iMEDicare takes the environment seriously
Background and Objective
At iMEDicare Ltd, we are a dynamic and rapidly growing Medical Device Distributor, specializing in Urology and Continence Management/Treatment. Since our establishment in 2004, our objective has been to cater to the needs of patients with pelvic health concerns by providing them with easy-to-use, medically approved devices that offer reliable and effective solutions. We believe that many health issues can be managed or even treated naturally without resorting to invasive surgeries or medications, and the advancements in material and device science have reinforced this belief. Our mission is centered around ensuring that patients are aware of the value of these devices and receive optimal results through customized solutions and comprehensive product use training. This patient-centric approach drives our commitment to their quality of life.
Why did we decide to conduct our carbon assessment?
As a company primarily serving the NHS and with a significant portion of our sales directed towards them, we recognized the importance of participating in NHS tenders. In April 2023, we received a notification from the tender providers stating that we needed to have a carbon reduction plan in place by September. This requirement prompted us to embark on our carbon reduction journey. Additionally, when submitting a urology and bowel tender, we were given a four-week deadline to include a carbon assessment and reduction strategy. We were determined to accomplish this task effectively within the given timeframe.
Why did we choose Greenly?
After evaluating various carbon management platforms, Greenly stood out to us due to its affordability and the comprehensive support it offered. Unlike other solutions that were priced between 15 to 20k without providing a customized reduction plan, Greenly provided a cost-effective and faster alternative. During our interaction with the Greenly team, it became evident that their platform met our specific requirements. The entire process, from data entry to integration with our accounting software and collaboration with suppliers, was completed in just three weeks, which was truly remarkable.
Will we conduct a carbon assessment every year?
Absolutely. We intend to perform a carbon assessment annually and analyze the changes resulting from the implementation of our action plans. Additionally, there is increasing legislative pressure in the UK to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as using hybrid or electric cars, energy-efficient LED lighting, and solar panels. Engaging with Greenly allows us to embark on this climate journey systematically, and we are committed to continuing our efforts because we genuinely care about the environment.
What was the most surprising aspect of our carbon assessment?
One of the most significant findings was that the majority of our emissions fell under Scope 3. Given our company size, which consists of 19 employees, it wasn't surprising that our direct emissions were relatively low compared to those of our suppliers. However, we realized that our print materials and transportation (air shipping) contributed to our carbon footprint. To address this, we recognized the importance of collaborating with logistics companies that have their own carbon reduction plans. Unfortunately, only a few such companies exist, and their services come at a higher cost than standard shippers. Greenly's platform and recommendations provided valuable insights and ideas that were both quick and accessible to implement. Another challenge we encountered was the lack of regulations among our US suppliers. As most of our manufacturers are based there, governmental pressure to reduce emissions is minimal. Consequently, many of our suppliers received low scores in Greenly's assessment, indicating room for improvement. We believe that the introduction of governmental regulations is beneficial, as it compels companies to act and encourages participation in initiatives like the NHS tender, which requires a carbon reduction plan. In our experience, Greenly demonstrated exceptional dedication by promptly assisting us throughout the process. We appreciated the collaborative effort and the swift support we received.
What are our short, medium, and long-term goals with conducting the carbon assessment annually?
Our ultimate goal is to be eligible to participate in tenders, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. In the short term, we aim to convince all our suppliers to join us on their net-zero journey by highlighting the ease of use and cost-effectiveness of Greenly's services. We believe that by spreading awareness and encouraging our suppliers to adopt sustainable practices, we can collectively make a positive impact on the environment
Results of the carbon assessment: 3ktCO2e
Year Analyzed: 2022
