S&C Electric Company has been awarded the ISO accredited CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme) certification for measuring its UK carbon footprint and committing to a 10% improvement in carbon performance over the next five years.
To achieve the certification, S&C developed a robust measurement process to accurately measure its energy use and carbon emissions, and established a specific carbon inventory and carbon management plan to improve performance. These processes and documents were assessed by an independent auditor from Achilles carbon Reduction programme. S&C’s emissions inventory reporting was awarded top marks, based on consistency, accuracy and transparency.
The certified areas include S&C’s Swansea Head Office, as well as all business travel undertaken by the staff, including local and international. Some early initiatives that S&C has put in place to meet the 10% reduction are to implement a staff awareness programme and to increase the use of video conferencing across the organisation.
Andrew Jones, managing director, S&C Electric Company Europe, said: “After embarking on the CEMARS certification eighteen months ago, we are pleased to have achieved this robust measurement certification, which gives us the confidence that we are starting our carbon reduction journey in the right way. By fixing a long term reduction target we’re aiming to stimulate innovation and creativity internally to separate our emissions from growth, which in turn will protect the future value of the business.”
S&C will report its energy use and carbon performance on an annual basis until April 2016. At the end of this period, to retain the CEMARS certification, S&C Europe has to demonstrate that its carbon emissions have been reduced. S&C has set a target to reduce by an average of 10% across the five year assessment period, relative to turnover. As well as disclosing its energy data, S&C will also annually update Achilles on its carbon management plans, policies and investments.
Frances Darton, Achilles carbonReduction programme manager said: “We are delighted that S&C Electric Europe have completed their CEMARS certification. This demonstrates that the organisation is committed to measuring and managing greenhouse gases in a robust and credible manner under an international standard, and is leading the way on emissions management”.
CEMARS is the world’s first internationally accredited greenhouse gas certification scheme to meet ISO 14064. It was developed by Landcare Research (a Crown Research institute owned by the New Zealand Government) based on 15 years scientific research by greenhouse gas experts. It covers all six internationally recognised greenhouse gas emissions.
Andrew Jones, added: “As a leader in electrical power solutions, we work closely with the latest green energy technologies, such as smart grids and renewable energy. We recognise that our clients in those areas are seeking suppliers to be consistent with their aims to maximise energy generation and efficiency. Our CEMARS certification is evidence that those principles are as evident in our own operations as they are in the solutions we provide.”
