BSI has revised its carbon neutrality standard, PAS 2060, to broaden its scope and clarify advice on how firms can communicate claims of being carbon neutral
First published in 2010, PAS 2060 provides a framework on becoming carbon neutral and a list of requirements that must be met to demonstrate that neutrality. It can be applied to products, business activities or entire companies.
BP, IEMA and the Forestry Commission were among the organisations involved with updating PAS 2060, as well as standards bodies based in China and Taiwan.
The second edition of PAS 2060 includes new material on how users can present carbon neuatrality claims in promotional material, as well as a new annex on applying the standard in the events sector which, it was felt, needed more detailed guidance than was available in the original standard.
David Fatscher, head of market development for sustainability at BSI, said the amendments had been driven by feedback from users. “It was a collaborative and multi-stakeholder revision process. The changes reflect comments from the people who have actually used PAS 2060 since its publication.”
IEMA’s policy and practice lead Nick Blyth was a member of the steering group for the revision. He said: “Some claims of carbon neutrality have in the past generated concerns and scepticism over the accuracy of data used or what is being achieved through offsetting.
“Having clear and transparent guidance will have positive implications for business and also for their stakeholders and customers. This refocusing of PAS 2060 is good news for local governments, communities, organisations, social groups and individuals working towards achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality.”
