Journey to Net Zero by 2050.
🎥 Watch the Video
See highlights and reflections from the event in our full recap video below.