Support for GHG reporting rises

IEMA members increasingly favour the introduction of mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, according to new research by the institute.

Support for GHG reporting has increased from 80% to 90% among the almost 900 environment professionals responding to the latest IEMA survey.

“Since we last did our survey in 2010 there has been a significant increase in the proportion of our members supporting mandatory GHG reporting,” said Martin Baxter, policy directoy at IEMA.

Survey respondents overwhelmingly back “option 3” in the Defra consultation on reporting, which closed yesterday (5 July). Over 86% support this option, which will place an obligation to report on between 17,000 and 31,000 companies.

“In 2010, 50% of UK FTSE 350 companies made their disclosures public compared to 65% in the rest of the world. It is vital that the government makes a decision to make GHG reporting mandatory to enable the UK to take a leading position in business responsibility,” said Baxter

The research also uncovered some of the potential business and environmental benefits of requiring companies to disclose their GHG emissions. Over two-thirds (69%) of respondents say that GHG reporting will deliver cost savings, while more than three-quarters (77%) claim it will lead to environmental benefits – those reporting benefits indicate an average of 4.5% CO2 savings a year. And, 92% say a legal obligation to disclose will provide a simplified reporting framework and level playing field for reporting on their carbon emissions.

“IEMA’s research clearly demonstrates that the long-term savings and environmental benefits of reporting on GHG emissions clearly outweigh the initial costs needed to establish reporting systems within companies,” said Baxter.

The CBI has also given its backing to mandatory reporting. As the Defra consultation closed, the employers’ body reiterated its call for its introduction, arguing that mandatory carbon reporting would help firms monitor and manage their emissions effectively.

“Mandatory carbon reporting is a great way of making boardrooms aware of the savings possible through energy efficiency,” said director of business environment Rhian Kelly.

“To be effective, it is important that the government phases in the introduction of mandatory reporting and makes the process simple for companies to follow.”