Making excellence a habit
Published date: |
|
Modified date: |
|
In 2021, sustainability is demanding more urgent action than ever. Three key events to be held in the UK this year will underline the global importance of making progress on this vital issue.
Reaching a consensus on carbon reduction may be a monumental task, but the alternative is unthinkable.
Certainly, BSI knows how to overcome formidable obstacles to find agreement; after all, standards are developed through a robust process of negotiation and discussion. But how will we be helping to make sure that 2021 delivers meaningful progress on global sustainability?
Why all eyes are on the UK in 2021
In June, world leaders come to Cornwall as part of the UK’s presidency of the G7. September will see ISO’s General Assembly (part of ISO Week) in London. Finally, in November, Glasgow hosts the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).
BSI will play a role at each of these three major global events, using its unique position as the UK’s National Standards Body to support and facilitate carbon reduction debate, policy and initiatives.
G7 in Cornwall
The G7 meeting in June will see the Prime Minister bringing together the world’s leading democracies in the fight against COVID-19, and to ensure a green recovery from the pandemic. Tackling climate change and preserving biodiversity is one of the key policy priorities for the event.
ISO 75th in London
In September, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) gathers in London, 75 years since it was formed in the very same city. Delegates from 164 countries will participate to mark this milestone during ISO Week. This year’s theme is ‘The Future Has Begun’. The focus will be on using international standards to drive trade, innovation, sustainable development and wellbeing in order to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As the UK’s National Standards Body, BSI will host the ISO Week and help promote the UK’s leading position in international standards.
COP26 in Glasgow
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from 1 – 12 November 2021.
These climate talks will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change and make real progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
COP26 will address six key themes relating to climate change: energy transitions, clean transport, nature-based solutions, adaptation/resilience, sustainable finance and the built environment/cities.
The UK government has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, an ambitious target requiring participation from every sector of the economy, reflected in our recent Net Zero UK Barometer Report.
A climate-centred recovery plan
A key theme at all three events will be how best to adopt a green approach to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the social and economic impacts of the virus, it is critical that nations around the world maintain efforts to address climate change. The role for trade, technology and science in assisting this recovery will be a key focus of debate.
BSI has a crucial role to play in supporting the government and providing guidance to organizations who want to become more sustainable and make progress towards net zero.
You can find out more about two of the BSI team who are helping to ensure we can meet this challenge here.
What can BSI members do?
Every organization should be asking what it can do to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Here are some pointers that might help your efforts:
Click here to provide feedback
You're seeing this article for free as
part of the Member Portal's public
article bank.
You can access Premium articles,
industry news, as well as the
Update Standards and Knowledge
Centre services by becoming a
BSI member.
All the services are updated
regularly, helping you get even
closer to industry experts and the
knowledge you need to do your job.
