As climate change is an urgent issue for today, climate neutrality (or achieving net-zero emissions), is a journey many companies large and small, have already embarked on. Some are large corporations taking bold steps to contribute to ambitious climate targets, like the EU’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Others are smaller, agile organisations that leverage their sustainability efforts as a competitive advantage.
Many trade associations count these leading companies among their members. So, if your members are making this commitment, shouldn’t your association consider following suit?
The Why
Becoming a climate-neutral association might seem unnecessary, given that associations typically are not considered heavy polluters. However, leadership is what matters most. Numerous trade associations have made decarbonisation of their industry a top priority, offering practical guidance to help members navigate their sustainability journeys through policies, programmes, and tools. But true leadership in sustainability is incomplete if associations don’t reduce their own emissions, too.
Minimising carbon footprint is the right thing to do for the planet. Nevertheless, with increasing regulatory pressures, there’s another compelling reason for associations to do so. As companies set their own climate targets, they are increasingly seeking partners and suppliers that align with these goals. Being part of an association can be seen as providing a service to member companies and reducing emissions could soon become an expectation by those members.
Pressure on trade associations could increase further in the future, if companies are to include their trade body membership in voluntary or mandatory ESG reporting, as suggested here.
The How
Step 1: Understand
The first step is understanding where emissions are generated. For a trade association, this means identifying key sources of emissions across all operations. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the most widely used international standard, divides emissions into three “scopes” to ensure a comprehensive approach.
Scope 1 and 2 cover direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (like company vehicles) and indirect emissions from purchased energy (electricity, heating, cooling[GM1] [TB2] of offices).
Scope 3 includes activities the association doesn’t directly control, such as:
Business travel – attending conferences, meetings and other business travel are often significant contributors to an association’s carbon footprint.
Purchased goods and services – this is a broad category that will include everything an association contracts from suppliers – from office equipment and supplies to goods and services linked to organizing events. This includes emissions from hosting conferences and trade shows in fairs, hotels and other conference venues. It makes it especially relevant if they involve large gatherings with international participation.
Employee commuting – Emissions from the transportation of association employees between their homes and their worksites
Mapping these areas will help pinpoint where the largest environmental impacts lie, enabling the association to focus on the most significant contributors to its overall carbon footprint.
For associations using an Association Management Company (AMC) like Kellen, carbon accounting can be significantly streamlined since many operational categories are outsourced and shared among multiple associations managed by the AMC. For example, an association that does not maintain its own building and that does not have employees on its payroll can simply rely on its AMC to provide this association´s share of emissions for these areas.
Step 2: Measure
After identifying sources of emissions, the next step is measurement. A carbon footprint assessment calculates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the association’s activities over a certain period, typically a year. The aim is to get a comprehensive, realistic picture, without overcomplicating the process.
There are various tools available to help quantify emissions, from simple calculators for travel (e.g., travelco2.com) to more detailed event carbon footprint tools like MyClimate.
A detailed assessment lays the foundation for effective climate action and sets the stage for realistic reduction targets.
Step 3: Commit
With a clearer understanding of the emissions, trade associations should consider setting a public target. This might be a commitment to reduce emissions by a certain percentage or a pledge to reach net-zero by a specific date. Setting targets helps communicate goals both internally and externally, providing a clear timeline for progress.
Committing to an internationally recognised framework, such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) or the UN’s Race to Zero Campaign, also ensures accountability and alignment with global climate efforts, as well as increases credibility among stakeholders.
Step 4: Reduce
Finally, action must follow: reduce emissions where possible and offset what remains to achieve neutrality.
Practical measures to reducing emissions include:
Sustainable venues for meetings and events, such as those certified by Green Key.
Energy efficiency in offices, such as upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and heating systems[GM1] , usage of renewable energy sources and reduce paper printing and overall waste streams
Sustainable travel policies, encouraging low-carbon travel options and virtual meetings.
Sustainable procurement, choosing eco-friendly suppliers and greener products.
For emissions that cannot be reduced immediately, carbon offsetting can play a role. However, offsetting should be seen as a temporary measure while reductions are ongoing, not a substitute for real action.
Why the climate neutrality journey matters
By following these steps—understanding emissions, measuring the carbon footprint, committing to a target, and reducing emissions—trade associations can gradually become climate-neutral. This journey is not only about environmental responsibility or regulatory compliance but also about setting an example. Associations that lead by adopting sustainability practices encourage their members to do the same, and vice versa.
Embracing climate neutrality also enhances an association’s reputation, aligning it with the growing demand for sustainable practices. It positions the association as forward-thinking, preparing for a future where sustainability is no longer optional. And last but not least, in most cases, these measures will also ultimately reduce the overall expenditure of an association.
So, is your association ready to take the lead? Partnering with an AMC such as Kellen streamlines the process, combining resources to enable thorough carbon accounting that supports various associations at once. Kellen can guide trade associations every step of the way on this journey.
