Key Points
- Chris Perry, Managing Director of Ikonic Technology Ltd, a Manchester-headquartered IT firm, has stated that “there will be a lot of changes” in pursuing net zero ambitions.
- Ikonic aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2038, 12 years ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.
- The company has already attained carbon neutrality and implemented a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP), working with experts Play It Green and Eaasi Carbon.
- Ikonic’s sustainability advocates include Chris Perry, Gary Levene, Matt Trinder, and Simon Thomas, who collaborated on scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting.
- From base year 2021 to 2023, Ikonic reduced CO2 emissions by 6.2% per employee and 5.8% per £1m turnover.
- In 2022, emissions dropped to 342.81 tCO2e, 2.05% ahead of the net zero run rate target (original target 350 tCO2e).
- In 2023, emissions were 415.156 tCO2e, 1.15% ahead of target (original target 420 tCO2e).
- Ikonic projects carbon emissions to decrease to 300 tCO2e by 2028, an 11.42% reduction from 2021 baseline.
- Chris Perry, a qualified ICAEW Accountant with experience at PwC, Citigroup, and William Hill, joined Ikonic in 2017 as Group Managing Director.
- Ikonic’s CRP was published on 10 April 2024, committing to net zero by 2038.
- The interview by ChannelWeb highlights discussions on carbon neutrality, circularity, and UK-based operations amid net zero push.
Ikonic Technology’s Bold Push Towards Net Zero by 2038
Ikonic Technology Ltd, a Manchester-based IT firm specialising in hardware and services, has accelerated its sustainability efforts, with Managing Director Chris Perry warning of substantial industry shifts. In a recent interview featured on ChannelWeb, Perry declared, “There will be a lot of changes,” emphasising the transformative impact of net zero ambitions on the technology sector. This comes as Ikonic achieves carbon neutrality and sets an ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2038, outpacing the UK government’s 2050 deadline.
The company’s progress stems from a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP), detailed in official documents and announcements. Ikonic has partnered with environmental experts Play It Green and Eaasi Carbon to measure and mitigate scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across operations. Sustainability leads Chris Perry, Gary Levene, Matt Trinder, and Simon Thomas drove this initiative, leveraging data from the accounts team to establish a 2021 baseline.
What Drives Ikonic’s Accelerated Net Zero Timeline?
Ikonic’s commitment to net zero by 2038 reflects proactive leadership amid growing regulatory and market pressures. As outlined in their April 2024 CRP, the firm projects emissions will fall to 300 tCO2e by 2028, marking an 11.42% decrease from 2021 levels. This target aligns with broader UK efforts to combat climate change, where businesses face increasing scrutiny on environmental impact.
Chris Perry’s background bolsters this drive. A qualified ICAEW Accountant with a master’s in engineering, Perry began his career at PwC in audit and mergers & acquisitions in 1998. He advanced through finance roles at Citigroup and William Hill Plc, becoming Finance Director and then Managing Director in SME settings before joining Ikonic in early 2017. His expertise has facilitated Ikonic’s growth in the UK and Europe while embedding sustainability.
The CRP details annual achievements. For 2022, Ikonic surpassed its 350 tCO2e target, reaching 342.81 tCO2e—a 2.05% improvement on the net zero trajectory through existing initiatives. In 2023, emissions hit 415.156 tCO2e against a 420 tCO2e goal, 1.15% ahead of schedule. Overall, from 2021 to 2023 end, CO2 emissions per employee fell 6.2%, and per £1m turnover by 5.8%.
How Has Ikonic Achieved Carbon Neutrality?
Carbon neutrality marks a milestone in Ikonic’s journey, announced on their official site. By working with external experts, the firm completed emissions reporting and a CRP, offsetting remaining footprint to neutralise impact. This involved scrutinising all business operations, with baseline set at 2021.
Ikonic’s 2022 CRP document, referenced in updates, underpinned these gains. The 2023 plan, published 10 April 2024, reaffirms the 2038 net zero pledge, 12 years ahead of national targets. “Ikonic Technology Limited, based in the United Kingdom is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2038,” the plan states explicitly.
Perry’s ChannelWeb interview delves into implications, covering carbon neutrality and circularity—principles emphasising reuse and waste minimisation. For a tech firm dealing in hardware, this means rethinking supply chains, procurement, and disposal to align with circular economy models.
What Changes Did Chris Perry Foresee?
“There will be a lot of changes,” Perry told ChannelWeb, signalling disruptions in operations, supply chains, and partnerships. Ikonic’s UK focus, with growing European presence, amplifies this, as EU regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism intensify.
Perry discussed vendor strategies and long-term partnering, essential for sustainability. Ikonic’s model prioritises enduring relationships to embed green practices upstream. This echoes industry trends, where tech firms face Scope 3 pressures from supply chains.
Who Are the Key Players in Ikonic’s Sustainability Effort?
Chris Perry leads, supported by Gary Levene, Matt Trinder, and Simon Thomas. Their collaboration ensured robust data for scopes 1 (direct), 2 (energy indirect), and 3 (value chain) emissions. Accounts provided critical inputs, enabling precise tracking.
External partners Play It Green and Eaasi Carbon offered expertise in reporting and planning. These alliances mirror broader sector moves, as seen in Perry’s Recycling’s net zero work, though unrelated—highlighting Chris Perry names in sustainability.
What Are Ikonic’s Future Projections and Challenges?
Projections show steady decline: 300 tCO2e by 2028. Challenges include hardware lifecycle emissions, travel, and energy use. Ikonic’s CRP adopts phased targets, building on 2022-2023 successes.
Perry’s vision extends to efficiency gains, potentially cutting costs via renewables and optimisation. Yet, “a lot of changes” implies workforce training, investment, and adaptation—areas where businesses like Ikonic lead.