The worst consequences of climate change can only be avoided if organizations of all sizes become net zero. With small businesses particularly in mind, BSI Flex 3030 v1.0:2024-03 has been developed to give nationally agreed guidance on how businesses plan an effective net zero transition.
This document is applicable to all organizations, including companies, not for profits and public sector bodies.
It is primarily for use by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), typically with 5 - 250 employees, or for those that have not previously been required to consider climate change. It may be used by any organization to help mobilize its suppliers as well as for those that have already made significant progress or have achieved carbon neutrality.
It could also be of interest to national or regional governments, local authorities, trade associations, NGOs, banks and other lenders, potential investors, larger organizations which have SMEs in their value chain and operators of other initiatives designed to combat climate change and encourage a sustainable transition to net zero.
Adopting the BSI Flex format, which enables rapid and flexible standardization in situations where ideas are developing quickly, BSI Flex 3030 v1.0:2024-03 gives recommendations for an organization intending to demonstrate it has designed its transition to net zero through a clearly defined plan leading to GHG emission reductions.
It covers how organizations quantify their GHG baseline (emissions and removals), set targets for GHG emission reductions, create a credible pathway to net zero, and identify those actions or measures necessary to achieve the Net Zero Transition Plan.
The main focus of BSI Flex 3030 v1.0:2024-03 is on planning for mitigation actions leading to GHG reductions, but Net Zero Transition Plans prepared in conformity with it will also consider GHG removals and adaptation to climate change.
It provides high level principles and a framework for how your organization can begin its net zero journey. This framework will increase transparency, accountability, and comparability between Net Zero Transition Plans of organizations and sectors, and help demonstrate where your organization is on its net zero journey. It can help you enter new contracts and supply chains.
Transition planning also drives behaviour changes that will result in GHG emission reductions; plus it can send a clear signal to investors and stakeholders that your organization is positioning to be future-ready.
BSI Flex 3030 v1.0:2024-03 is being launched alongside a new Net Zero Standards Hub. This online community space will support SMEs working on their net zero transition with additional guidance, discussion fora and the sharing of best practice around SME net zero transition planning. Sign up to the Net Zero Standards Hub here.
BSI Flex 3030 v1.0:2024-03 can also assist with your organization's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and help you meet the requirements of other initiatives including, but not limited to, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Race to Zero (UNFCCC), the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and the updated ESOS and PAS 51215. It is also designed to work alongside formal management systems such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) or ISO 50001 (Energy Management).
Alongside this standard, BSI has established The Net Zero Standards Hub to support the development of Flex 3030 Net Zero Transition Plans and facilitate wider industry engagement, discussion and sharing of best practice around the Net Zero Transition plans for SMEs and other key stakeholders. Sign up today.