RESOURCES: 2011 Revisions to International Standards for Calculating Carbon Footprint

We are happy to share that the recent 2011 publication of a widely used standard used for calculating carbon footprint is here!  The up-to-date 2011 edition of PAS 2050 (BSI’s standard used by organizations internationally to calculate the carbon footprint of their goods and services) is now clearer and more applicable.  This makes the PAS 2050 methodology more relevant and accessible to a wider range of organizations.  It does this by addressing some key issues raised by the international carbon footprinting community, as well as the experiences of PAS 2050 users since the standard was first published in 2008.

More specifically, the 2011 edition addresses five key areas we were excited to learn about:  First, it clarifies ambiguities that have become apparent in the application of the standard.  Second, it takes account of advances in knowledge and understanding that have emerged since PAS 2050 was first published.  It better reflects the way organizations use the standard and encourages greater use of the PAS 2050 methodology.  Lastly, it aligns the PAS 2050 methodology as much as possible with other internationally recognized footprint methods … making it easier to apply and adopt for all of us.

So what’s changed?  Some of the significant changes arising from the revision included a provision for the development and application of ‘supplementary requirements’ to enable more specific greenhouse gas emissions assessment within sectors or product groups.  It also includes emissions from biogenic sources (e.g. biomass) and provides greater clarity on the treatment of recyclable material.

Read more on the PAS 2050 website and grab your free, downloadable copy today.