The UK Government has begun asking UK companies to provide Carbon Reduction Plans with new tenders over a certain value. They’ve also provided a template for such plans, and a service to review them for suitability, though they don’t seem to want to say how much the review is going to cost. These documents can be seen here. The government’s own plan and policies can be seen here, and covers reductions in business travel the government expects to see. Presumably Rishi Sunak hasn’t yet read this policy as his excessive level of private air travel has already been reported in the press (see here).

There seem to be two key pieces of information covering this issue at present:

In addition, the International Standards Organisation has also released a series of standards on carbon neutrality, in the range ISO 14060, with ISO 14064-2 describing the methods to be used for baselining and reducing carbon generation.

They all describe methods for quantifying and reducing carbon generation, though perhaps redictably each has a slightly different method, so will give different answers!

The ISO also produced IWA 42:2022, an “International Workshop Agreement” which defines Net Zero Guidelines. This last document goes further in defining the various terms used in carbon reduction discussions, which, while there is no internationally agreed method of measuring carbon generation, does show that the various powers that be are beginning to take the issue slightly more seriously. Interestingly it also includes 3.2.9 Residual Emission: greenhouse gas emission that remains after taking all possible actions to implement emissions reductions – which seems like the first formal, but sensible, acceptance that the creation of greenhouse gas emissions can never be fully prevented.

The UK Governments Guidance on PPN 06/21, includes the following statement:

Between 1990 and 2017, the UK reduced its emissions by 42% while growing the economy by more than two thirds. In 2019 the UK Government amended the Climate 9 Change Act 2008 by increasing the target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to at least 100% lower than 1990 levels by 2050. This is otherwise known as the Net Zero target.

At present it doesn’t seem clear why the phrase “100% lower” was used. After all, if the target is zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, then why not simply say that?

It’s also not clear where this leaves “residual emissions” or who will stipulate what is an acceptable residual, and when.

In July 2023 a tender issued by the NHS was due for response. Within that tender was a request to supply a Carbon Reduction Plan. This is now a UK Government requirement on all tenders above a set value, and will undoubtably flow down the supply chain to SME’s over the next few months.  The government policy can be seen here.

Through an actively implemented ISO 14001 management system we’ve been assisting organisations to reduce their environmental impact for around 15 years.

The carbon reduction plans now being requested on government contracts are very similar to the intent of the targets and objectives specified in ISO 14001, clause 6.2, though the government’s requirement is for measured commitment to reduction over a much longer period of time.

Key Insights from IWA 42.2022: Navigating Challenges in International Standards for Greenhouse Gas Reduction

International Standards document IWA 42.2022, which seems to be the most recent attempt to get international agreement on the technicalities of reducing greenhouse gases, contains some interesting points, reflecting the sense which seems to be eventually seeping into the environmental movement:

The intent is for all organisations to be setting targets consistent with reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to the baseline of 2018 levels.

It is hoped this will restrict global warning to 1.5^oC above pre-industrial temperatures. There is much debate over the figures, but it looks likely that we are about 1^o above at present, and some sources suggest we will surpass 1.5^o within five years.

Sounds a good idea, so how is it going to be done?

What is the ISO 14001 standard? Lots of people ask this question. Is it a little too basic to ask? Not at all. I am an ISO consultant. I regularly find bad examples of ISO consulting. ISO certification should not be over-complex. Therefore, I will try and make things simple. But not simplistic.

The Short Version…

ISO 14001 – Environmental impact, and your business. Environmental responsibilities are fulfilled through an environmental management system. This means that your business practices will remain legal. This is not an exaggeration. Breaches of environmental law lead to fines and imprisonment. Furthermore a sensational pollution story is lapped up by the media. Your company will get well-known, but for the wrong reasons.

Common-Sense, Good Design, and Reality Equal Effectiveness.

Believe it or not, ISO Standards contain much common-sense. Bad ISO systems make rules. Conversely, a system designed around your company’s business means a well-applied standard. Therefore, ISO 14001 helps you do better business in a simple, efficient and understandable way. Furthermore, certification, in ideal circumstances, is not difficult achieve 

Sound Business Reasons

If you plan to sell into government or local government bodies, you will need ISO 14001. Likewise for tenders. Certification by a UKAS Accredited Certification Body to ISO 14001 will prevent your bid being rejected. Furthermore, many large companies hold ISO 14001. Therefore, they buy only from ISO 14001 suppliers and sub-contractors. Above all, many of the issues covered in ISO 14001 are now law. What is the ISO 14001 standard? Bluntly, a way of keeping your directors out of court and the news.

What Do I Need To Consider Right Now?

First, identify the areas of your business which pose environmental risk. Next, develop processes for the control and reduction of their effects.

Here are some typical areas of focus: