NERC recognised by the Carbon Trust for its step towards net zero

BGS’s parent body, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has become the first public sector organisation to be recognised by the Carbon Trust for its step towards net zero. This covers all business activities of BGS.

The Route to Net Zero Standard is a robust and independent assessment of an organisation’s steps towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. It helps organisations measure and manage their emissions, inform carbon reduction strategies and align targets for the future. ‘Taking action’ is the first of three tiers under the Carbon Trust certification. The next two tiers are ‘advancing’ and ‘leading’.

Environmental science is at the heart of research that looks at both the impacts of human activity on the environment and the changes we can make to reduce that impact. The Carbon Trust certification demonstrates NERC’s commitment to leading the way in meeting net zero targets, well ahead of the UK deadline. At the same time, we recognise that we are only starting on this road and much needs to be done for us to reach net zero.

Prof Sir Duncan Wingham, NERC Executive Chair.

Whilst the Carbon Trust standard recognises reduction in emissions, they have made a set of recommendations for how NERC can move to the next level of certification, including improving understanding of NERC ‘s scope three footprint and the steps required to drive decarbonisation in this area.