Carbon Trust Standard

Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard is an important component in establishing an effective energy management programme. Obtaining the standard is also crucial to obtaining a favourable position in the Carbon Reduction Commitment league tables: positioning in the league table for the first year of the CRC will be based 50% on the use of smart metering across a site portfolio, and 50% on attaining the Carbon Trust Standard.

The Carbon Trust Standard is designed to encourage good practice in carbon measurement, management and reduction by both public and private sector organisations. Launched in June 2008, it aims to provide a robust, objective and consistent methodology for assessing corporate carbon performance.

There are three key rules to follow in order to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard:

1. Measure

Calculation of an appropriate carbon footprint:
All energy consumption – including gas, electricity and other fuels – must be effectively measured.

2. Monitor

Demonstration of carbon footprint reduction:
You will need to prove that you have reduced your carbon emissions from the initial measurement using effective reporting systems. This can be measured as an absolute reduction or benchmarked against CO2 v £m turnover.

3. Manage

Evidence of good carbon management practices:
Evidence will need to be produced to show that you are constantly monitoring all areas of your business practice with the aim of reducing your carbon footprint. This includes environmental practices and policies, in addition to corporate responsibility.