According to the UN, 55% of the world's population live in urban areas, and that figure is predicted to grow to 68% by 2050.
At the same time, the built environment accounts for 39% of global CO2 emissions. To tackle climate change and achieve the goal of net-zero by the middle of the 21st century, we must find ways to exist in urban environments that do not contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), global leaders will be addressing the fundamental question of how to promote a green recovery in the built environment. The goal, promoted via the Race to Zero Campaign, is to create a global coalition of net-zero initiatives that commits organizations to halving their emissions by 2030 and achieving zero emissions by 2050.
Creating a net-zero built environment is complex but there is now a consensus among many scientists and engineers that it can be achieved. For businesses, the first step is to understand their impact on the environment. The second step is to implement an effective environmental management system (EMS) that provides an active mechanism through which they can shift towards a net-zero future.
ISO 14001 is the globally recognized standard for EMS. Updated in 2015, it provides businesses and organizations with a strategic framework for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, verifying and optimizing energy use. ISO 14001 empowers continuous improvements in environmental performance through the setting of targets and performance measures that can be audited and verified. It can be applied to organizations of all sizes and is central to helping businesses achieve the built environment goals being discussed at COP26.
SGS offers auditing services against ISO 14001 via our unrivaled global network of inspectors. Wherever you operate in the world, we can help you to demonstrate to stakeholders your commitment to the environment through ISO 14001 certification.
Learn more about ISO 14001 Services.
For further information, please contact:
Babette Hughes
KN Marketing Manager
t: +44 (0) 7874 867 836
About SGS
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