UK unveils CO2 footprint standard

"PAS 2050 has been developed using BSI's rigorous consultation process, involving almost a thousand industry experts from within the UK and internationally," said Mike Low, director of BSI British Standards.

"The result is a robust framework within which businesses and public sector bodies will be able to assess the greenhouse gas emissions of their goods and services in a consistent manner."

Mr Low added that he hoped the new audit tool would be used by organisations of all sizes.

'Carbon labels'

The precursor to PAS 2050 was initially launched in 2006 by the Carbon Trust, a government-funded organisation, in response to a growing number of consumers who wanted to know the size of products' carbon footprint.

Trials, involving companies such as Walkers and Boots, led to "carbon labels" appearing on some goods in April 2007.

Despite the issue creeping up the political agenda in recent years, a survey by the Trust in December found that just 1% of firms questioned knew the size of their operation's carbon footprint.

Carbon Trust chief executive Tom Delay said he hoped making the scheme publicly available would improve the situation.