CO2balance works directly with businesses to create innovative carbon management strategies that help them reduce their carbon footprints. We offer a range of services that address all the key areas of carbon management, from carbon foot-printing and ESOS assessments through to delivering bespoke offset packages.
Carbon Footprinting and Lifecycle Analysis
CO2balance are experts in carrying out GHG assessments, carbon footprinting and life cycle assessments for small and large organisations. This represents the first step in the carbon management process and is used to identify the key sources of emissions and potential areas of savings. We offer a range of different audits to fit your company’s needs that comply with the following internationally recognised standards:
- PAS 2060:2010 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality
- PAS 2050:2011 Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services
- ISO 14064_1 – Specification with guidance at the organisation level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
- Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard 2011
CO2balance can provide guidance and support on what activities should be included within your corporate carbon footprint assessment. This will include elements that must be reported, such as Scope 1 and 2 emissions (such as electricity and gas consumption), and optional – but recommended – Scope 3 emissions activities, such as business travel in non-company owned vehicles, air travel, waste/recycling and water usage.
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is an important component of the global environmental strategy to reduce CO2 emissions but is also recognised for its potential to deliver extensive benefits beyond carbon. This was recently reinforced by the Paris Agreement which highlighted the importance of market-based mechanisms such as carbon offsetting to combat climate change. Our aim is to offer premium offset credits from community-based projects that improve the quality of life for local people and help to protect the ecosystem services which they depend upon. Investing in our emission reduction projects therefore goes beyond climate change mitigation by making a measurable contribution towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing your organisation’s corporate social responsibility.
Why offset with CO2balance?
CO2balance is a pioneer of the Gold Standard accreditation scheme with over 10 years’ experience developing projects in Africa and a track record of delivering high quality emission reductions. The success of our projects relies on the participation and empowerment of local communities who we work with closely during all phases of the implementation process, from design through to evaluation. The projects make a direct contribution towards achieving the SDGs, including improving health (SDG 3) and providing safe water (SDG 6), which we measure through regular monitoring and engagement.
CO2balance is committed to maintaining high standards and rigour. Our team of experts are able to develop bespoke projects based on the needs and objectives of your organisation. We are experienced in managing the delivery of the entire carbon project cycle, from implementation through to issuance. We are also able to provide tailored communication materials, along with detailed impact reports to demonstrate your project’s contribution towards the SDGs.
CarbonZero
The CarbonZero standard was created by CO2balance and can be provided under license to clients to certify that the carbon footprint of a product, service or entire organisation is entirely neutral or offset using internationally approved carbon credits generated by CO2balance projects. Organisations which have been branded CarbonZero include Toshiba, Canon Medical and Hill Dickinson.
ESOS
ESOS is a mandatory scheme created in response to the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. Every two years, companies of a certain size are required to carry out energy assessments of their operations and to identify opportunities where energy savings can be made.
ESOS covers all companies classed as ‘large undertakings’ that either employ at least 250 persons or have an annual turnover in excess of €50 million and an annual balance sheet in excess of €43 million. All companies that fall into these categories must carry out an energy audit and saving report and submit it to the Environment Agency. Failure to comply results in a fine of £50,000.
We have been carrying out carbon and energy audit for our clients for many years and have the experience to assist you through the compliance requirements – contact us to find out if you are covered by ESOS and how we can help you.
Carbon Reduction
One the key pillars of effective carbon management is reporting and reducing your carbon footprint. Reduction actions can range from engaging staff to raise awareness of the impact of behavioural change and setting up green teams, to reviewing technology and infrastructure improvements. Promoting and reporting on the actions that you take as a business to reduce your carbon emissions, along with your other environmental improvements, is a great way to demonstrate your environment commitment. Through reporting in a clear and transparent manner – showing your positive impacts and well as openness to reporting uncertainties – you can benefit from being one of the leaders in your sector on environment matters.