PAS 2060: Standard for Carbon Neutrality
What Is PAS 2060?
To minimise the effects of climate change, countries need to significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and their total greenhouse gas emissions. A large portion of which comes from commercial and industrial activities, therefore businesses must bear the responsibility for minimising emissions and overall environmental protection.
To show their commitment to protecting the environment, companies often claim to be carbon neutral, or that their emissions do not contribute to a net increase in global emission levels. PAS 2060 is an internationally recognised standard designed to verify the accuracy of these claims and help companies achieve true carbon neutrality through earnest means.
Developed by the British Standards Institution and implemented in 2010, PAS 2060 presents four key stages to carbon neutrality — measurement, reduction, offsetting and documentation. At the end of the process, businesses can pursue verification with an independent third party like NQA. Although the standard does allow companies to purchase carbon credits as part of the process, it's important to note that offsets must meet certain criteria, and companies cannot receive PAS 2060 verification using offsetting alone.
The standard builds on existing environmental standards such as ISO 14001 and PAS 2050, which deal with the emissions of products throughout their lifespans. No matter what sector you operate in, your organisation can use the PAS 2060 standard to strengthen relationships with customers and contribute to the long-term stability of life on Earth.
Looking to implement PAS 2060? Not sure where to start? Take a look at our PAS 2060 Implementation Guide here.
Helps you with
The benefits of PAS 2060 verification make reducing your organisation's greenhouse gas emissions well worth the effort.
This standard helps organisations:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Build better environmental policy
- Invest in meaningful carbon offsets
- Increase environmental transparency
- Establish a responsible brand image
- Strengthen customer loyalty
- Boost resource efficiency and lower spending
- Meet the supplier requirements of sustainable brands
- Comply with current and future environmental regulations
Is PAS 2060 Verification Right For Me?
PAS 2060 applies to a wide variety of industries and business models. This means you can implement the standard and reap the benefits whether you manufacture a product, operate a building or transportation system, provide a service, run an event or conduct another type of business.
PAS 2060 verification might be right for you if:
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You want to support your environmental claims with impartial verification and evidence.
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You need to reduce your emissions and improve your environmental record to remain competitive.
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You want to meet customer demand for more environmentally-friendly products and services.
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You hope to serve as a supplier for more environmentally-conscious businesses.
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Your claims of carbon neutrality have been met with skepticism in the past.
Why Become PAS 2060 Verified?
PAS 2060 verification is voluntary. However, there are still many reasons to implement the standard beyond environmental responsibility.
Verification by an independent third party gives your organization more credibility, helping you build public trust and ensuring you get proper credit for the carbon-reduction policies you implement. It can also help you use resources more efficiently and reduce energy spending for greater profit margins.
How NQA Can Help
A verification body should provide value for money when you choose to become PAS 2060 verified. At NQA, we provide UKAS-accredited independent verification and can help guide you through the process to understand the requirements. We can also support you in your journey to carbon neutrality through training and skills development.
To learn more about our PAS 2060 verification services, please get in touch today.