Embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in products and services - developing a standard method of measurement
Background
BSI will be working with The Carbon Trust and Defra to develop a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) providing a standard method for the measurement of embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in products and services. In ensuring a consistent and comparable approach to supply chain measurement of embodied GHGs across markets, it will help companies understand the life-cycle climate change impacts of their products and highlight significant emissions reduction opportunities. It is anticipated that the PAS will be published in May 2008.
Publicly Available Specifications (PASs)
A PAS is a consultative document whose development process and written format is based on the British Standard model. The timescale for the development of a PAS can be shorter than for a formal standard, typically between 8 and 12 months, and is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Rapid Standard Development Process”.
The development of a PAS is always overseen by a Steering Group; in this case, the Steering Group will be equivalent to the Carbon Trust’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The PAS process requires consultation with key stakeholders and this will be taking place over the next 12 months. The Carbon Trust has formulated a methodology in this area and this will be used as the base document for the PAS process. The consultation with key stakeholders will inform the development of this methodology into a PAS.
If appropriate, once published a PAS can be put forward for consideration as a British, European or International Standard.
Existing international standards
The intention is to align the PAS with existing formal standards. Standards to be considered in the process include ISO 14021, ISO 14024, ISO 14025, ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14064: 1-3.
Input from UK technical committees
UK technical committees will be invited to contribute to the consultation at the appropriate stages. For further information, please contact Katherine Hunter. Email: katherine.hunter@bsi-global.com.
