New greenhouse-gas emissions reporting aims to reduce costs

The Government has announced new regulations that will affect the way in which companies report their greenhouse-gas emissions (GHG).

From September this year these reports will need to include disclosures on a company’s emissions, both within the UK and internationally — a requirement of the Climate Change Act 2008.

In June 2012, the Government introduced GHG reporting as mandatory for listed companies and potentially to be broadened out to all companies by 2015.

Organisations will be required to report on their scope 1 (direct) and scope 2 (indirect) GHG emissions, which also include the six primary Kyoto gases, namely: carbon dioxide; methane; nitrous oxide; hydrofluorocarbons; perfluorocarbons; and sulphur hexafluride.

The regulations aim to help organisations measure and report environmental performance, thus facilitating lower energy use.

Martin Baxter, executive director, policy at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), welcomed the announcement, saying: “The publication of regulations on greenhouse-gas reporting is an opportunity for all businesses to focus on efficiency, drive down costs and reduce their environmental impact.

“GHG reporting can deliver significant benefits, with around 70 per cent of companies that IEMA surveyed saying that GHG will deliver cost savings, and 77 per cent saying it will lead to environmental benefits.”

The requirement comes into effect from 30 September 2013, with companies expected to report on their GHG emissions based on their specific company reporting year.

For the full reporting guidelines, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/206392/pb13944-env-reporting-guidance.pdf

Approaches to managing the risks associated Musculoskeletal disorders

In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, we hear from Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics Consultant at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, about the different approaches to managing the risks associated with Musculoskeletal disorders.

Matt, an ergonomics and human factors expert, shares his thoughts on why MSDs are important, the various prevalent rates across the UK, what you can do within your own organisation and the Risk Management process surrounding MSD’s.

Listen now!