To explore further the use of information on embodied emissions, the Carbon Trust has brought together a group of stakeholders (called the Reduction and Communications Steering Group) to define a framework around what constitutes commitment and proof of reduction of GHG emissions embodied in product and services, aimed at providing integrity to carbon reduction claims by companies. The Reduction and Communications Steering Group will consider issues around communication of measure and reduction of GHG emissions embodied in products and services, including but not limited to, consumer-facing labels, such as the Carbon Trust Carbon Reduction Label currently under pilot. The initiative aims to drive action in companies to reduce emissions across the supply chain through transparent, robust and consistent information that serves as a basis for sound decision-making by business, consumers and other stakeholders.
This initiative builds on the PAS 2050 process, and it is potentially one of the ways in which the PAS can be used. It is important to note that the PAS itself is a separate and distinct process concerned specifically with measurement methods. However, discussion on communication and reduction issues will help to inform the thinking on PAS development: for that reason, and to ensure that links are made, there is some cross-membership between the PAS Steering Group and the Reduction and Communication Steering Group, the latter of which will feed through any key findings or agreements of relevance to the former. For more information on Carbon Trusts Reduction and Communication Initiative, see the Carbon Trust website
