The next step

On carbon offsetting

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A new standard of carbon neutral

The carbon game

It’s fair to say that we’ve never been in favour of carbon offsetting. In fact, we’ve previously stated that it’s a pointless exercise and a complete waste of money (yr.4, iss.6, pg.1, see The next step). However, many businesses, notably larger organisations, have continued to pour money into such schemes. But, rather than getting the “green” points that they’d hoped to achieve, campaigners have called foul. They’ve stated that some of the companies doing this are not green at all - they’re just paying money into offsetting schemes so that they can claim that their business is “carbon neutral” to promote how green they are.

Note. Just to recap, being “carbon neutral” means that your business buys carbon credits to “offset” the unavoidable amount of carbon it produces.

Setting a standard

Although we don’t usually side with the green campaigners, in this instance they’ve been making a valid point. Many companies have simply “paid up” and not made much of an effort to cut the amount of carbon produced by their business. This has resulted in a shadow of doubt being cast over those claiming that their business is “carbon neutral”. However, BSI has stated that it has the answer - in the form of PAS 2060: Specification for the Demonstration of Carbon Neutrality (see The next step).

What is this?

It’s a standard which, if followed to the letter, gives significant credit to carbon neutrality statements made by companies. Developed in conjunction with the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the specification outlines a series of steps that have to be taken to attain carbon-neutral status, starting with full measurement of the amount of carbon actually produced.

How does it work?

It requires that steps are taken to reduce the amount of carbon produced, e.g. making cuts to energy use etc., before approved carbon credits are purchased to cover unavoidable emissions. The standard demands that a Carbon Footprint Management Plan is devised and updated every year. It also requires an offset strategy to be adopted before any offsets are purchased. Currently, most wait to see how far they can reduce their emissions and then look at offsetting, rather than doing this up-front.

So does this make “offsetting” work?

The simple answer is “no”. We accept that those following the standard are doing so properly and are able to make valid claims. However, we still don’t see the value in going to such trouble.

Tip. As we’ve said before, avoid the big claims and keep your efforts focused on reducing energy use. Not only will it mean that any statements you make about your business doing its bit for the environment are genuine, it will reduce overheads to boot.

For a previous article on carbon offsetting (EN 05.03.07A) and for further information on PAS 2060, (EN 05.03.07B), visit http://environment.indicator.co.uk.