The launch of the Digital CERT Tool represents more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a call to action. As businesses grapple with the realities of climate change, tools like CERT offer tangible solutions for tracking and reducing emissions.
In a world where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, businesses face increasing pressure to track, manage, and reduce their carbon footprints. Today, at the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UN GCNS), a groundbreaking step was unveiled in the ongoing battle against climate change: the launch of the Digital Carbon Emission Recording Tool (CERT). This new tool promises to reshape how businesses in Singapore and beyond measure their environmental impact.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
A Transformational Journey Begins
The Digital CERT Tool marks a significant evolution from its original form. Initially launched in 2021 by Ms. Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, the LowCarbonSG program aimed to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to transition to a low-carbon economy. A centerpiece of this initiative was CERT, an easy-to-use solution designed to help companies track their carbon emissions and manage their environmental goals.
Since its inception, CERT has had a measurable impact. The UN GCNS, the organization behind LowCarbonSG, has run over 50 workshops, reaching 800 companies and impacting 1,600 employees. The tool’s widespread adoption has led to impressive results: approximately 200 companies have submitted data through CERT, and over 50% of those in their second year reported at least a 5% reduction in emissions.
A Partnership for Progress: ESGpedia Steps In
Encouraged by these positive outcomes, UN GCNS knew that enhancing the tool could drive even greater impact. To accomplish this, they partnered with ESGpedia, a leading sustainability data platform. Together, they transformed CERT into a fully digital, streamlined platform.
The new Digital CERT Tool is hosted on ESGpedia, providing businesses with a more user-friendly interface and expanded accessibility. This partnership underscores the commitment to helping companies not only track emissions but actively reduce them.
The new Digital CERT Tool offers a suite of powerful features designed to support businesses in their decarbonization journey:
- Web-Based Accessibility: CERT is now fully digital and hosted on ESGpedia. This shift ensures that businesses can easily access the tool from anywhere, at any time.
- Global Compliance: The tool is aligned with international standards, including the GHG Protocol and ISO14064-1, ensuring that companies are tracking emissions in compliance with globally recognized benchmarks.
- Seamless Integration: Businesses can access CERT through both the UN GCNS and ESGpedia websites, making it easier than ever to integrate carbon tracking into their operational workflows.
- Faster Data Submissions: The platform features an intuitive, one-stop portal where users can quickly upload supporting documents and submit their emissions data, streamlining the process.
- Improved User Experience: From expanded accessibility to enhanced interface design, the Digital CERT Tool prioritizes ease of use, making it an essential part of any company’s environmental stewardship efforts.
Since the introduction of the original CERT tool, over 800 businesses have engaged with the LowCarbonSG program. This engagement has translated into concrete results—200 companies have submitted emissions data, and more than half of those have successfully reduced their emissions by at least 5%.
For businesses, this isn’t just about compliance or meeting regulatory demands. It’s about aligning with a global shift toward sustainability and long-term viability. The Digital CERT Tool promises to expand this impact, making it easier for businesses to take meaningful steps toward reducing their carbon footprint.
As part of this vision, the tool will also utilize the new Singapore Emissions Factors, launched concurrently with CERT. These factors will enable more accurate calculations and insights into carbon emissions across industries.
Getting started with the Digital CERT Tool is straightforward. Companies can access it via both the UN GCNS and ESGpedia websites. This seamless integration ensures that businesses and stakeholders can easily navigate the tool, setting the stage for broader adoption and use across various sectors.
UN GCNS and ESGpedia are leading the charge, but the next step is yours. For more information and to access the Digital CERT Tool, visit the UN GCNS website or ESGpedia today.
Lead image courtesy of Pigphoto from Getty Images Pro (Cityscape of Singapore City)
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