BSI Kitemark Scheme

The BSI Kitemark scheme for Energy Reduction Verification (ERV) independently verifies and certifies those organisations that achieve a reduction in carbon emissions through lower energy use.  The Environment Agency has approved the scheme as one of the Early Action Metrics that contribute to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, the UK's mandatory climate change and energy saving scheme.

The Kitemark scheme provides organisations both large and small with a measurable means of reducing energy usage; acting as an Early Action Metric that public and private sector organisations may adopt to achieve and demonstrate carbon reductions. At a time when UK Plc’s carbon footprint is coming under increasing scrutiny, the scheme also allows organisations to present clear and independent information about their energy use performance for stakeholders including investors, regulators, specifiers and consumers.

The scheme draws on the Kitemark brand - recognised and trusted by over 82% of the UK population* - and provides a simpler and more comprehensive alternative to both the Carbon Trust and CEMAR standards which do not guarantee or provide the structure around which long term reductions can be identified, managed and realised. Importantly, the Kitemark scheme for ERV is also the only Early Action Metric to be based on the implementation of an energy management system - BS EN 16001- which demands more of organisations in that continual improvement and the ongoing identification of energy reduction opportunities is required. It will also help improve ranking on the CRC League Table.

Unlike other schemes, the Kitemark scheme has been designed specifically with CRC requirements in mind so requires that only Greenhouse Gas emissions from energy use are taken into account; allowing organisations to focus solely on their energy emissions rather than have carbon resulting from transport and other sources complicate measurements.

Around 20,000 large and public and private sector organisations will be involved in the CRC scheme on some level; however an estimated 5,000 organisations will be required by the Government to participate. Participation requires organisations to disclose carbon emissions and purchase allowances for each tonne of CO2 they emit. A league table will rank organisations according to their emissions reductions and whether they have adopted any ‘Early Action Metrics’. However, the Kitemark scheme can also be used by organisations that, while not required to participate in the CRC, may wish to step up to Kitemark verification to validate the output and effectiveness of their energy management systems.

Key features and benefits of the scheme:

• The ERV Kitemark scheme focuses on CO? emissions.  This means you can start with the basics and then expand to cover other greenhouse gases when you are ready.
• The verification by BSI is independent of consultancy, giving integrity and credibility to the process.
• Organisations achieving certification to this Kitemark scheme will be able to use the BSI Kitemark logo, which has Superbrand status.
• Whilst the Kitemark certificate is valid for 2 years, organisations can choose to have their reductions verified more frequently to provide more up to date measurement and assurance of progress.
• The ERV Kitemark scheme is based on some of the existing management practices as defined in BS EN 16001. So for those organisations that have not yet implemented an energy management or environmental management system, the ERV Kitemark scheme will give a good basis from which to progress.