Carbon footprint

Carbon footprint

Carbon footprinting is an assessment and reporting methodology that enables companies, buildings and cities to more accurately calculate carbon emissions and identify areas for improvement. Bureau Veritas has extensive experience offering carbon footprint verification (CFV) to standards that help organizations measure and report on their carbon footprint rigorously and transparently.

Carbon footprinting is a recognized best practice for companies seeking to track their carbon output in an effort to reduce it. Accurate monitoring and reporting shows companies where changes can be made and impact minimized, helping them achieve net zero targets.

Both voluntary standards and protocols and mandatory reporting regimes exist to which businesses can assess and report their carbon footprint thoroughly and transparently. Using holistic, structured methodologies consistent with standards of lifecycle assessment, they give organizations the information and guidance they need to reduce emissions.

Verification by an experienced and trusted body like Bureau Veritas sends a powerful message about the strength of a company’s commitment to achieving sustainable operations.

Key Benefits

  • Ensure compliance

    with legal requirements

  • Prove your commitment

    to sustainability and demonstrate transparency in communications

  • Take first steps

    toward identifying improvements to limit carbon emissions from operations

  • Build trust among stakeholders

    with open reporting and third party-verified information

  • Boost the reputation of your company and products

    by sharing accurate carbon footprint information

Prove transparency and accuracy

The World Resources Institute & World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Greenhouse Gas Protocol is the original standard for GHG inventories, supplying a framework for measuring and reporting emissions. It encompasses three main scopes: organization process emissions, emissions from organization energy supply, and supply chain and upstream production. Certain standards also cover customer point of use and International Standard for Assurance Engagements (ISAE 3000) is preferred in some contexts. Bureau Veritas can offer the right GHG emissions verification and assurance to enable companies to demonstrate reporting best practice and prove that information shared is accurate and bias-free.

Demonstrate your GHG credentials 

ISO 14064-1 contains requirements and guidance for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals at an organizational level. It covers everything from the design to the verification of a GHG inventory. Bureau Veritas has offered ISO 14064-1 verifications since 2006, and has extensive experience with the standard. Verification enables organizations to voluntarily demonstrate the robustness of their carbon footprint calculations and measurements via public reporting. 

Communicate directly about environmental impact 

For companies looking to certify the environmental impact of a product or service, ISO 14067 offers guidelines for the quantification and communication of its carbon footprint. ISO 14067 also gives credibility to carbon labeling (declarations on products or at point of sale). Verification with a trusted partner like Bureau Veritas helps consumers make informed, positive choices about their purchases and fosters trust among all stakeholders.  

Gain entry into the EU carbon market 

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the world's first and biggest carbon market. Through its “cap and trade” system, a limit is set on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted by installations. For European industrial installations over a certain size in carbon intense sectors, EU ETS reporting is mandatory. Bureau Veritas is accredited to provide verification of emissions, enabling organizations to prove compliance with EU ETS regulations and secure eligibility to trade emissions allowances and credits. 

Achieve compliance in the aviation industry  

Verification of aviation emissions under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is mandatory for international aircraft operators in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 117 member states. Bureau Veritas’ verification services enable airlines to achieve compliance and demonstrate environmental responsibility. 

FURTHER READING

Related documents

WHITE PAPER: Reducing emissions, demonstrating transparency
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WEBINAR: Don't let Carbon slip through the Net
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Carbon Footprint Verification service sheet
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