New woodland carbon code launched

The first government-backed scheme recognising efforts by businesses to cut their carbon footprint by planting more trees has now been launched.

The Forestry Commission has unveiled the Woodland Carbon Code which provides guidelines for firms on how to reduce carbon and how to measure their savings.

Businesses can include the data in their environmental reports, with the accreditation giving more credibility to their claims.

It is also expected to give greater impetus to projects aimed at creating woodlands in the UK for carbon capture and storage.

Trees are natural absorbers of atmospheric carbon dioxide and do not release it until they decay or are burnt.

The scheme, which has been developed in consultation with industry partners, will benefit businesses, communities and the environment, said the Woodland Trust.

According to the trust's Dr Nick Atkinson "businesses looking to voluntarily support tree planting can have confidence in the claims made around carbon removal whilst at the same time demonstrating their environmental commitment to their customers".

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