Frequently asked questions
In this section you can find the answers to some commonly asked questions about online assessment.
If you can't find the answer to your question please email us
Q1. How does this differ from 'offline' certification/assessment?
Q2. What is a reduction project?
Q3. What sort of emissions information do I need to include during the assessment? What if I want to include business travel or process emissions information?
Q4. What sort of questions are involved in the Carbon Management section?
Q5. We already use carbon management software to measure our footprint. Will this be of any advantage?
Q6. How will I know if I have achieved certification?
Q7. How much does online certification cost?
Q8. How can I check on the status of my registration? What should I do if I have registered but not yet received my login details?
Q1. How does this differ from 'offline' certification/assessment?
Answer: Recognising the difference in available resources for different organisations, online assessment is a simple, self-guided way for an SME to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard.
The requirements for certification - footprint reduction and good carbon management - are the same are for 'offline' certification. It is meant to primarily replace our existing 'Certification Only' service for SME organisations.
If you find that you require more extensive support and guidance in assembling your carbon footprint or completing your application, there are plenty of helpful web resources or you may want to considering undergoing an assisted certification.
All applications will be checked by our team for compliance with the requirements of the Carbon Trust Standard.
Q2. What is a reduction project?
Answer: In order to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard, all organisations need to demonstrate either an aboslute or relative reduction in their carbon emissions. For SMEs with an energy spend of less than £50,000 this can be done by either:
- Providing 2 years worth of footprint data demonstrating a reduction in the second (most recent) year; or
- Providing 1 year of footprint data + evidence of a project reduction >=2% of the footprint
The carbon reduction project must have been completed within the last year (i.e. during the footprint period).
Details of the project require an estimate at how much carbon was saved and are typically very simple calculations along with proof that it was indeed undertaken. Sample projects include changing your lighting, upgrading your heating/insulation, switching to more fuel efficient vehicles, etc. Details of these are entered at the end of the Carbon Management section and supporting calculation/implementation proof should be uploaded as Supporting Evidence.
Q3. What sort of emissions information do I need to include during the assessment? What if I want to include business travel or process emissions information?
Answer: During assessment, organisations need to demonstrate that they can accurately quantify important sources of emissions, including electricity consumption, on-site fuel use (including gas, oil, etc.), and owned/leased transport. We call this a Level 1 assessment.
As it is not required for initial certification, the online assessment system is not set-up to record additional emission sources - including business travel or process/fugitive emissions - at this time.
Q4. What sort of questions are involved in the Carbon Management section?
Answer: In order to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard, all organisations need to demonstrate sound carbon and energy management policy and procedures. This is assessed by answering questions and providing evidence about different areas of carbon management, including energy policy, responsibility, reporting and communications, carbon accounting, monitoring, targets, reduction programmes, investments, training, and products and services.
It is best to endeavour to respond to every question. Generally, there will be one or two of the questions where a company, regardless of size, will be able to demonstrate a real leadership position. It is worth noting, however, that responses to the questions will be marked taking into account the size and circumstance of the responding organisation; often smaller organisations may be taking action in a number of the areas without even realising it!
Q5. We already use carbon management software to measure our footprint. Will this be of any advantage?
Answer: Yes and no. All information must be entered manually into the online tool. However, by already having measured your footprint you should be able to quickly enter the relevant data currently in your own system and provide the corresponding report as supporting evidence.
Q6. How will I know if I have achieved certification?
Answer: An organisation will only receive any official feedback once they have paid the assessment fee. In order to increase the chances of achieving the Standard, an initial review will be done on the submission of the assessment and an organisation will have a fixed window of time to update/improve/modify their information before the final certification decision is made.
Q7. How much does online certification cost?
Answer: The online assessment tool is for organisations with an energy spend of less than £50,000 per year. You will be able to access the tool simply by registering but there is a £500 assessment fee if you chose to pursue certification against the Carbon Trust Standard, payable at time of assessment submission (subject to terms and conditions).
Q8. How can I check on the status of my registration? What should I do if I have registered but not yet received my login details?
Answer: If we have any questions during the registration process, we'll get in touch via the details you provided. However, it has recently come to our attention that emails containing login details may be caught by some email spam filters. If you feel that this may be the case, please contact us at 01908 354 547 or CTSSupport@carbontrust.com and we'll be happy to check on the status of your registration.