So you have an environmental policy and maybe you even hold ISO 14001 certification, but the new 10:10 scheme supported by the government, the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust is a way you can publically demonstrate your commitment to your environmental policy and also get free help and advice on how to achieve a reduction in the carbon footprint of your business.
What is involved?
You simply go to the 10:10 website and register; although by registering you are committing to a 10% reduction in your carbon foot print within the next 12 months.
Your business name will be displayed on the web site and although you are committing to a 10% reduction, if you can achieve a minimum of 3% reduction in a 12 month period, this will meet your 10:10 pledge.
How to cut your carbon foot print?
The 10:10 pledge will focus on four areas for carbon emission reduction; electricity use, gas and other facility energy use, road transport and air travel.
The pledge is not externally audited but does provide you with online tools to suggest ways to reduce and monitor your overall carbon footprint.
You will benefit not only from potential cost savings linked to carbon footprint reduction, but also from free publicity. The 10:10 site aims to publicise all organisations that meet the pledge so keep them informed of what’s going on in your business.
Overall this is a simple scheme that could provide you with an excellent way of managing ISO 14001 improvement objectives, realising cost saving initiatives and creating free publicity that you can communicate to your stakeholders.