BSI launches verification scheme to help organizations reduce carbon footprint

18 June 2018

-Skanska is first organization to achieve verification from BSI and demonstrate commitment to low carbon projects-

BSI, the business improvement company, has today launched a new verification certification scheme to help infrastructure organizations reduce the volume of carbon used throughout their projects.

The PAS 2080: 2016 Carbon management in infrastructure scheme has been developed following the HM Treasury’s Infrastructure Carbon Review, which encourages the infrastructure community to cooperate in the development of low carbon infrastructure projects. The recommendations in the review have the potential to reduce up to 24 million tonnes of carbon and save the UK £1.46 billion a year by 2050[1].

The infrastructure industry is one of the biggest contributors of UK CO2 emissions, currently associated with 53% of the total UK emissions. This is expected to increase to over 80% of the 2025 national carbon reduction target and again to 90% in 2050.[2]

Skanska, a leading contractor and developer, is the first UK organization to achieve verification of their carbon management processes to PAS 2080: 2016 Carbon management in infrastructure from BSI. In order to achieve certification, organizations undergo an independent assessment including a rigorous on-site audit covering all the requirements of PAS 2080. Following the initial assessment, organizations will be assessed on an annual basis.

Adam Crossley, Director of Environment at Skanska commented:

“We are delighted that our capability in relation to carbon management has received independent verification from BSI.

“Our leadership in achieving certification to PAS 2080 clearly demonstrates our commitment to addressing the carbon challenge and creating value for our customers through low carbon solutions.

“We are now proud to say we are PAS 2080 ready.”

Natasha Bambridge, UK Product Certification Director at BSI said:

“Creating a sustainable way of working in infrastructure is critical to the future of the industry; by working collaboratively towards a common goal to reduce carbon, infrastructure organizations have the power to see economic gains and leave a sustainable legacy.

“Skanska should be delighted that they are leading the way with this. Verification to PAS 2080 will help them to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the effectiveness of their business.”

The PAS 2080 assessment covers:

Setting appropriate carbon reduction targets
Determining baselines against which to assess carbon reduction performance
Establishing metrics (e.g. Key Performance Indicators) for credible carbon emissions quantification and reporting
Selecting carbon emissions quantification methodologies (to include defining boundaries and cut off rules)
Reporting at appropriate stages in the infrastructure work stages to enable visibility of performance; and
Continual improvement of carbon management and performance