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A clear case for carbon neutrality
30 Nov 2009
Topics: Environment, ISO 14001, Climate change, Carbon footprint, Carbon market, Carbon neutral, CSR, GHG, Sustainability, CFV, PAS 2050
"Carbon neutral" sounds good on paper, but what does it really mean? Organizations are making claims about carbon neutrality for everything from products to travel, events, projects and buildings. The problem is that no one quite agrees what "carbon neutral" means or how far it extends.
For example, if a product that claims to be carbon neutral is manufactured in one country using resources brought in from other countries, and that product is then distributed for sale worldwide, how can we be sure that it actually is carbon neutral? Where does verification begin and end in the lifecycle of any product?
Clearly, there is a need to define the concept of carbon neutrality in order to enhance its credibility, and to encourage a consistent approach among organizations that want to demonstrate in a credible and transparent way that they have achieved a carbon neutral status. This is why BSI is launching PAS 2060: Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality early in 2010. The standard aims to provide a common, transparent and reliable approach by means of which carbon neutrality can be demonstrated. This will make it easier for people to compare claims, reduce the possibility that genuine greenhouse gas reduction will not be achieved, and overcome public cynicism about carbon neutrality.
The specification has been developed in response to feedback from industry leaders, consumer groups and other organizations. It builds on existing environmental standards such as the ISO 14000 series and PAS 2050 by setting forth requirements that must be met to achieve and demonstrate carbon neutrality through the quantification, reduction and offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions.
The specification, once complete, will apply to any type of entity (eg businesses, regional and local government, academic institutions, clubs and social groups, families and individuals) and can focus on any identified part of its primary activity. PAS 2060 encourages entities to achieve emissions reductions arising directly from their own activity before going after reductions through recognized offsetting procedures. It also encourages a change in behaviour to help drive society towards a low carbon economy.
For more information on PAS 2060, contact Brian Such at brian.such@bsigroup.com
Business Standards © 2010. Editorial produced by Caspian Publishing in association with The British Standards Institution. Editorial opinions expressed on are not necessarily those of BSI Group or Caspian Publishing. Neither Caspian Publishing nor BSI Group accept responsibility for advertising or editorial content, nor for that appearing on linked third-party websites. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without written permission from BSI Group or Caspian Publishing.
UK film industry pioneers sustainability standard developed by BSI
The British film industry, in conjunction with BSI, is taking the lead in the global entertainment market with the announcement at the Cannes Film Festival of a new British Standard that will improve the industry's environmental, social and economic impact. For example, in London alone, screen production accounted for 125,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2009, 40% of which came from studios and 28% from TV and film production.
While there was a time when companies would never consider working alongside the competition, today's marketplace demands a more flexible approach. Collaboration is fast becoming par for the course. For example, large government contracts often require expertise that goes far beyond any one company's capacity to deliver. Forming a consortium brings together the right experience in the right place, and it can mean the difference between winning or losing a tender.
Gerda, a leading developer and manufacturer of products for the security industry, has become the first company to be awarded the Kitemark for thief-resistant lock assemblies, in line with BS 10621:2007 Thief resistant dual-mode lock assembly.
Until now, there has been no strict guidance in the UK relating to how audiovisual (AV) installations are carried out. This includes everything from computers and projectors to interactive whiteboards, plasma screens and loud speakers. For AV installation companies, processes can vary significantly.
Integra ICT Hits environmental high
Integra ICT, the Bedfordshire-based telecoms provider, has achieved certification to ISO 14001 Environmental management from BSI.
Question: This year marks the 25th anniversary of data protection regulation in the UK. Does the fact that such legislation exists mean that standards do not have a big role to play in the data protection puzzle?
First of all, the fact that there is legislation in place does not mean standards do not have a role to play. Quite the contrary: in many cases, standards offer a framework for businesses to better prepare and comply with legislation.
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