18 Mar 2010
Landcare Research's carboNZero programme is about to expand its services into Ireland. Backed by more than a decade of research, the programme now has 8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) under management, 170,000 tonnes of GHG offsets undertaken, 275 certifications issued, 250+ organisations contracted to become certified, and international licences in place.
CarboNZero is described by Landcare as New Zealand’s preferred GHG emissions management and reduction scheme, offering optional mitigation strategies through the provision of credible and verified offsets.It is said to be the world’s first internationally accredited GHG certification scheme and the first ISO 14065 accredited GHG verifier outside of the USA.
In an unsourced and unverified media statement Landcare says the carboNZero programme offers a certification mark that is accepted in 50 major world economies, including Ireland. Among the organisations they have recently certified is Emirates luxury Australian eco-resort – the first hotel in the world to achieve carboNZero certification.
“Emirates has built its success upon operating at the highest level of credibility and integrity. When seeking carbon neutral status, naturally these same standards applied, which is why we chose a solution that was science-based, third-party verified and aligned with both international best practice and the new Australian legislation,” says Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts and Projects, Emirates Hotels and Resorts.
Assurance from some of the United Kingdom’s leading businesses is testament to the standing of the programme.
According to Nick Main, Deloittes’ London-based Global Managing Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability, “…there are a number of claims of carbon neutrality which are of questionable reliability. CarbonNZero certification provides assurance to consumers that the claims are made against independently generated standards, programmes that have been verified and results that have been independently assured.”
Source: Landcare media release via Scoop (edited)
