The Carbon Trust has launched the Footprint Verification service to provide companies and organisations with independent verification of their corporate carbon footprints.
The service aims to help companies and organisations manage the increasing demand for robust carbon emissions data in CSR & annual reports and websites, as well as to support the disclosure of emissions to third party stakeholders, such as shareholders and investors. Using the new service, organisations can display a Footprint Verification logo, in conjunction with the carbon footprint data, showing that their emissions have been verified. The verified carbon footprint provided is compliant with both the internationally recognised GHG Protocol, as well as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Harry Morrison director Carbon Trust Certification, said: 'With the prospect of mandatory carbon reporting on the horizon and increasing pressure from shareholders for carbon disclosure, more companies and organisations are seeking independent assurance that their carbon footprint has been measured robustly and accurately. Most companies understand now that what you can't measure, you can't manage. And Footprint Verification is a key service for those wanting to build a robust foundation for their carbon management strategy.'

Recent findings from the Carbon Trust show that 50 per cent of multinationals look set to select their suppliers based upon carbon performance in the future.

Mr Morrison continued: 'The business case for measuring and reducing carbon emissions stretches beyond internal cost efficiency and improving environmental reputation. Effective carbon management also offers significant rewards for businesses seeking to secure their places on enterprise supply chains, which nowadays increasingly look to their suppliers to play an active role in cutting emissions.'