LSE becomes first UK organization to achieve verification to BSI’s new Carbon Neutrality scheme

4 November 2021

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has become the first organization in the UK to be verified by BSI against PAS 2060:2014 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality verification scheme.

BSI’s latest scheme enables organizations to transparently verify their sustainability claims and carbon neutral status through a BSI led independent assessment. The scheme validates the actions taken by organizations to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing a carbon management plan. It specifies the requirements an organization needs to meet to demonstrate carbon neutrality through quantification, reduction and offsetting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including those of its supply chain.  

This comes at a time when the sustainability claims made by organizations are increasingly scrutinized, particularly since the UK Government set its ambitious target to achieve carbon net-zero status by 2050. Committing to achieve verification against PAS 2060 provides organizations with a recognized framework to map and plan their net-zero journey.

Martin Townsend, Global Head of Sustainability at BSI, said:

“Reducing impacts on climate change is the most significant challenge we face today. As we all embark on this journey to net-zero, being able to validate your carbon neutrality status is crucial to knowing if your carbon management plan is effective. And, importantly, that your claims aren’t misleading, which can damage your reputation.

“The issue of ‘greenwashing’ is coming under increasing scrutiny from stakeholders and consumers, and PAS 2060 verification provides a recognized method of substantiating an organization’s genuine sustainability claims.

“LSE has taken decisive action and shown real commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. This is an important and significant achievement and LSE should be congratulated for becoming the first UK organization to be verified as carbon neutral by BSI.”

Charles Joly, Head of Sustainability at LSE, said:

“LSE has worked over the years to reduce its carbon footprint, with our direct emissions having reduced by 44% since 2005. Our additional mitigation efforts supporting carbon reduction projects means we have now achieved carbon neutrality, a milestone on our journey to meet our net-zero carbon targets. Obtaining independent verification from BSI provides assurance to our stakeholders on the robustness of our approach and data.”  

For more information on PAS 2060:2014 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality please visit the BSI website www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/pas-2060-carbon-neutrality