Defra launches
consultation on guidance on how to measure and report your
greenhouse gas emissions
DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (124/09) issued by
COI News Distribution Service on 5 June 2009
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
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
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