sustainability policy

Core Commitments

1. Travel Efficiency
• I plan travel routes to minimise mileage and, where possible, combine
multiple meetings or shoots in a single trip.
• Where appropriate, I use public transport or car share with other suppliers.
• I drive a fuel-efficient vehicle and intend to switch to a hybrid or fully electric
vehicle in my next upgrade cycle.

2. Digital-First Delivery
• All wedding galleries are delivered digitally via password-protected online
platforms, reducing the need for printed proofs or USB packaging.
• Slideshows and highlight reels are provided digitally to reduce resource
consumption.

3. Sustainable Printing Practices
• I only work with UK-based, eco-conscious print labs that use FSC-certified
papers and environmentally friendly inks. *1
• Framed prints and albums are made to order to prevent waste.
• Packaging materials for print orders are fully recyclable or compostable
where possible.

4. Low-Impact Equipment Choices
• I maintain my photography gear regularly to extend its life and reduce the
need for frequent replacements.
• Batteries and memory cards are reused and responsibly recycled at end-of-
life.

5. Supporting Sustainable Weddings
• I collaborate with eco-conscious venues and suppliers, and actively promote
sustainable choices to couples.
• I offer guidance on how to minimise photography-related waste (e.g.
recommending eco-confetti or suggesting natural locations to reduce decor
needs).

Carbon Reduction Plan

Baseline Emissions (2025)

As a sole trader, the majority of my carbon footprint comes from travel (to and
from weddings, engagement shoots, and meetings), followed by energy usage in
editing/post-production and limited physical product deliveries.

Estimated 2025 emissions:

Total Estimated Annual Carbon Footprint: 3.07 tonnes CO₂e

Reduction Targets (2025–2030)

• Reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 in line with the UK SME climate
commitment.
• Offset any remaining emissions annually starting in 2025 through a verified
carbon offset scheme.

Reduction Actions

Short Term (2025–2026):
• Limit wedding travel to 2-hour drive radius unless essential or part of a
planned multi-day trip.
• Consolidate shoots to reduce travel days
• Encourage virtual meetings where possible to avoid unnecessary travel.
• Continue with renewable energy supplier Octopus for home office. (explore
better rate)
• Explore use of a carbon-neutral web host
• Offset annual emissions via a certified Gold Standard offsetting project. Sign
up to https://ecologi.com/ to offset usage with tree planting

Medium Term (2027–2028):
• Transition to a hybrid or fully electric vehicle.
• Continue choosing sustainable print labs with carbon offsetting built into their
processes.

Long Term (2029–2030):
• Aim to become a near zero-emissions business through ongoing travel
reduction, gear efficiency, and product lifecycle management.
• Review and renew sustainability strategy annually.

2025 Emissions Calculations
Assumptions for Accuracy:
• 2018 Kia Sportage Diesel: ~47 mpg (UK average), ~2.46 kg CO₂e per litre diesel
• Flights: Estimated 2 short-haul round trips in economy
• Electricity: Octopus is 100% renewable (low impact)
• Equipment manufacture: Lifecycle emissions averaged over replacement
cycle (laptop every 5 years, cameras every 2 years)
• Software Hosting GoDaddy and Pixieset: Not guaranteed green-powered
• Print materials: Average lifecycle emissions from paper, card, packaging

Breakdown of Annual Carbon Emissions:
1. Travel
• Driving (12,265.16 miles)
≈ 1.89 tonnes CO₂e
(based on 170g CO₂/km average for your vehicle)
• Flights (2 short-haul economy round trips)
≈ 0.5 tonnes CO₂e
Subtotal: 2.39 tCO₂e
2. Electricity & Studio Use
• Octopus (assumed renewable)
≈ 0.05 tCO₂e (just in case of minor grid emissions)
Subtotal: 0.05 tCO₂e
3. Equipment
• Camera replacement every 2 years ≈ 0.15 tCO₂e/year
• Laptop replacement every 5 years ≈ 0.10 tCO₂e/year
Subtotal: 0.25 tCO₂e
4. Printing and Packaging
• 430 prints (5x7”) ≈ 0.09 tCO₂e
• 2 albums ≈ 0.06 tCO₂e
• 15 frames ≈ 0.07 tCO₂e
• 28 cardboard boxes + plastic wrap ≈ 0.04 tCO₂e
• Shipping (UK only) ≈ 0.03 tCO₂e
Subtotal: 0.29 tCO₂e
5. Website and Digital
• GoDaddy (non-green hosting) ≈ 0.03 tCO₂e
• Pixieset (1TB hosted) ≈ 0.06 tCO₂e
Subtotal: 0.09 tCO₂e

Total Estimated Annual Carbon Footprint: ~3.07 tonnes CO₂e

Ellie Mac Photography – Print Lab Sustainability Policy
-We plant trees – every qualifying order supports reforestation – worldwide – through our
dedicated tree planting program.
-Only FSC®-certified wood goes into our frames and wall art – That means every moulding
supports responsible forest management.
-Custom-cut packaging – every box is crafted specifically for your order, reducing waste and
eliminating excess materials.
-Ethical leather – our supplier only uses leather that is a natural by- product of the food industry,
and their tanning process adds value to an otherwise was ted material.
-C-Type prints on Fujifilm paper – arguably the most sustainable photographic paper in the
world, produced in wind- powered factories, with FSC® certification and zero heavy metal waste.
-Silver recovery – we ensure that no silver goes to waste. All silver-bearing fixer is refined by a
certified handler with over 300 years of experience, including clients like Kodak, the NHS and
Rolls Royce.