The diversified technology company 3M has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of its UK operations.

The Carbon Trust Standard is the world’s first carbon award that requires an organisation to measure, manage and reduce its carbon footprint and actually make real reductions year-on-year.

Pip Frankish, 3M’s sustainability manager said: “The Carbon Trust Standard is a great way of showing that we have acted on climate change. We’re delighted to have achieved it.

“As a company that is committed to doing business in the right way, cutting carbon is a priority for us. It helps the environment and also delivers tangible bottom-line benefits.

“We have already cut our carbon emissions from our UK operations by 5.6% over a three-year period and are committed to making further reductions in the future.”

Worldwide, the company reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 62 per cent over the period 1990 to 2007.

3M - whose range of some 50,000 products includes not only products for roofing, flooring, structural glazing and adhesive bonding and fastening, but also Post-it Notes, asthma inhalers and the world’s first hand-held micro projector - has a longstanding commitment to sustainable development. The company was a pathfinder for corporate responsibility to the environment by setting up its renowned Pollution Prevention Pays programme back in 1975.

As well as reducing carbon emissions, the company’s UK and Ireland sites also brought in other ongoing environmental improvements that have included increasing the proportion of waste material they recycle or reuse to 54 per cent.

Harry Morrison, general manager of the Carbon Trust Standard, congratulated 3M on its achievement. “Both businesses and consumers share a desire for one, credible way to prove an organisation has not only measured, but actually reduced their carbon emissions year-on-year without the use of offsetting.

“The Carbon Trust Standard provides this credibility and we encourage more organisations to follow 3M in making this commitment.”

The Carbon Trust Standard was launched in June 2008 with the support of Environment Secretary Hilary Benn and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, from TV’s Dragon’s Den.

Deborah Meaden said the standard showed which organisations have really taken practical action on climate change. “It cuts through greenwash and celebrates those businesses making genuine reductions in their carbon emissions,” she added.

“Tackling environmental issues has to be seen as both a business priority and opportunity. Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard is a great way of recognising truly progressive organisations.”

Email: WHowell@wyattinternational.com