How does an organisation qualify for the CARBON CONTROL™ mark?
An organisation must meet three criteria to be awarded the CARBON CONTROL™ mark:
1. The organisation must have demonstrated a prior commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
2. The organisation must commit to a reduction of its annual CO2 emissions by 3% or more and, with the support of the accredited auditor, implement an appropriate energy management system. The auditor will approve of the organisation’s energy management system in accordance with the CARBON CONTROL™ Energy Management Assessment Form. This form sets out the CARBON CONTROL™ requirements for improved energy efficiency, reduced energy usage, lower carbon emissions and the organisation’s energy management system.
3. The organisation must reduce its carbon emissions by 3% or more per year or having been awarded the mark by a yearly average of 3% over the total number of years since first being awarded the mark. This 3% reduction must be achieved in at least two of four carbon emissions measurement categories specified by CARBON CONTROL™.
One of the four categories is the absolute carbon emissions of the organisation while the other three are relative emissions measurements (intensity ratios), e.g., emissions relative to turnover, to production, to number of staff.
The organisation’s emissions will be verified by an independent accredited auditor approved by CARBON CONTROL™ using the CARBON CONTROL™ Emissions Performance Tool.
What is the process the organisation must go through to be awarded the CARBON CONTROL™ mark?
There are four steps involved in the process for an organisation to achieve the CARBON CONTROL™ standard and be awarded the CARBON CONTROL™ mark. The four steps are: AUDIT, ASSESS, IMPLEMENT and CERTIFY. The successful undertaking of each step will be verified by an independent accredited auditor approved by CARBON CONTROL™.
Step 1. ASSESS
The independent auditor will verify the organisation’s previous commitment to reducing carbon emissions, guided by the CARBON CONTROL™ Energy Management Assessment Form. If the organisation meets the previous commitment requirements the auditor will assess the organisation’s energy management system using the CARBON CONTROL™ Energy Management Assessment Form. The organisation’s energy management system expresses its commitment to reduce its annual carbon emissions by 3%. The auditor will provide guidance to the organisation on meeting the CARBON CONTROL™ energy management requirements. Based on internationally accepted standards, the CARBON CONTROL™ Energy Management Assessment Form sets out energy management structures for improved energy efficiency, reduced energy usage and lower carbon emissions.
Where an organisation’s energy management system has already been independently approved, such as for ISO 50001, the requirements set out in the CARBON CONTROL™ Energy Management Assessment Form may be accepted as having been met. This can avoid duplicating work already undertaken.
Step 2. AUDIT
If the organisation meets the Step 1 requirements the CARBON CONTROL™ approved auditor will audit the organisation’s emissions for the previous twelve months using the CARBON CONTROL™ Emissions Performance Tool. For organisations new to CARBON CONTROL™ this first audit is to establish a base year. For organisatons that are entering their second or subsequent years the approved auditor will determine, if an organisation has achieved a 3% annual reduction in its carbon emissions in line with the CARBON CONTROL™ emissions reduction criteria.
The CARBON CONTROL™ Emissions Performance Tool calculates the organisation’s direct carbon emissions (Scope 1) and indirect carbon emissions (Scope 2) using credible and transparent methodologies based on the most robust internationally recognised standards.
In cases where an organisation’s annual emissions have already been verified by an independent auditor these verified emissions’ figures may be used in the CARBON CONTROL™ Emissions Performance Tool, removing the need to repeat calculations already undertaken.
Step 3. IMPLEMENT
When both the assessment and the audit have been successfully completed the organisation will implement its energy management system through which its commitment to reduce its annual emissions by 3% will be achieved. The approved auditor will verify the implementation of the energy management system.
Step 4. CERTIFY
When steps 1, 2 and 3 have been completed the organisation is entitled to apply to be awarded the CARBON CONTROL™ mark of approval. This requires the receipt of the assessment and audit reports from the approved auditor, the signing of the CARBON CONTROL™ license agreement and payment of the annual license fee. The organisation is then entitled to display the mark on all of the marketing materials and products related to the section of the organisation which has been certified.
A certificate along with an emissions verification letter and other materials will be provided to the organisation with the CARBON CONTROL™ trademark graphics file of the CARBON CONTROL™ mark of approval and associated logo use guidelines. The CARBON CONTROL™ certification includes annual figures from the measurement and reporting of carbon emissions. The mark gives the organisation independent proof of the credibility of its carbon emissions data.
Who can apply?
Any organisation determined to improve its environmental impact and have its actions promoted through the CARBON CONTROL™ initiative is welcome to apply for the CARBON CONTROL™ mark. Organisations with ISO 50001 in place are h3ly encouraged to apply.
An organisation may apply for certification of all or part of its operations based on corporate structure or physical location and these divisions can be certified individually. The CARBON CONTROL™ certificate is awarded only to the part of the organisation covered and the mark of approval may only be used in association with the products, services, marketing materials etc. of that part of the organisation.
Which of the organisations materials and products are eligible to carry the CARBON CONTROL™ mark of approval?
The CARBON CONTROL™ mark can be placed on an organisation’s websites, advertising media vehicles and all other corporate communications literature, thus empowering consumers to purchase from a company that is actively working towards a better environment and climate.
An organisation can use the CARBON CONTROL™ mark on any product packaging of which 80%of the production costs of the product relate to a CARBON CONTROL™ certified source.
How much does obtaining CARBON CONTROL™ cost?
The fees associated with the mark vary based on the revenue of the organisation or the revenue of the part of the organisation covered by the mark.
The cost of the auditing process is determined by the approved independent auditors and varies depending on the size of the organisation and the complexity involved in the auditing process.
Please contact us for more information.
