CICS Puts a Stamp on Credibility with Its New Assurance Marks

Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom, April 20, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Launched in 2011, the CICS Assurance Mark Scheme was developed in response to client request to be able to prove a commitment to sustainability and the environment to their stakeholders while, at the same time, adding credibility and transparency to their reporting. Any company that has their carbon emissions independently verified by CICS to a recognised standard or scheme, such as the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol or ISO14064-1 is eligible to use the CICS Carbon Verified Assurance Mark.

In line with their range of verification services, CICS has added three new Marks to their scheme: A Water Verified Assurance Mark and a Waste Mark for those organisations that have their water footprint or waste data independently assured; and a Product Carbon Footprint Mark for any company that has their product carbon footprint verified to either the PAS 2050 Product Carbon Footprint Standard or the WRI/WBSCD "Product Standard."

Shaun Bainbridge, Director at CICS, explains why the new Marks have been introduced into the scheme:

"Many organisations are committed to sustainability but those that are choosing to have their reports independently verified are going that one step further. They know that their customers are looking to buy from companies that are producing not only transparent but also accurate and traceable data. Having one of our Assurance Marks proves their credibility and avoids their claims being labelled as greenwash."

For more information about the CICS Verified Assurance Marks scheme visit www.cicsglobal.com/assurance-marks.

About CICS
CICS (Complete Integrated Certification Services Ltd) provides sustainability assurance, management systems certification and training, and product certification. With industry-leading experience and knowledge of CO2 verification under both mandatory and voluntary (carbon/water footprinting, sustainability/corporate responsibility/environmental reporting) schemes, they provide emissions verification under the Emissions Trading Scheme, North American Climate Registry, WRI/WBCSD GHG protocol, Carbon Disclosure Project and PAS 2050. CICS also provides ISO Certification services, including management system certification to ISO 9000, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, and Product Certification. All services are accredited to internationally recognised standards and guidelines and based upon a policy of providing a unique combination of: industry sector knowledge, specialist auditors, service orientation and cost effectiveness, and international recognition.