Carbon reduction certificate to reward green businesses

The Carbon Trust has launched what it describes as the world’s first carbon reduction award scheme.

The Carbon Trust Standard certificate will allow businesses of all sizes to demonstrate to customers that they have made genuine cuts in their carbon emissions.

The Carbon Trust said that it developed the certificate to help tackle the confusion among businesses over how to go about reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.

To qualify for the certificate, a business will need to show that it has measured and cut its carbon emissions year-on-year.

Unlike other award schemes, the certificate does not allow businesses to off-set their emissions; they must make the reductions themselves.

The Carbon Trust said that the scheme would help businesses that want to take advantage of the bottom line benefits that come from cutting emissions, such as savings on energy costs and credibility with customers.

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, said: “Our research shows that not only do consumers currently mistrust business’ climate change claims, but that business thinks existing carbon award schemes are confusing and lack credibility.

“What business and consumers both share is a desire for one, credible way to prove an organisation has not only measured, but actually reduced their carbon emissions year-on-year without the use of offsetting. The Carbon Trust Standard is the only answer to this.”

Businesses wanting information about the Carbon Trust Standard can call 0800 019 1443 or visit http://www.carbontruststandard.com/