7 May

Landcare scheme receives international recognition

Unique international accreditation places a ‘line in the sand’ between carboNZero programme and its’ competitors.

Landcare Research's carboNZero programme has become the first greenhouse gas certification scheme in the world to receive international accreditation under the auspices of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

The announcement coincides with a submission today to the ETS select committee by the technical manager from the carboNZero programme, Professor Ann Smith in which she says overseas markets are demanding that New Zealand companies understand, measure and manage their carbon footprint or emissions.

The international accreditation has been made by the Joint Accreditation Service – Australian and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) which is an international accreditation body established by a treaty between the New Zealand and Australian governments and linked through the IAF which promotes mutual acceptance of certification to common international standards.

Prof Smith says the accreditation means the carboNZero programme offers a framework for businesses here and overseas to measure and report their carbon footprint that has been verified against a global standard and which is accepted in 50 major world economies.

“One of the main benefits of JAS-ANZ accreditation is that it provides export clients with assurances that we’re accredited by a body that all their overseas markets recognise. Furthermore, it provides our clients with assurances that the programme meets those international standards and is operated to a level of quality of world repute.”

This provides a framework that is internationally accepted that they can use to measure and report their carbon claims with confidence and credibility.

Business Manager Mike Tournier says accreditation is a critical part of Landcare Research’s plans to ensure the carboNZero programme has the highest level of credibility and integrity. The accreditation elevates the carboNZero programme to ‘global elite status’, he says.

“The achievement is proof that we are one of the top 3 greenhouse gas certification schemes of the world. It clearly places a line in the sand between us and the pretenders.”

In her submission to the ETS select committee Prof Smith says personal views on climate change are now irrelevant.

“What’s important is that businesses understand their emissions profile or carbon footprint. Measuring the footprint reveals opportunities to address inefficiencies and boost financial returns as well as make informed environmental choices.

“Because organisations and products are being compared by shareholders, stakeholders and markets on the basis of what their footprint is then they need assurances that everybody is being measured against a standard that’s been verified so there are no misleading claims in the market. Our certification programme provides this.”

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York, will be presenting The Outward Bound Trust (UK) with the first CEMARS certificate issued under our JAS-ANZ accreditation at a presentation in London on May 6 (May 7 NZST).

The Outward Bound Trust (UK) meets the requirements of CEMARS certification having measured and committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in its organisation and operational activities within the UK.

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