PRESS RELEASE
22 July 2010
Carbon reduction made easier for UK organizations
New scheme provides UK organisations with a superior, easier and more cost effective route to verify reductions in energy use to meet the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme
BSI has announced the launch of its new Kitemark® scheme for Energy Reduction Verification (ERV) which will independently verify and certify those organisations that achieve a reduction in carbon emissions through lower energy use. The Environment Agency has approved the scheme as one of the Early Action Metrics that contribute to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, the UK's mandatory climate change and energy saving scheme.
The Kitemark scheme provides organisations both large and small with a measurable means of reducing energy usage; acting as an Early Action Metric that public and private sector organisations may adopt to achieve and demonstrate carbon reductions. At a time when UK Plc’s carbon footprint is coming under increasing scrutiny, the scheme also allows organisations to present clear and independent information about their energy use performance for stakeholders including investors, regulators, specifiers and consumers.
The scheme draws on the Kitemark brand - recognised and trusted by over 82% of the UK population* - and provides a simpler and more comprehensive alternative to both the Carbon Trust and CEMAR standards which do not guarantee or provide the structure around which long term reductions can be identified, managed and realised. Importantly, the Kitemark scheme for ERV is also the only Early Action Metric to be based on the implementation of an energy management system - BS EN 16001- which demands more of organisations in that continual improvement and the ongoing identification of energy reduction opportunities is required.
Unlike other schemes, the Kitemark scheme has been designed specifically with CRC requirements in mind so requires that only Greenhouse Gas emissions from energy use are taken into account; allowing organisations to focus solely on their energy emissions rather than have carbon resulting from transport and other sources complicate measurements.
Around 20,000 large and public and private sector organisations will be involved in the CRC scheme on some level; however an estimated 5,000 organisations will be required by the Government to participate. Participation requires organisations to disclose carbon emissions and purchase allowances for each tonne of CO2 they emit. A league table will rank organisations according to their emissions reductions and whether they have adopted any ‘Early Action Metrics’. However, the Kitemark scheme can also be used by organisations that, while not required to participate in the CRC, may wish to step up to Kitemark verification to validate the output and effectiveness of their energy management systems.
Rob Wallis, Managing Director, BSI, EMEA region, explains what this new Kitemark scheme will mean for UK organisations: “With energy reduction high on the agenda and new government initiatives being brought in to reduce carbon emissions and climate change, organisations are looking more closely at what they can do to make changes.”
“With the publication of a list of the best performing organisations in an annual performance league table, the scheme provides a great way for organisations to promote their commitment to reducing energy – while making considerable savings from reducing their energy costs. With the Kitemark indicating a reputable company to 88% of the UK population organisations can gain real competitive and advantage as well as credibility with this scheme.”
The Environment Agency’s CRC Project Executive Andrew Hitchings said: “We are pleased to announce Kitemark as a Carbon Trust Standard equivalent scheme under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. Along with the Carbon Trust Standard and CEMARS, Kitemark allows organisations who are leading the way in environmental management to be rewarded for their early action."
“CRC is an opportunity for organisations to show what they have already achieved in reducing emissions through early action and provides an incentive to achieve the further reductions which are necessary in the future.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
For media information
Claire Lynam
Head of Alliances and Communications, BSI
Tel: +44 (0)8450 765600 ext. 5308
Email: claire.lynam@bsigroup.com
About BSI Group
BSI Group is a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to over 80,000 customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, BSI has over 2,500 staff operating in over 140 countries through more than 50 global offices. BSI’s key offerings are:
The CRC came into effect April 2010 and requires organisations not affected by EU Emissions Trading Scheme or Climate Change Agreement to report on carbon reductions and pay for each tonne of CO2 they emit.
A Kitemark ERV certificate will be awarded to an organisation meeting certain criteria and by reducing its energy use by a minimum of 2.5 per cent each year compared to the required historic data when the energy factors have been calculated.
About Energy Management
For those new to energy management and energy management systems, BSI and the Energy Institute are running a joint training programme. Courses include: a one day course as an introduction to energy management (delivered by the Energy Institute); a one day course on an introduction to BS EN 16001; a two day course on implementing BS EN 16001; and a four and five day auditor and lead auditor courses. For more information, please view our range of Energy Management training courses.
For those organisations that may have already implemented ISO 14001, BSI has produced a document comparing BS EN 16001 with ISO 14001. Go to www.bsigroup.co.uk to download your copy.
* Statistics from GfK NOP Survey of 1,000 UK adults
About BSI Group
BSI Group is a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to over 80,000 customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, BSI has over 2,500 staff operating in over 140 countries through more than 50 global offices. BSI’s key offerings are:
BSI and Kitemark® were both voted UK Business Superbrands in 2010, by independent brand experts.
For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com/energyKitemark
