ISEP's Response To The Consultation On The Term "Carbon Neutral": Its Definition And Recommendations For Good Practice

DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) issued a consultation on the term 'Carbon Neutral' in February 2009. The consultation closed on 21st May 2009.ISEP sought the views of its membership and have co-ordinated a response.

The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on a draft definition for the term 'Carbon Neutral' that can be used by individuals and organisations and in relation to the products (goods and services) they provide along with guidance for associated processes for measuring reducing and offsetting.

ISEP responded to this consultation following a consultation workshop in London that included DECC participation. Outputs from this event were collated and along with further member contributions a draft ISEP response has now been compiled.

A significant issue raised at the workshop and in ISEP's draft response is the potential for carbon offsets to squeeze out action on emission reductions. Various ideas were suggested to address this including organisational voluntary commitments a stronger (clearer) hierarchy approach and a proposal to re-align the carbon neutral equation to more directly promote reductions at source through a cost differential. Other ISEP comments and proposals are focused on the need for transparency and clearer messaging.