Flying the Kitemark

10 September 2010

The new Kitemark scheme for Energy Reduction Verification provides organisations with a cost effective route to demonstrate and certify reductions in energy use to meet the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

BSI HAS ANNOUNCED the launch of its new Kitemark® scheme for Energy Reduction Verification (ERV) which will independently verify and certify 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.
A Kitemark ERV certificate will be awarded to organisations that reduce their energy use by a minimum of 2.5 percent each year compared to the required historic data when the energy factors have been calculated.
The Kitemark scheme provides organisations both large and small with a measurable means of reducing energy usage, acting as an Early Action Metric that organisations may adopt to achieve and demonstrate carbon reductions.
The scheme draws on the Kitemark brand and is claimed to be 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 continual improvement in energy reduction.
Unlike other schemes, the Kitemark scheme has been designed specifically with CRC requirements in mind and requires that only greenhouse gas emissions from energy use are taken into account, allowing organisations to focus solely on their energy emissions.
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.
Rob Wallis, MD , BSI EMEA region, said “With energy reduction high on the agenda and new government initiatives being brought in to reduce carbon emissions and climate change, organisations are looking more closely at what they can do to make changes. With the publication of a list of the best performing organisations in an annual performance league table, the scheme provides a great way for organisations to promote their commitment to reducing energy – while making considerable savings from reducing their energy costs.”
The Environment Agency’s CRC Project Executive Andrew Hitchings said: “We are pleased to announce Kitemark as a Carbon Trust Standard equivalent scheme under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. Along with the Carbon Trust Standard and CEMARS, Kitemark allows organisations who are leading the way in environmental management to be rewarded for their early action. CRC is an opportunity for organisations to show what they have already achieved in reducing missions through early action and provides an incentive to achieve the further reductions which are necessary in the future.”
How to achieve the Kitemark
The Kitemark can be achieved in a two stage, two year process plus a third year of compliance. If energy bills are less that £500,000, the process is one year with a second year of compliance. The Kitemark Certificate will be valid for 24 months from the end of the compliance year.
Key elements to be covered at stage 1 are:
 A brief site tour in order to confirm the significant energy aspects
A detailed review of your organisation’s documented system against EN 16001:2009 requirements for verification and level of understanding and implementation
 A review of the energy aspects assessment methodology to establish that the set methodology forms a sound basis for the system
 A review of the Energy Factors involved with the business _ A review of the Energy Policy and Objectives.
The stage 2 assessment should be normally be conducted between one month after stage 1 assessment and within six months of the end of the compliance year. During the stage 2 initial assessment, the energy consumption data are verified and a verification report is completed. This document allows the client manager to record the energy aspects by process, buildings and transport, where included, and then calculate the energy factors which affect each activity over a given time period. It converts the inputs in kWh or fuel used to tCO2e and then calculates the change over the defined period.
www.bsigroup.com/energyKitemark