Coalition Calls For Carbon Reporting Standards

The Aldersgate Group, a coalition of environment agencies, think tanks, NGOs and businesses, has called for mandatory carbon reporting standards to be included in an amended Climate Change Bill.

A letter from the group, published in the Financial Times today, argues carbon emissions are now a material commodity with an economic and financial value to business, investors and the city.  They need to be properly defined, measured, accounted for, audited and reported in a similar way to other physical commodities and financial instruments. 

Only by taking such a rigorous, transparent and common approach can UK businesses work on a level playing field, allowing investors and consumers to make low-carbon choices and comparisons, it is suggested.

While these proposals are aimed at listed companies in particular, it is clear that climate change inspired reporting by businesses is going to gain momentum. 

Most startups and small businesses would say they have less and less time to deal with what many would see as increasing layers of red tape.  Action on reducing environmental impact must therefore be the focus for SMEs and a light touch reporting model a priority as policy in this area evolves.

| aldersgate group | carbon reporting | climate change |