Q3 shortlisted for Planet Mark Award recognising carbon reduction

Comment from Stuart Bellew, COO 

I’m delighted to share that Q3 has been shortlisted in the Carbon Reduction per Employee category at the Planet Mark Awards 2025.

The Planet Mark Awards shine a spotlight on organisations that are going beyond promises to deliver measurable sustainability results. This recognition is especially meaningful because the awards are judged purely on verified data.

The awards have been running for seven years and are known across the UK for celebrating leadership in carbon reduction, social value and climate action. The judging panels are made up of respected sustainability experts, ensuring a rigorous and credible process.

A journey of measurable progress

Q3 has worked with Planet Mark since 2020-21, when we began auditing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Unlike many certifications that focus on one-off achievements, Planet Mark requires organisations to measure their carbon footprint annually and show continuous improvement year on year.

That discipline has helped us make rapid progress. In 2020–21, our Scope 1 and 2 emissions stood at 263 tCO₂e. By 2023–24, we had reduced them to 54 tCO₂e – an 80%+ reduction in just four years.

We achieved this by rethinking how we operate:

• Flexible and remote working – adopted well before the pandemic, cutting unnecessary travel.
• Smaller property footprint – consolidating our offices and closing two peripheral buildings, lowering energy use.
• Smarter fleet management – our vehicle emissions are significantly lower than many comparable FM companies.
• Practical sustainability initiatives – from using chemical-free cleaning products and battery-operated equipment in sensitive environments to introducing digital compliance dashboards and QR-code feedback tools that reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Tackling Scope 3 emissions

This year, we’re taking the next big step: measuring our Scope 3 emissions for the first time.

Scope 3 covers indirect emissions across the supply chain, such as purchased goods and services, waste, and commuting, and for most FM companies it represents the largest share of emissions. It’s a complex challenge, but it’s one we’re determined to take on. Working closely with our partners and suppliers, we’ll use the insights to drive reductions that reach well beyond our own operations.

What this means for our customers

For us, sustainability isn’t a bolt-on. It runs through everything we do. By operating a lean, low-carbon business, we help our customers meet their own compliance obligations, improve ESG reporting, and reduce reputational risk.

Through FM On Demand, our subscription-based service, we’re also giving customers practical tools to manage compliance and sustainability. That includes live dashboards for carbon and compliance, supplier assurance, and support with sustainability reporting.

For organisations managing multiple sites or navigating new property responsibilities, this visibility provides real peace of mind and frees up valuable time to focus on core business.

Looking ahead

Being shortlisted for a Planet Mark Award is a proud milestone for Q3, but it’s only part of our journey. We remain committed to achieving net zero by 2035 and will continue to push forward with initiatives that cut emissions, support our people, and add value for our customers.

We know that sustainability is one of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – facing facilities management and the sectors we serve. By being open about our own progress and challenges, we want to encourage honest conversations and inspire practical action across the industry.

I’d love to hear how your organisation is approaching carbon reduction. What’s working for you, and where are the biggest challenges? Get in touch to exchange ideas and explore how Q3 can help you turn sustainability goals into measurable progress.