> Achieving the Standard > Assessment criteria

To achieve the Carbon Trust Standard you will be assessed according to the methodology. To enable the assessment to take place you will need to read the methodology before completing these two forms:

1. Assessment form (DOC, 1MB)
2. Carbon footprint spreadsheet (XLS, 106KB).

We can provide assistance via an assessor for the collation of evidence and completion of the spreadsheet. Alternatively, you can complete the assessment forms yourself.

The Assessment form consists of four sections which need to be completed.

1. Applicant information: basic company and contact information
2. Footprint measurement: description of emissions included in the footprint and a summary of the footprint calculation
3. Reduction: a comparison of the footprint over time to assess whether your organisation has met the absolute or relative targets
4. Carbon management: a series of questions to assess governance, carbon accounting and carbon management of your organisation, examples of the type of evidence required are provided.

The Carbon footprint spreadsheet is used to calculate your carbon footprint and calculate the reduction in this footprint over time. This should be used to complete sections 2 and 3 of the assessment form and be submitted with your application.

An independent assessor will review your completed assessment form against the rules of the Carbon Trust Standard methodology:

1. Footprint measurement: this is a pass or fail based on accuracy and inclusion of required emission sources
2. Reduction: this is a pass or fail based on achievement of an absolute reduction or equivalent relative efficiency improvement
3. Carbon management: each question will be scored by the assessor according to the weightings on the assessment form. Assessors will provide comments and advice for further improvements.

To be certified you must pass sections 1 and 2 and score at least 60% on section 3. If you do not meet these criteria, we will provide feedback on the areas requiring improvement before you can achieve the Standard.

All carbon emissions are calculated using the latest Defra GHG conversion factors. To view the latest conversion factors visit www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/conversion-factors.htm

For more details:

For more details on the methodology and supporting documentation visit the methodology page.