The Achilles carbonReduction programme allows suppliers to measure, manage and report their organisational footprint via CEMARS (Certified Emissions Management and Reduction Scheme). Suppliers pay an annual subscription fee to have access to an online tool for gathering, calculating and managing data on greenhouse gas emissions. This data is then used to produce an Emissions Inventory Report, followed by a Management and Reduction Plan. These pieces are then validated by audit following which the supplier receives certification.
Industry roll out
The carbonReduction programme is being deployed through Achilles’ unique collaborative industry model. This roll out will initially be to the UK utilities industry in 2008 but with a plan to extend to other sectors who want a practical and cost effective solution to this issue. The scheme entered its pilot phase in April 2008 with full roll out to the UK Utilities sector in the summer. The programme is being supported by a number of leading Utilities and has been endorsed by Anglian Water, Scottish and Southern Energy, United Utilities, E-ON UK, and National Grid.
Achilles offers CEMARS certification under license from the carboNZero strategic business unit which is a division of Achilles technical partner Landcare Research. The carboNZero strategic business unit including CEMARS certification is ISO 14065 accredited. The carboNZero strategic business unit retains the authority and responsibility for the certification decision.
Participation
Buying organisations
At present all buyers within Achilles UK Utilities scheme (UVDB) who wish to see the carbon footprinting information of their suppliers can apply to join by contacting us at: carbonreduction@achilles.com.
If you are a buyer in the Utilities sector who is not yet registered on one of our schemes, contact us at: uvdbenquiries@achilles.com.
If you are a buyer in a different sector then we are happy to discuss the prospect of opening the programme to your sector, contact us at: carbonreduction@achilles.com.
Benefits to buyers
- Align suppliers with your carbon reduction strategy
- Gain visibility of carbon related supply chain risk
- Make informed purchasing decisions
- Meet your sustainable procurement goals
- Gain access to a knowledge rich Community of Practice
Suppliers
The programme is open to all suppliers wishing to share information with a buying community in the UK Utilities sector. Simply review the guidance steps and contact us at: carbonreduction@achilles.com
Benefits to suppliers
- Understand how to manage and reduce your carbon emissions
- Defend your claims about your emissions and reduction plans with verified information
- Provide the information your buyers need to make informed purchasing decisions
- Provide data for your corporate responsibility reporting through frameworks such as GRI.
- Provide data to support your submissions to Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and Carbon Reduction Commitment
- Promote your greenhouse gas emissions measurement and management to prospective buyers through an industry recognised certification
The programme structure