[August 2008]

CICS Awarded First Phase II Accreditation Licence

CERAM subsidiary, Complete Integrated Certification Services Ltd (CICS), a global leader in CO₂ verification, has become the first company in the UK to be awarded Phase II Accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for Phase II verification work of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the largest global multinational emissions trading scheme and the cornerstone of the EU’s climate change policy.

Introduced to tackle emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, the ETS requires large EU emitters of CO₂ to monitor and annually report their CO₂ emissions. The scheme is being run as a number of phases; Phase I ran between 2005-2007; Phase II began this year and will continue until 2012, to coincide with the first Kyoto Commitment Period, working on a Cap and Trade basis - a market-based mechanism enabling businesses to deliver carbon emissions reductions in the most cost-effective method. Once annual emissions are verified, participating companies can buy and sell allowances to meet their emissions target.

David Robinson, Green House Gas Scheme Manager, comments: “Naturally, we are delighted that CICS has been awarded the first verification licence for Phase II accreditation and are looking forward to working with companies to achieve the targets set out by the EU. Climate change is something that is affecting everyone and it’s vitally important that we all play a part in drastically reducing the negative impact we are having on the planet. As the EU moves into Phase II of the ETS, it is becoming more important than ever for member installations of the scheme to monitor and significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Independent verification is, therefore, essential for participating companies – not just for current Phase II compliance, but also for the future when the scheme moves into Phase III and the regulations become tighter.”

The EU ETS covers some 12,000 installations including:

• The energy industry.
• Production and processing of ferrous metals.
• The mineral industry (cement clinker, glass and ceramic bricks).
• Pulp, paper and board activities.

Together, these account for almost 50% of the EU emissions of CO₂ and 40% of its total; such installations require an independent and accredited company to verify their carbon emissions. It is anticipated that other industries will join the scheme in the coming years, including aviation.

www.cicsglobal.com

ENDS

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