TÜV SÜD sets new standards in climate change

TÜV SÜD sets new standards in climate change

To enhance transparency in the emissions trading sector, TÜV SÜD has developed its own quality standard for climate change projects which are launched as voluntary methods of offsetting greenhouse gases. A VER+ certificate furnishes proof that a project is comparable with emission reduction projects based on the Kyoto Protocol, and confirms the additionality of the project’s contribution to climate change mitigation. TÜV SÜD Industrie Service and TÜV Italia will supply information about VER+ and their broad range of energy services at the 20^th World Energy Congress, held in Rome on 11 to 15 November from 10 am to 7 pm daily. The companies can be found in Hall 4, Stand E 23.

VER (Verified Emission Reduction) is currently a major trend. An increasing number of countries or industries which do not fall under the scope of the Kyoto Protocol or the European Emission Trading System are investing in VER certificates to support realization of climate change projects, as a method of voluntarily offsetting their own output of greenhouse gases. Typical climate change projects may include wind farm operation, afforestation and reforestation activities, or construction of a geothermal power station. ”In Germany, travel operators and organizers of conferences or sports events are the primary investors in these emission reduction certificates. Their objective is to win favour with their customers by offering carbon-neutral products, while demonstrating the seriousness of their commitment to the environment“, explains Luciano Grugni, carbon management engineer at TÜV Italia. “In Italy, the adoption of the corresponding EU directive has pushed the issue of energy efficiency to the top of the agenda, and this is the field in which VER certificates are primarily deployed.“

A plus for the climate

TÜV SÜD applies stringent criteria before awarding VER+ certification: “Projects must comply with the requirements set forth by the Kyoto Protocol for emission reduction projects classified as ‘flexible mechanisms’”, explains Werner Betzenbichler, Head of Carbon Management Services at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service. ”In addition, we require evidence of the additionality of the project’s contribution to climate change protection, which rules out projects falling under the heading of conventional investment planning.“ Unlike projects covered by the Kyoto Protocol, VER projects are not registered with the United Nations; however, in a comparable transparent procedure they may receive certification for compliance with the TÜV SÜD standard. “VER+ has obvious benefits”, comments Betzenbichler. ”Emission reduction certificates guarantee that a project provides environmental value added, and thus helps potential investors to make the right investment decisions.“

Service and security with Blue Registry

To further enhance security in VER certificate trading, TÜV SÜD established Blue Registry, a dedicated platform for the purchase and sale of emission reduction certificates with a database integrated into TÜV SÜD Industrie Service’s information portal (www.netinform.de). Project owners can demonstrate the availability of emission credits to potential customers, and commission TÜV SÜD with the account management for their VER trading activities.

Pioneers in emissions trading

TÜV SÜD also plays a groundbreaking role in emissions trading on the basis of the Kyoto Protocol, and was the first company in the world to be awarded comprehensive accreditation for the certification of emission reduction projects in developing countries (Clean Development Mechanism Projects, CDM) and industrialized countries (Joint Implementation, JI). Investors use these certificates to offset increases in their own emissions, or sell them on trading floors established specifically for the purpose. TÜV SÜD also offers verification of CO₂ output levels for production plants, issuing a verification report which entitles plant operators to sell emission credits (EU Allowances) on the European trading platform EUETS. In recent years, TÜV SÜD Industrie Service has analysed emission reports from over 400 industrial plants.

Broadly based portfolio of energy services

“Implementation of the 20/20/20 targets of the European Council is our only chance to gain control over the imminent climate change developments“, warns Werner Betzenbichler. These targets for the next twenty years envisage a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases, a 20 per cent increase in energy consumption efficiency and a 20 per cent rise in the use of alternative power sources such as biogas or geothermal power. TÜV SÜD supports the global business and political sectors in these tasks by delivering a broadly based portfolio of services: under the category of “Complex Energy Consulting”, TÜV SÜD’s experts have designed a tailored concept to increase sensible utilization of electric power, gas and other energy options. All processes are optimized to save energy resources while also reducing operating costs. TÜV SÜD also acts as a consultant for operators of conventional power stations, photo-voltaic systems, wind farms, biogas plants and geothermal power stations, advising them on issues of security, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

At the daily Stand Party (11 to 14 November) from 5.30 pm, visitors to the World Energy Congress can sample Bavarian snacks and meet the TÜV SÜD experts to discuss climate change, methods of saving energy and new energy sources. Find out more about TÜV SÜD’s services here or at www.tuv.it and www.netinform.de .

For technical inquiries please contact:

Germany: Werner Betzenbichler, TÜV SÜD AG, Carbon Management Service, Westendstr. 199, 80686 Munich, Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 21 70, Fax +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 27 56.

Italy: Luciano Grugni, TÜV Italia srl, Carbon Management, Via Carducci 125 pal.23, 20099 Sesto S.Giovanni (MI), Tel. +39 02 24130.266, Fax +39 02 24130 396.

Editor: Dr. Thomas Oberst