Big step for the carboNZero programme
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 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.
Technical Manager, Professor Ann 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. ‘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 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.’
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has presented The Outward Bound Trust (UK) with the first CEMARS certificate issued under our JAS-ANZ accreditation. 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.