New standard to tackle carbon-neutral greenwash

Standards body BSI has this week released a new specification designed to deliver a standardised approach to attaining carbon-neutral status.

The term carbon neutral has been widely criticised by some environmentalists, who have argued that the lack of a clear definition has allowed some firms to use it to overstate their green credentials.

However, the PAS 2060 specification from BSI aims to tackle the problem by setting out clear guidelines with which firms should comply if they wish to claim carbon-neutral status.

Speaking to BusinessGreen.com, Quincy Lissaur, senior business consultant at BSI, said the aim of PAS 2060 was to ensure that the term carbon neutral cannot be used as a form of greenwash. "There are a lot of organisations making environmental claims and a lot of greenwash out there," he said. "This specification should help the market have confidence in carbon-neutral claims."

The specification has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Energy and Climate Change as well as a number of high-profile firms, including Marks & Spencer, Eurostar and the Cooperative Group.

It can be applied on any scale ranging from countries to individuals, although it is most likely to be used by companies and products.

It outlines a series of steps that have to be taken to attain carbon-neutral status, starting with full measurement of a product or firm's carbon footprint using established standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or BSI's PAS 2050 specification. It then requires that steps are taken to reduce the carbon footprint before approved carbon credits are purchased to cover unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions.

Lissaur said the requirement for firms to demonstrate that they have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint would further bolster the environmental credibility of carbon-neutral claims.

"We felt it was important that that part of the specification was included," he said. "You have to clearly demonstrate that you are not just offsetting, but also working to reduce your own emissions."

The new specification was welcomed by Rowland Hill, sustainability manager at Marks & Spencer, which has committed to attaining carbon-neutral status for its store, office and warehouse operations by 2012.

"We have found the term carbon neutral highly effective in communicating and engaging our customers, employees and suppliers," he said. "We welcome PAS 2060 as a robust and transparent means of demonstrating carbon neutrality."