Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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Defra launches consultation on guidance on how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions
A public consultation on guidance aimed at helping organisations to manage and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions was launched today by Defra and DECC.
The guidance published under the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2008, outlines a simple and clear step-by-step process on how an organisation should calculate its own corporate 'carbon footprint.' The guidance will be published after the consultation by 1 October 2009.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn said:
"I hope this guidance will make the measuring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions easier for all organisations as a first step in helping them to manage and reduce their emissions. It is not just aimed at large, listed companies; smaller enterprises also have a part to play in tackling GHG emissions."
Minister for Climate Change, Joan Ruddock, said:
"Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our planet and as a Government we know we can only fight it if we have popular support and people are willing to act. If we are going to tackle climate change effectively then we need to help organisations calculate their own carbon footprint. That's why it's important we make this guidance as clear and straight-forward as possible so that those organisations taking action to reduce emissions - by rethinking their business, taking energy efficiency measures and investing in renewables - can clearly and credibly demonstrate this.
"Parliament has been clear of its wish for greenhouse gas reporting by organisations to become mandatory in the near future. Those organisations who grasp the opportunity now to develop robust reporting will be well placed to respond to the Government's planned approach to mandatory reporting."
When the guidance is published, it will not only help the UK to meet its carbon budget targets but should help organisations benefit from lower costs by identifying inefficiencies in resource and energy use.
Notes to Editors
1. The UK Government's Climate Change Act 2008 sets the framework for how the UK will manage and respond to the threat of climate change. The Climate Change Act requires Government to publish guidance on the measurement or calculation of GHG emissions to assist with the reporting of emissions.
2. This guidance is voluntary but by 6 April 2012 the government must introduce regulations requiring the mandatory reporting of GHG emissions or explain why this has not happened.
3. The Defra guidance is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which is the internationally recognised standard for corporate accounting and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
4. The consultation document and guidance are available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/greenhouse-gas/index.htm. The closing date for responses to the public consultation is 7 August 2009. Consultation responses should be sent to Sam Balch, Area 5C, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL. Email: ghgreporting@defra.gsi.gov.uk
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