Businesses and organisations of all sizes now have a way of proving their green credentials following the launch of the Carbon Trust Standard certificate.

To be awarded the certificate, businesses must be able to prove they have reduced their carbon footprint by accurately measuring their emissions year-on-year.

The scheme does not allow organisations to off-set carbon emissions. Companies must reduce their own carbon footprint to qualify.

The Trust said it wanted to inspire businesses across the UK to get involved in taking action on climate change.

The organisation also said achieving the certificate would enable companies to take advantage of the bottom line benefits of reducing emissions, and show customers which brands were truly green.

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust said:

“Our research shows that not only do consumers currently mistrust business’ climate change claims, but that business thinks existing carbon award schemes are confusing and lack credibility.

“What business and consumers both share is a desire for one, credible way to prove an organisation has not only measured, but actually reduced their carbon emissions year-on-year without the use of offsetting.”

Dragons’ Den panellist Deborah Meaden is a passionate advocate of the scheme. She told Startups:

“I was staggered to know that there wasn’t a scheme to accurately measure your carbon footprint. When I buy things I want to buy them for the right reason. I want to know that if somebody says they’re fair-trade they are fair-trade, and if somebody says they’re organic that they are.

“If I choose to spend my hard earned money on something which claims to have a reduced carbon emission effect then I want to know it’s guaranteed.”

In response to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) receiving the certificate this week, environment secretary Hillary Benn, commented:

"We all need to take action to reduce our carbon footprints as we move towards a low carbon economy and the award Defra has been given today by the Carbon Trust recognises the progress the department has made.

“It's easy to point the finger at others but far more challenging to look at your own behaviour and change it. I am pleased to see that so many organisations want to do that and consider the environmental impact of their businesses.”

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008