by Shane Henson — November 5, 2012—The Carbon Trust, a London-based organization that helps businesses, governments and the public sector to accelerate the move to a low-carbon economy, has announced the winners of three awards recognizing the top U.K. achievements in carbon management and reduction over the past year. This series of awards recognizes the leading performers in Carbon Trust Standard certification assessments for 2011-2012.
The Carbon Trust Standard certifies that organizations have reduced their carbon emissions and demonstrated a strong commitment to making further reductions year-by-year. Achieving certification demonstrates that positive action has been taken in cutting carbon emissions, helping to mitigate climate change and increase energy efficiency, the organization says.
More than 650 organizations have received the Carbon Trust Standard since its launch in 2008. Collectively, Carbon Trust Standard holders have cut their emissions by more than 4.3 million tonnes of CO2 and equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gases, while also cutting their gas, electricity and fuel costs by over £645 million.
The categories for which special recognition have been awarded are for: best carbon management score; largest absolute reduction as a percentage of total footprint; and biggest improvement in carbon emissions relative to turnover (gross revenues) intensity.
The winners for each category are:
- Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.—Best in Carbon Management (2011-12): Following a rigorous 12-week assessment process, Coca-Cola Enterprises achieved a score of 95% for carbon performance, which is the highest score ever awarded by the Carbon Trust.
- FairTrades Ltd.—Best in Absolute Carbon Reduction (2011-12) ): FairTrades Ltd. was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change by measuring, managing and reducing its carbon emissions by an impressive 31%. This was achieved through a number of measures including the installation of timers on hot water urns, vending machines and cold water dispensers, staff awareness, and greater use of audio-conferencing facilities to reduce fuel consumed by traveling to meetings.
- Glanbia Plc.—Best in Relative Carbon Reduction (2011-12) ): Glanbia was the first Irish dairy company to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard and has gone on to set the highest bar for carbon reduction on a relative basis to output. The award follows a concerted effort by management and staff in Glanbia’s Virginia facility in Co. Cavan, Ireland that has resulted in an impressive 23% reduction in carbon emissions relative to turnover over the last three years.
