Johnston Press has achieved the Carbon Trust Standard for the second time.

The award, granted every two years, recognises the work undertaken by the company across all operations and is independent confirmation that Johnston Press has genuinely measured, managed and reduced carbon emissions.

During the assessment process for the Carbon Trust Standard, Johnston Press demonstrated that it had reduced the company’s total carbon footprint by 16% over the last three years (based on key emissions including electricity, gas and petrol/diesel consumed).

Peter McCall, Company Secretary and Chairman of Johnston Press‘s Carbon Footprint Taskforce, said: “The award of the Carbon Trust Standard is great recognition for the achievements of Johnston Press in carbon reduction, and demonstrates our commitment to reducing carbon emissions year on year.”

Comprehensive monitoring of energy usage – carried out by energy consultants Energy Management Services - has helped reduce the carbon footprint of Johnston Press .  In addition the company has implemented a  programme to roll out automatic meter reading to 73 smaller sites, improving the accuracy of monitoring and reporting systems.

A review of the CO2 rating of all new vehicles has been introduced and the company is managing its vehicle fleet strategically to deliver carbon savings. Driver training is being considered for those who drive long distances on company business.

The Johnston Press printing plant at Dinnington has led the way in energy savings with the press connected to a building management system, and a trial of LED technology under way. There are also plans to install roof-mounted solar panels at the plants in Dinnington, Sunderland and Portsmouth to trial generating Johnston Press’s our own power. Technicians at the company’s printing plants are also trained in using portable energy monitoring equipment.

Peter added: “The Carbon Trust Standard requires us to keep reducing our carbon emissions and to recertify every two years. It means we have to continue the great work and all keep reducing our impact on the environment.”

Darran Messem, Managing Director of Certification at the Carbon Trust, said: “Having a focused, approach to reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint can deliver major dividends in terms of cost savings and reputational benefits. We congratulate Johnston Press for achieving carbon emission reductions and showing commitment to best practise carbon management.”

Notes to editors

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 sector 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 600 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 3.6m tonnes of CO2 and equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gases, as well as cutting their gas, electricity and fuel costs by over £165m. 
• To date, the total carbon footprint certified by the Carbon Trust Standard is over 43 million tonnes of CO2e; equivalent to over 18% of the total carbon footprint of UK businesses and transport. 

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.About the Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is an independent company with a mission to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy.

• We advise businesses, government and the public sector on their opportunities in a sustainable, low carbon world
• We measure and certify the environmental footprint of organisations, products and services
• We help develop and deploy low carbon technologies and solutions, from energy efficiency to renewable power.

For further information or interviews on the Carbon Trust Standard, please contact the Carbon Trust press office on 020 7170 7050 or press@carbontrust.com. Alternatively visit www.carbontrust.com.