There are lots of carbon calculators about, but most are one-dimensional. To provide the functionality needed at a carbon community level, the calculator we’ve written for champions is three-dimensional.

The first dimension is width, and measures the scope of emissions e.g. energy, transport and food. Food will change as clubs decide whether to provide teas or not, the figure is included to start with to show what an impact it has. Scope will widen to include kit, balls, internet and other sources.

The second dimension is length, and allows clubs to project emissions their forward to achieve carbon net zero by 2030. To reduce to 90% of current emissions, clubs have to reduce by 22% each year, every year. This figure will change each year depending on how successful or unsuccessful reduction actions are.

The third dimension is height, and allows aggregation of measurements at club, competition, county and country levels. Theory of change suggests behaviour will only happen if it becomes embedded at institution level. We’re starting at grassroots and pushing up.

By using emission templates, downloaded fixtures and carbon factors, your club has a carbon plan without you doing anything. Champions then fine tune this by updating actual use, and taking actions to produce the reductions needed.