IEMA has voiced satisfaction that the latest proposals from the environment department no longer include an examination of mandatory greenhouse-gas (GHG) reporting less than one year after the ground-breaking environment legislation was introduced
In February, IEMA expressed concern that mandatory GHG reporting for all listed UK companies was under threat as part of Defra’s “smarter guidance and data” review. The initial publication of the review indicated that mandatory reporting, which was introduced in October 2013, could be under evaluation.
A Defra consultation on the review closed in early March and the latest strategic reform plan was published in April. It reveals that IEMA’s concerns appear to have been addressed, as the final plans no not contain any reference to reviewing the role of mandatory carbon reporting.
Nick Blyth, policy and practice lead at IEMA, said: “Just two months ago we were very concerned to hear the government was so quickly reconsidering its own policy. The benefits of carbon reporting are well understood and critically arise over a medium-term horizon. We are delighted that the government’s latest review proposals no longer include mandatory carbon reporting.”
Calling for the government to adopt a consistent and developmental approach, Blyth continued: “We ask ministers to maintain their commitment to this important policy and also to the government’s earlier stated intention to consider extending mandatory carbon reporting to all large businesses.”
IEMA and its members have been heavily involved in the development and implementation of mandatory carbon reporting, with around 70% of professionals surveyed by the Institute saying that GHG reporting delivers cost savings and 77% reporting that it leads to environmental benefits.
Evidence submitted by IEMA was used by the environment department in planning the legislation and the Institute encouraged its members to participate in the “smarter guidance” consultation.