Nov. 11, 2008 - British companies can now assess the lifecycle emissions of their goods and services thanks to a new specification launched jointly by BSI British standards, the Carbon Trust, and the U.K. Department of Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The new standard called PAS 2050 (Publicly Available Standard 2050) gives companies the tools to analyze a product s life cycle and assess "embedded" greenhouse gas emissions, from sourcing raw materials through to packaging and distribution. Climate impacts from consumer use and disposal are also factored into the standard.

The aim of PAS 2050, according to its designers, is to help businesses move beyond managing the emissions their own processes create and to look at the opportunities for reducing emissions in the design, making, and supplying of products. The groups say they hope the new standard will encourage businesses to make goods or services that are less carbon intensive and develop new products with lower carbon footprints.

"This exciting development will help businesses to really understand the carbon impact of their products and to follow this up with tangible ways to cut carbon emissions across the supply chain," says Tom Delay, Carbon Trust chief executive.

"In addition to measuring and reducing the carbon footprint of their products - from clothing, to cosmetics, and cottage pies - businesses will be able to offer advice to the public about the most environmentally friendly ways to choose, use, and dispose of their products," adds Hilary Benn U.K. environment secretary.

Last week, the British government passed new legislation requiring companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2012, making the U.K. one of the first countries in the world to require climate change targets from businesses.

To download a free copy of "PAS 2050:2008 - Specification for the Assessment of the Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Goods and Services," click here (registration required).