Principles

 

The benchmarking work conducted by Carbon Benchmarking Project will be guided by the following principles:

 

Objectivity

Benchmarks will, where possible, make fact-based comparisons of performance, rather than relying on subjective judgement.

 

 

 

Fairness

Wherever possible, benchmarks will compare like with like, and give companies an opportunity to see and correct any information being used.

 

 

 

Impartiality

While companies will be involved in the process of benchmark design, the process of benchmarking itself will be independent in its funding and oversight.

 

 

 

Pluralism

There are different ways to evaluate carbon performance; benchmarks will balance this complexity with stakeholders' need for simple answers.

 

 

 

Long-term

Performance will not solely be evaluated on a current year snapshot, past achievement and future plans will also be given weight. Benchmarks will be repeated regularly.

Comparability

Benchmarks will be sector - and activity-specific, in order to enable like-for-like group comparison.

 

 

 

Standards

The CBP will, where possible, make use of existing standards for carbon measurement and reporting, and support their development.

 

 

 

Partnership

The CBP will work with other related initiatives to maximise impact and avoid duplication.

 

 

 

Consultation

Companies and stakeholders will be given an opportunity to express their opinion about benchmark design and process.

 

 

 

Transparency

The benchmarking process, methods and (where possible) data will be transparent.

 

 

 

Visibility

Public benchmark reports will be communicated to investors, customers and other stakeholders though consultation and high-profile media activity.