Is mandatory GHG reporting on its way?
Environmental update - 02/06/2011
It has been on the cards for a while, but the Government is now
consulting on whether to introduce mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG)
reporting for some UK companies.
Section 85 of the Climate Change Act 2008 requires that by the
6th April 2012, the Government makes regulations (under
the Companies Act 2006) requiring company directors' reports to
include information about GHG emissions. If no regulations are
made, the Government will have to explain to Parliament why?
Whilst a decision has not been made, the consultation aims to
inform Ministers' decision on whether to introduce
regulations. The consultation document considers four
different options, including a voluntary approach, designed to
promote more widespread and consistent GHG emission reporting by
companies. Views are sought at the end of the document on four
options and on the potential requirements of mandatory reporting,
if introduced.
If the consultation does not receive a response in favour of
mandatory report, it is likely that the Government will continue to
encourage voluntary measuring and reporting of GHG emissions.
Further information on the consultation and how to respond is
available from Defra:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/05/11/ghg-emissions/