BSI is part of a new standards initiative which has been launched at COP26 with the aim of giving industry practical guidance to meet net-zero ambitions.
BSI, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the UN backed Race to Zero campaign have together set up the Our 2050 World initiative to address the climate challenge. Common standards adopted worldwide could make a substantial contribution to provide that guidance and accelerate progress by companies, organisations and cities, according to Our 2050 World.
A commitment to support Race to Zero using standards was announced at Cop26 in the United Nations Global Innovation Hub.
Despite an increasing number of net zero corporate commitments, there is a lack of direction for business leaders as to how these targets can be met according to Our 2050 World. Analysis by sustainable finance firm Arabesque published earlier this year stated that fewer than 25% pf the world’s big, public companies are on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Industry needs clear, practical guidance to meet their net zero ambitions according to the initiative. It aims to:-
- provide clarity and consistency on net zero targets, measurement and reporting
- make climate action easier with accessible and pragmatic guidance
- accelerate innovation with standards
Director general standards at BSI, Scott Steedman said: “We recognise the urgent need for better guidance and clear metrics for organisations everywhere to track emissions reductions and progress to net zero target. Agreeing common standards on principles, processes and products and service that can work with national regulatory frameworks will accelerate the global transition”.
“As a member of ISO, BSI is well placed to engage with the trusted, global standards network to deliver real, practical change through the promotion of common approaches to solving complex problems. The national delegation process on which international standards are built means that all voices can be heard and together all stakeholders can capture good practice and agree on the best way forward. Our 2050 World will enable transformational collective action to ensure that the future will be decided through consensus”