Carbon Trust debuts 'carbon cuts' accreditation

by Nicola Clark, Marketing 24-Jun-08, 08:44

LONDON - The Carbon Trust, a government-funded body that advises firms on carbon-emission reduction, is launching the world's first accreditation scheme for organisations that actively reduce their carbon emissions, rather than relying on offsets.

Several firms, including Morrisons, B&Q and Trinity Mirror, have already signed up.

The accreditation, which will be available globally, is offered to companies that can prove they have reduced their carbon emissions year on year - either on an absolute or relative basis.

Peter Hambly, director of marketing at The Carbon Trust, said the 'Carbon Trust Standard' was designed to provide a clear sign that companies were actively reducing emissions.

The initiative follows research by the Trust, which revealed that just 5% of consumers understand the commitments made by businesses on climate change.

According to Hambly, it is not acceptable for businesses to claim they cannot afford to be green

in a severe economic climate. 'It has never been more important, or more economically sound, to reduce emissions,' he said.