As part of our long-standing commitment to leading sustainable lifting, we’re proud to announce that Cadman Cranes is now Net Zero for our own operational emissions, covering Scope 1 and 2. This milestone reflects our drive to reduce our environmental impact while setting a strong example for the lifting industry.
Becoming Net Zero is not something we take lightly. It reflects our continued efforts to reduce our environmental impact while acknowledging the realities of operating heavy lifting equipment in a carbon-constrained world.
Understanding Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions
For those unfamiliar with the terminology, Scope 1 and 2 emissions are defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the most widely used international accounting tool for greenhouse gas emissions.
- Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources that a company owns or controls. For Cadman Cranes, this includes fuel use such as HVO, natural gas, refrigerants, diesel, and petrol.
- Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity away from our solar capabilities, which we rely on to power our offices, workshops, and operational systems during winter periods.
By tackling these two categories head-on, we’ve achieved Net Zero for our own operational footprint, a major step in our sustainability strategy. But the journey doesn’t stop here.
- Scope 3 emissions represent the next and more complex challenge, encompassing the indirect carbon footprint across our value chain, including the production and delivery of goods and services we purchase, and the disposal of waste we generate. For Cadman Cranes, this includes emissions from the manufacture of our cranes, vehicles, and capital goods, as well as workshop consumables, financial services, business travel, waste management, workwear, stationery, and more.
As we look ahead, our focus will be on reducing Scope 3 emissions through responsible consumption, supplier engagement, the use of alternative materials, and, where necessary, carefully considered offsetting.
A Measured and Transparent Approach
Our goal has always been to reduce our operational CO₂ emissions as much as physically possible, rather than relying entirely on offsetting. Thanks to cleaner fuels, operational efficiencies, and investment in sustainable renewable energy, we’ve made substantial progress. However, we recognise that some emissions are currently unavoidable, most notably our reliance on grid-derived electricity during the winter months and our requirement of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power our fleet of vehicles.
To reach Net Zero in 2024, we made the decision to offset 25 tonnes of CO₂, an amount we expect to reduce by half to approximately 12 tonnes by the end of 2025, thanks to further investment and improvements across the business and at our HQ.
While we debated whether offsetting is the “right” solution, we believe that starting is better than standing still, and we’ve approached the process with caution and integrity.
Responsible Offsetting with Impact
All offsetting was carried out via Ecologi, a UK-based environmental organisation that helps individuals and businesses take climate action through funding verified carbon reduction and offsetting projects globally, with a focus on projects that deliver measurable benefits to people and planet. In 2024, our contributions supported the manufacturing of fuel-efficient cookstoves in Uganda, which reduce deforestation, cut emissions, and improve household health.
You can read more about this impactful project here: Fuel-efficient cookstoves in Uganda
Going Further, Giving Back
Offsetting was one part of our journey, but we’ve gone beyond. This year, we also supported local sustainability by donating solar panels to two children’s hospices in East Anglia. These installations will help reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions in our area, and support the vital work these hospices do for children and families across the region.
Our actions aren’t about recognition, marketing, or box-ticking. They’re about responsibility, belief, and influence.
Net Zero and the Lifting Industry: A Shared Responsibility
The crane hire and lift management industry has long faced complex challenges when it comes to sustainability. From fuel-intensive machinery to demanding site conditions, reducing environmental impact is not straightforward.
We fully acknowledge that we are just one small part of a much larger picture. But we also believe that when everyone does their part, from suppliers to clients to competitors, the impact can be profound.
Our achievement proves that real progress is possible. If businesses across our sector work collaboratively, share knowledge, and commit to meaningful action, we can help drive the industry towards a more sustainable future.
A Word from Our Managing Director
Matthew Waddingham, Managing Director of Cadman Cranes, shared his thoughts on the announcement:
“This is a really important milestone for us, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve put a lot of effort into reducing our CO₂ to the lowest possible level before offsetting the small amount that remains. While we do have some reservations about offsetting, it allows us to support some vitally important projects that we genuinely believe in. It’s been an exciting and rewarding process, and we’ll now tackle our Scope 3 emissions with the same enthusiasm.”
In Summary
- Cadman Cranes is now Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- We offset 25 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024 via certified Ecologi projects
- Offsetting focused on fuel-efficient cookstoves in Uganda
- We expect to reduce our offsetting need to 12 tonnes in 2025
- Additional action included installing solar panels at a local children’s hospice
- We recognise the shared responsibility of the lifting industry
- We remain committed to transparent, responsible sustainability
We believe that action, honesty, and ambition will drive progress, and we’re proud to be taking these steps. If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability approach or collaborate on shared goals, we’re always open to the conversation.
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