Frequently Asked Questions
General Strategy & Approach
Q: What do you mean by the "Nature-Dependent Economy"?
A: These are businesses where the primary value proposition relies on the physical environment. This includes mountain tourism, coastal hospitality, vineyards, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. If a change in weather, snowpack, or landscape health directly impacts your revenue, you are part of the nature-dependent economy. We specialise in protecting these specific types of assets.
Q: How does your approach differ from a general sustainability consultant?
A: Generalists use standard templates that often miss the nuances of your operations. They might treat a ski resort the same as an office building. We don't. We understand the specific energy loads of snowmaking, the supply chain complexities of island hospitality, and the biodiversity metrics of rural land. We bridge the gap between technical environmental science and commercial strategy, ensuring your sustainability plan actually fits your business model.
Q: Do you only work with large corporations?
A: No. We work with a range of partners, from independent boutique hotels to large regional operator groups and we tailor our approach for whatever level of impact, resilience or management the team are looking for.
Carbon Intelligence & Reporting
Q: What is "Carbon Intelligence"?
A: It is more than just accounting. While standard accounting tells you what your emissions are, Carbon Intelligence tells you why they are happening and how to fix them. We use high-fidelity data frameworks to map your Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, uncovering operational inefficiencies that, when fixed, often reduce your energy costs.
Q: Can you produce reports compliant with mandatory reporting regulations like the CSRD?
A: Yes. Our data frameworks are built to align with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the GHG Protocol, and other international standards. Whether you are reporting voluntarily to stakeholders or complying with mandatory government regulations, our data is audit-ready.
Q: What are Scope 3 emissions, and why do they matter?
A: Scope 1 and 2 are emissions you own or buy (like fuel and electricity). Scope 3 covers everything else in your value chain, from the food you serve to the laundry services you use. For most hospitality businesses, Scope 3 accounts for over 70% of their footprint. We help you map and manage these complex indirect emissions.
Insetting vs. Offsetting
Q: What is the difference between "Offsetting" and "Insetting"?
A:
Offsetting is sending money away to compensate for your emissions (e.g., buying credits from a wind farm in another continent).
Insetting is investing that money back into your own supply chain or region (e.g., restoring the forest next to your hotel or helping your supplies use sustainable fuel into your procurement network). We prioritise Insetting because it turns a sunk cost into a local asset, strengthening the landscape your business relies on.
Q: Is Insetting more expensive than buying standard credits?
A: Upfront, it can be higher than buying "junk" credits. However, it delivers a significantly higher Return on Investment (ROI). "Cheap" credits often carry reputational risk and offer zero local benefit. Insetting provides marketing value, improves local stakeholder relations, and secures the long-term viability of your destination.
Getting Started
Q: How long does an initial assessment take?
A: This depends on the complexity of your operations and the quality of your existing data. A preliminary "Carbon Intelligence" baselining can often be completed in 4-6 weeks.
Q: We are already doing some sustainability work. Can you integrate with our current team?
A: Absolutely. We can act as support for internal sustainability officers whilst also providing education materials and opportunities. We handle the heavy lifting of data analysis and technical strategy, allowing your internal team to focus on implementation and staff engagement.
Q: What is the first step?
A: The first step is a discovery call to understand your primary environment (Mountain, Coastal, Rural) and your primary drivers (Compliance, Risk, or Regeneration). From there, we can recommend the right engagement model for you and appropriate terms.