The guidance published under the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2008, outlines a simple and clear step-by-step process on how an organisation should calculate its own corporate ‘carbon footprint.’

The Government’s Climate Change Act 2008 sets the framework for how the UK will manage and respond to the threat of climate change.

The Climate Change Act requires the government to publish guidance on the measurement or calculation of emissions.

This guidance is voluntary, but by 6 April 2012, the government must introduce regulations requiring the mandatory reporting of emissions or explain why this has not happened.

The closing date for responses to the public consultation is August 7 and the guidance is due to be published after the consultation by October 1.

Hilary Benn, secretary of state for the environment, said: “I hope this guidance will make the measuring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions easier for all organisations as a first step in helping them to manage and reduce their emissions.

“It is not just aimed at large, listed companies; smaller enterprises also have a part to play in tackling GHG emissions.”

Joan Ruddock, minister for climate change, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our planet and as a Government we know we can only fight it if we have popular support and people are willing to act.

“If we are going to tackle climate change effectively then we need to help organisations calculate their own carbon footprint.”

The consultation document and guidance are available from <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/greenhouse-gas/index.htm"Defra.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe