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Developing an Effective Emissions Strategy

Organisations in Australia are under more pressure than ever to address climate change. Having strong carbon reduction plans has become crucial for businesses across the country. While offsetting can play a role, reducing emissions at the source is critical for long-term sustainable development, but this can seem complicated for leaders that are just starting their sustainability journey.

This guide will take you through a five-step method to help understand the process for building an effective reduction strategy.

Support with building a sustainability or emissions strategy

Morphum's sustainability team helps businesses build emissions reductions strategies and achieve certifications such as Net Carbon Zero or Carbon Reduce.

Reach out to our team if you have any questions: CONTACT US

1. Identify Reduction Opportunities

Begin by assessing your emissions profile. Emissions are typically grouped into:

Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, steam, or heating.

Scope 3: All other indirect emissions that occur throughout the value chain, including supply chain, travel, and waste.

It makes sense to focus on the largest sources of emissions, but don't underestimate smaller, easy-to-implement changes. Improving energy efficiency, switching to lower-emissions suppliers, and promoting low-impact staff behaviours can all make a measurable difference.

Bringing in external expertise can also help identify the most impactful and achievable reduction measures.

2. Assess Costs and Impacts

For each emissions reduction opportunity, consider:

Cost – upfront investment and ongoing operating costs

Emissions impact – how much it will reduce your emissions

Timeframe – how long it will take to implement and show results

These insights will help you prioritise actions based on return on investment, speed, and impact.

3. Prioritise Measures

Once opportunities are identified, you’ll need to prioritise them. Use a simple matrix that takes into account:

Technical or logistical complexity

Disruption to existing operations

Additional benefits (e.g. reputation or financial gains)

Regulatory or stakeholder requirements

Time sensitivity or strategic alignment

You can assign weights to these criteria to help guide decision-making in a clear, evidence-based way.

4. Develop an Implementation Plan

Turning strategy into action requires a structured plan. Include:

Action steps

What needs to happen

Timeframes

When the actions will happen

Responsibilities

Who will lead each part of the process

Monitoring

How your progress will be tracked and reported

Build regular reviews into the plan structure so you can adapt to new data, priorities, or constraints. Appointing a dedicated sustainability lead or committee can also help maintain momentum.

5. Set Emissions Targets

By setting targets, you can test different outcomes and track your progress on your strategy-building journey.

Make your strategy stick by setting targets that are SMART:

Specific – clearly defined

Measurable – trackable over time

Achievable – realistic based on your resources

Relevant – aligned with your broader goals

Time-bound – with a set deadline

For example: “Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2030.” Ambitious but realistic targets help your organisation stay focused and accountable.

At Morphum, we work alongside clients to streamline the sustainability process, providing support to businesses. We can help with reduce emissions, build organisational resilience, and protect the natural systems we all rely on.

For more information or support on your sustainability journey, reach out to our team!

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