New standard to help firms prove 'green credentials'

The Carbon Trust, which has developed the award, said it would require businesses to measure, manage and reduce emissions - and not just "offset" them by paying others to cut greenhouse gases.

The Carbon Trust Standard certificate aims to tackle fears of so-called "greenwash" - with growing numbers of consumers mistrusting environmental claims made by businesses. A recent survey by the Carbon Trust found that just one in 10 people believed that offsetting was a credible way of reducing emissions.

The scheme, the first to require organisations to show they have measured and reduced emissions year-on-year, also aims to encourage businesses to take action on climate change.

Harry Morrison, general manager of the Carbon Trust Standard Company, which will be administrating the scheme, said: "We want to motivate and reward organisations and get many more engaged in this issue."

Companies either have to demonstrate total overall reductions or a 2.5% improvement in carbon efficiency for businesses in which productivity - and therefore emissions - might be growing.

There is no minimum amount by which emissions have to fall, but reductions must have been made each year, in most cases for three years, and must continue if they are to be re-accredited when the certificate runs out after two years.

'Behaving responsibly'

Mr Morrison said relative emissions cuts were included in the standard because "we recognise that some businesses are successful and growing fast and becoming a large part of the economy, and it's important they are able to grow and do so in a way with emissions efficiency".

The 12 organisations that have piloted the scheme, including B&Q, Morrisons, Thames Water, DEFRA and the Crown Prosecution Service, have achieved an 8.4% cut collectively in their total emissions over three years according to the Trust - around a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon.

All businesses and organisations ranging from FTSE companies to public sector organisations and small businesses can apply to join the scheme.

Neil Bentley, director of business environment at the CBI said he believed the standard was an "excellent way" for businesses to show they were "behaving responsibly".

"The CBI is committed to supporting British business in tacking climate change and encourages all organisations to reduce their own emissions and achieve the Carbon Trust Standard," he said.

More information on the scheme can be found on a dedicated website set up by the Carbon Trust - www.carbontruststandard.com.