In June 2019, the United Kingdom made a ground-breaking commitment by becoming the first major economy to set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

To facilitate this monumental task, the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero supported the development of a two-part PAS series, which offers a structured pathway for organizations to assess and implement effective decarbonization strategies.

The PAS 51215 standards provide specifications to bridge existing gaps and provide clear, actionable guidance for achieving net zero.

PAS 51215-1: Establishing the process for energy and decarbonization assessments

The first part of this standard series, PAS 51215-1 Energy and decarbonization assessment – Part 1: Process – Specification, focuses on creating a robust process for conducting energy and decarbonization assessments. It serves as a comprehensive guide for lead assessors and other professionals tasked with conducting energy and decarbonization assessments, ensuring a consistent approach that can be widely adopted.

PAS 51215-1 is pivotal as it lays out a clear and easy-to-follow methodology for organizations aiming to identify and evaluate the costs and benefits of decarbonization options.

By providing a harmonized approach, PAS 51215-1 enhances the visibility, transparency, and comparability of assessments, ensuring that improvement opportunities are well-documented and relevant.

Discover how standards are driving progress towards net zero, by visiting our Net Zero topic page.

PAS 51215-2: Defining competencies for lead assessors

Complementing the first part, PAS 51215-2 Energy and decarbonization assessment – Part 2: Competencies of lead assessors and assessment teams - Specification outlines the essential competencies required for lead assessors responsible for evaluating decarbonization efforts. It specifies the skills and knowledge needed to carry out effective and reliable assessments.

By defining these competencies, PAS 51215-2 ensures that assessments are conducted by qualified professionals, thus enhancing the credibility and quality of the decarbonization process.

What organizations should use PAS 51215-1 and PAS 51215-2?

The PAS 51215 standards are designed to be comprehensive and applicable to decarbonization efforts across a broad spectrum of organizations and sectors.

By using these standards, lead energy assessors, organizations, assessment teams, regulators, training providers, professional associations, NGOs, and academia can all contribute to achieving the UK’s ambitious net zero target by 2050, fostering a coordinated and effective approach to reducing GHG emissions.

Importantly, both PAS 51215-1 and PAS 51215-2 are available as free documents, making them accessible to a wide range of users. This accessibility is crucial for encouraging widespread adoption and ensuring that all organizations, regardless of size or sector, can take meaningful steps towards decarbonization.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to conduct thorough energy and decarbonization assessments. Get you free copy of PAS 51215-1 and PAS 51215-2 today.

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