BUSINESS STANDARDS
is the quarterly magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment. Regular features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems and standards.
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 © 2007. 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.
Sapphire earns a standards hat-trick
Sapphire Energy Recovery, the waste processing and resource recovery business owned by Lafarge Cement, has achieved certification to three management systems standards (ISO 9001 Quality management, ISO 14001 Environmental management and BS OHSAS 18001 Health and safety management) from BSI. Sapphire is the UK's leading processor of used tyres, and sources and manages the logistics of a range of waste-derived fuels and raw materials for the cement industry.
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.
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.
Security is a challenge at the best of times for a retail bank. If you offer services via the internet, security becomes even more complicated. For Barclays UK Retail Online Banking, information security is at the core of their business, which is one of the main reasons the organization pursued and achieved certification to ISO/IEC 27001 Information security from BSI.
Sustainability: more than "green"
Sustainable development means taking into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of business activities, not only for the present but also for future generations.
We are under increasing pressure to comply with a growing number of regulations and to maintain growth - while under greater scrutiny than ever before. How can this be good for business?
We are all in the risk management business. In the current climate, as consumers we are encouraged to claim compensation or sue for damages for almost any negative incident we encounter.
Have a standards-related question for BSI or a comment on the website? We'll find the right person to answer.
