UK Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Guidelines

The British government has issued guidelines for UK companies wanting to lower their carbon footprints.  Published by the DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) and Defra, the recommendations focus on ways to record and feedback data on emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.  In addition, it promotes corporate greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. 

“Businesses have an opportunity to lead the way on the UK’s climate change agenda and this guidance helps them do that”, Hilary Benn, Britain’s Environment Secretary stated, adding that organisations needed to consider the whole scope of emissions, including those linked to use of company vehicles, to waste disposal, and to the journeys made by staff members to and from their place of work every day. 

“By reducing [greenhouse gas emissions], organisations can save money on energy costs and resource efficiencies – as well as maintaining a competitive edge”, Benn asserted. 

Corporate Emissions

The government’s corporate emissions guidance also covers the issue of carbon neutrality – the process of bringing emission levels back to zero through strategies like offsetting.   The data that features in the new document draws on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol – a standard known globally in terms of reporting greenhouse gas emissions. 

At present, there is no official obligation for firms in the UK to supply emissions data.  However, a large number of them will be required to do so in line with both the European Union’s ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme), and the CRC (Carbon Reduction Commitment) adopted by the UK.  For the future, discussions are now taking place over whether to officially mandate the practice of reporting emissions data – something that could potentially kick-in within three years.

The Confederation of British Industry was generally receptive to news of the new guidelines’ issue, but called for more to be done.  “To avoid confusion, the Government needs to ensure businesses understand how this latest guidance will fit in with other low-carbon reporting regulations, including the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the forthcoming Carbon Reduction Commitment”, business environment director at the CBI, Neil Bentley, commented.   

See also:

EPA Unveils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Tracking Scheme