• Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. recognised for best carbon management.
• UK SME FairTrades Ltd, a trade association representing the building trade, receives award for best in carbon reduction as a percentage of total footprint.
• Irish international dairy company, Glanbia Plc., recognised for best in carbon reduction relative to turnover.

The Carbon Trust Standard certifies that organisations have reduced their carbon emissions and demonstrated a strong commitment to making further reductions year-on-year. Achieving certification demonstrates that positive action has been taken in cutting carbon emissions, helping to mitigate climate change and increase energy efficiency.

Over 650 organisations have received the Carbon Trust Standard since its launch in 2008. As part of the certification a number of different factors are considered as a measure of success. This assessment goes beyond a purely numerical analysis, examining how good practice and carbon management are embedded throughout the organisation.

The categories for which special recognition have been awarded are for: best carbon management score; largest absolute reduction as a percentage of total footprint; and biggest improvement in carbon emissions relative to turnover intensity.

The winners for each category are:

• Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.: Best in carbon management (2011-12)
• FairTrades Ltd: Best in absolute carbon reduction (2011-12)
• Glanbia Plc.: Best in relative carbon reduction (2011-12)

Each winner was presented with an award during the annual Carbon Trust Standard Bearers Conference.  Held on the 17th October in central London, this event brought together over 100 leading companies to share their knowledge and experience in carbon reduction.

Following a rigorous 12‑week assessment process, Coca-Cola Enterprises achieved a score of 95% for carbon performance, which is the highest score ever awarded by the Carbon Trust. The assessment examined the standard of carbon management across Coca Cola Enterprises' entire European operations, including the accuracy of the company's measurement techniques.

FairTrades Ltd was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change by measuring, managing and reducing its carbon emissions by an impressive 31%.  This was achieved through a number of measures including the installation of timers on hot water urns, vending machines and cold water dispensers, staff awareness, and greater use of audio conferencing facilities to reduce fuel consumed by travelling to meetings.

Glanbia was the first Irish dairy company to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard and has gone on to set the highest bar for carbon reduction on a relative basis to output. This is a very significant achievement as it demonstrates that business growth does not necessarily result in a proportional increase in carbon emissions.  The award follows a concerted effort by management and staff in Glanbia's Virginia facility in Co. Cavan, Ireland that has resulted in an impressive 23% reduction in carbon emissions relative to turnover over the last three years.  The Virginia facility manufactures a range of 'Enriched Milk Powders' for export and the fresh cream used in the manufacture of the Diageo's popular liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream.
 

Speaking at the Carbon Trust Standard Bearers Conference, Darran Messem, Managing Director of Certification commented:

"We congratulate all organisations that have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard since its launch in 2008; however we felt that it was time we recognised exceptional performance to really show how high the bar can be set in carbon reduction. These awards show what can be achieved when energy and carbon reduction management are embedded throughout an organisation - from the board room to the shop floor. The management teams are passionate about reducing their carbon footprint and have a proven track record of annual reductions."

Joe Franses, Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Enterprises commented:

"I am delighted that the Carbon Trust has recognised Coca-Cola Enterprises' achievements in carbon reduction.  We are very proud of the progress we have made towards our goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the drink in your hand by a third by 2020.  To deliver this commitment, we must deliver carbon reductions right through our value chain and we have taken big steps forward by reducing emissions at our manufacturing sites.  We know there is still more to do and this recognition from the Carbon Trust helps drive us onwards."  

Speaking after the announcement of the award, Jim Bergin, CEO, Glanbia Dairy Ingredients said:

"We are hugely committed to sustainable production at Glanbia. We believe that carbon reduction makes economic and environmental sense but it also sends a really clear signal to our customers that we are committed to sustainable indigenous food production. We export 85% of what we produce to recognised brands around the world. Our achievements help to support our customers' goals in reducing the overall carbon footprint of their brands and this is a very important differentiator in the market place. Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard and receiving special recognition from the Carbon Trust for getting the highest carbon reduction relative to turnover is a great honour."

Michael Hurworth, IT and Facilities Manager, FairTrades Ltd, said:

"We're thrilled that our hard work to reduce our energy consumption and cut our carbon emissions has been recognised and we are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Carbon Trust. It is a great way of showing that we are on the front foot when it comes to carbon management best practices, and it gives us an opportunity to communicate our environmental credentials with integrity to those that matter.

"Cutting carbon is a priority for us as a business and delivers tangible bottom-line benefits. We are committed to continue our efforts and find new ways to cut our carbon emissions by a further 2% in comparative energy usage year on year which we hope will also result in significant cost savings across our operations. In the current climate it's essential that we remain competitive, and the Carbon Trust Standard is another way we can stay ahead of the game."

ENDS

For further information please contact the Carbon Trust press office on 020 7170 7050 or email press@carbontrust.com.

About the Carbon Trust

The Carbon Trust is an independent company with a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The Carbon Trust:

• advises businesses, governments and the public sector on opportunities in a sustainable, low-carbon world;
• measures and certifies the environmental footprint of organisations, products and services;
• helps develop and deploy low-carbon technologies and solutions, from energy efficiency to renewable power

About the Carbon Trust Standard

The Carbon Trust Standard verifies the carbon footprint and emission reduction of organisations. The Carbon Trust Standard was developed in consultation with the private and public sectors and is informed by the Carbon Trust's wealth of experience working with UK businesses to implement carbon management strategies and international standards, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

• Over 650 organisations have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard since it was launched in June 2008.
• Collectively Carbon Trust Standard holders have cut their emissions by over 4.3 million tonnes of CO2 and equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gases, as well as cutting their gas, electricity and fuel costs by over £645 million.
• To date, the total carbon footprint certified by the Carbon Trust Standard is over 165 million tonnes of CO2e.

All businesses and organisations, both in the UK and internationally, are eligible to apply for the Carbon Trust Standard including FTSEs, mid-caps, SMEs and public sector organisations. Organisations that are awarded the Carbon Trust Standard hold it for a two year period and to maintain the certification they must reapply and demonstrate that they have continued to make year-on-year reductions in their carbon emissions.