Qualifying Explanatory Statement: Commitment to achieving carbon neutrality (accessible)

Question 1

Executive summary

Accepted Answer

The UK will host the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly from 4th to 7th November 2024 at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow. The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s highest governing body and the largest global gathering of senior law enforcement officials including police chiefs, Ministers and senior government officials.

The General Assembly is a key opportunity to drive innovation and leadership in international police cooperation to tackle major crime trends and security threats facing the world, including organised crime, counterterrorism and fraud.

As host for the General Assembly, His Majesty’s Government (HMG) are committed to continuing to meet high standards of event sustainability and delivering a carbon neutral event. The PAS2060 specification has been applied on recent UK Government major events as it provides a robust framework for ensuring the definition of carbon neutrality complies with principles of transparency and accountability.

The application of PAS2060 demonstrates leadership, transparency and accountability in the management of emissions impacts from the event. This approach offers the benefit of being validated by Arup in a publicly available document, providing greater robustness to external scrutiny.

This document, the Qualifying Explanatory Statement – Commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, fulfils the requirements within PAS2060, and contains all relevant documentation to support HMG’s commitment to carbon neutrality.

Question 2

Declaration of commitment to carbon neutrality

Accepted Answer

HMG commitment to carbon neutrality

His Majesty’s Government has committed to achieving carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060: 2014 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality for the period commencing 25th October 2024 - 9th November 2024.

Signed by:

Name: Emma Gibbons

Role: Head of International Law Enforcement Cooperation Unit and SRO for the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly

Date: 11th October 2024

Statement of validation

Arup hereby validates HMG’s commitment of carbon neutrality and that the qualifying explanatory statements contained in this document are in accordance with the requirements of PAS 2060: 2014.

Signed by:

Name: Keith Robertson

Role: Associate Director - Arup Date: 21st October 2024

Question 3

1.  Introduction

Accepted Answer

1.1 Background to event

The UK will host the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly from 4th to 7th November 2024 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s highest governing body and the largest global gathering of senior law enforcement officials including police chiefs, Ministers and senior government officials.

The General Assembly is a key opportunity to drive innovation and leadership in international police cooperation to tackle major crime trends and security threats facing the world, including organised crime, counterterrorism and fraud.

As host for the General Assembly meeting His Majesty’s Government (HMG) has committed to meeting continued high standards of event sustainability and delivering a carbon neutral event.

1.2 Commitment to carbon neutrality

HMG has committed to delivering a carbon neutral event in accordance with PAS 2060: 2014 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality for the period commencing 25th October 2024 - 9th November 2024^{[footnote 1]}.

The declaration of carbon neutrality will be externally validated by Arup.

This document is the Qualifying Explanatory Statement (QES) – Commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and contains all relevant documentation to support HMG’s declaration, including details on how the baseline carbon emissions of the event have been assessed (Section 2), the Carbon Management Plan (CMP) which has been developed to avoid and reduce emissions (Section 3), and the carbon offset process which will be used to achieve carbon neutrality (Section 4).

Table 1 sets out the general information for PAS2060. A full checklist of requirements to demonstrate conformance to PAS2060 and their respective locations within the QES can be found in Appendix A.

Table 1: General information

PAS2060 Information Requirement	Information as it relates to the INTERPOL General Assembly
Entity making PAS2060 declaration	His Majesty’s Government
Individual responsible for the evaluation and provision of data necessary for the substantiation of the declaration including that of preparing, substantiating, communicating, and maintaining the declaration	Emma Gibbons, Head of International Law Enforcement Cooperation Unit and SRO for the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly
Subject of the declaration	92nd INTERPOL General Assembly
Chosen consolidation approach (equity share, operational control, or financial control)	Operational control
Characteristics of the subject	The UK is hosting the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly between the 4th and 7th November 2024. The General Assembly provides a key opportunity to drive innovation and leadership in international police cooperation. The General Assembly will be held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and Glasgow City Chambers will be used for a number of Home Office organised dinners and/or drinks receptions for delegates.
Classification of event type	PAS2060 defines three categories of event type: - Recurring – e.g. annual conference or exhibition - Periodic – e.g. fundraising event - Non-recurring – e.g. wedding or special anniversary celebration, concert, one-off sports event. The event will be the 92nd meeting of the INTERPOL General Assembly and as a result it could be considered a recurring- type event. However, given the differing locations of future events, where INTERPOL member countries bid to host each year, and that this is the first instance whereby PAS2060 is being followed, many of the considerations of annual events do not apply. For the purposes of this initial application of PAS2060 the event will be considered akin to a non-recurring event.
Rationale for the selection of the subject and boundary	As host for the General Assembly HMG has committed to maintain continued high standards of event sustainability and delivering a carbon neutral event.
Conformity assessment type	Other party validation
Commitment period for carbon neutrality	The General Assembly takes place over a 4-day period: 4th – 7th November 2024. The subject will also include some elements of activity (staff travel and accommodation) required prior to and post the event to support preparation / de-rig. We have also included the advance meeting of the INTERPOL senior leadership which will take place at the same location immediately before the General Assembly. The commitment period for carbon neutrality is therefore taken as 25th October 2024 - 9th November 2024.
Baseline date (Date of first determined footprint)	11th September for the commitment period 25th October 2024 - 9th November 2024.

Question 4

2.  Approach to quantifying carbon

Accepted Answer

2.1 Methodology

PAS2060 requires that a recognised methodology be used to quantify the carbon footprint of the identified subject. Various standard methodologies are available for different types of footprinting process including:

For organisations: BS EN ISO 14064-1, GHG Protocol on Corporate Accounting and Reporting, UK Govt Environmental Reporting Guidelines.
For Products and services: PAS 2050, GHG Protocol, Product lifecycle accounting and reporting standard.
For Projects: BS EN ISO 14064-2, Greenhouse gases.

None of the above are specifically tailored to the assessment of events with various stakeholders. Therefore, the methodology selected for the General Assembly has been developed based on the underlying principles within the above, and the principles set out in PAS2060 Clause 6. In summary these principles are:

Direct consequence: Emissions that occur as a direct result of the event, including the preparation of the event and the event itself, without which the event could not fulfil its primary function.
Operational control: Emissions over which the organiser (HMG) has the full authority to introduce and implement its own operating practices and policies.
Direct influence: Activities where the organiser has the potential to exert influence over decision processes that can directly impact the associated emissions.
Materiality: PAS 2050:2011 establishes materiality as being more than 1% of the anticipated total GHG emissions associated with the subject being assessed, in order to ensure that very minor sources of lifecycle GHG emissions do not need to be taken into account in the quantification.
Relevance: Emissions related to the event’s core operational activities and mission. This includes emissions that are important to stakeholders and/or public perception and are deemed to be relevant regardless of their materiality.

2.2 Boundary

A summary of the emission sources included within the boundary of the General Assembly carbon footprint is presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Emissions sources

Category	Emissions sources included in the CMP
Energy usage	Impacts associated with consumption of energy (gas, electricity, other fuels) at SEC (herein referred to as the venue) and temporary structures on-site.
Energy usage	Impacts associated with off-site dinners and/or receptions organised by the Home Office.
Water and wastewater usage	Impacts associated with consumption of potable water and wastewater treatment at the venues.
Production graphics	Impacts associated with fit-out materials and temporary structures.
Production build	Impacts associated with fit-out materials and temporary structures.
Food, drink and serveware	Impacts associated with the production, packaging and transport of food and beverages supplied to attendees, crew, suppliers and police.
Food, drink and serveware	Impacts associated with any catering provision for off-site dinners and/or receptions.
Waste & recycling	Impacts associated with the transport and management of waste generated by the event.
Kit transport	Kit transport – impacts associated with transport of supplier freight to and from venues.
Kit transport	Impacts associated with transport of INTERPOL freight to UK.
Audience & Staff Travel & Accommodation	Impacts associated with ground transport of attendees, INTERPOL staff, crew, main suppliers, Home Office staff and police.
Audience & Staff Travel & Accommodation	Impacts associated with air travel of attendees.
Audience & Staff Travel & Accommodation	Impacts associated with INTERPOL staff, crew, main suppliers, Home Office staff and police accommodation.
Audience & Staff Travel & Accommodation	Impacts associated with attendee accommodation.
Purchased Goods	Impacts associated with the production of merchandise and gifts used/provided at the event.

A number of emission sources, set out in Table 3, were excluded from the boundary of the footprint as it was considered that they did not meet relevance / control criteria, or were anticipated to be less than 1% of the carbon footprint.

Table 3: Notable exclusions from the CMP boundary and scope

Category	Emissions sources excluded from the CMP
Energy usage	Impacts associated with office use by the supply chain or contractors during the procurement stages.
Audience & Staff Travel & Accommodation	Impacts associated with any local travel by attendees that does not involve commuting to/from official event venues, including travel for social or networking reasons.
Audience & Staff Travel & Accommodation	Impacts associated with travel by Home Office staff considered to be within regular commute i.e. from home to Central London.
Purchased Goods	Impacts associated with the production of materials purchased by Police for the event.

2.3 Data collection and emissions quantification

Generally, the calculation of emissions for a specific activity is carried out using a basic formula:

Quantum of ‘activity’ x emissions factor per unit of activity = Quantum of GHG emissions

The quantum of activity can take various forms:

Units of fuel (m3, kWh etc)
Quantities of materials (m3, tonnes etc)
Numbers of items (e.g. sheets of paper, meals, nights in hotels etc)
Usage values (train journeys, flights etc)

All data used to develop the baseline carbon footprint has been assigned a quality ranking, based on the source of the data and the level of data manipulation required.

High - primary data has been used.
Medium - some primary data has been used; however benchmarks/assumptions have also been relied upon to fill gaps in data.
Low - no/limited data was available and therefore benchmarks/assumptions have been used to estimate emissions.

All data sources, assumptions and data quality rankings for the baseline carbon footprint are set out in Appendix B.

Question 5

3.  Carbon management

Accepted Answer

3.1 Alignment and integration with ISO20121

Carbon management is fully integrated within the wider sustainability management process for the event, which is being developed under ISO20121 (Event sustainability management system standard). The ISO20121 process employs a range of documents to capture activity and to define operational processes in order to ensure a sustainable event.

Table 4 sets out the key ISO documents and templates relevant to the carbon management process.

Table 4: Relationship between ISO20121 documents and the carbon management process

ISO20121 Document	Relevance to the carbon management process
SEMS001 Risks and opportunities register	Provides a mechanism for identifying and recording risks and opportunities where they relate to carbon management and opportunities to reduce the carbon impact of the General Assembly. The Register provides the first stage for recording opportunities prior to them being adopted and progressed through the programme.
SEMS002 Interested Parties and Communications register	Provides a comprehensive list of interested parties with involvement or interest in the sustainability of the General Assembly. In practice the CMP will focus on engagement with the minority of these parties with greatest influence over the GHG emissions of the event.
SEMS003 Issue identification register	Provides a high-level overview of the sustainability issues for the General Assembly. The CMP focuses on a specific of these sustainability issues.
SEMS005 Monitoring and Measuring register	Monitoring and measuring forms a key element of the CMP. SEMS0005 incorporates a range of data items required to inform the CMP.

3.2 Baseline carbon footprint

At this stage in the planning of the event primary data is not available to inform the baseline carbon footprint. Therefore, an estimate of likely emissions has been developed based on planning parameters for the event, and carbon reporting for previous similar events e.g. the AI Safety Summit in 2023, and the European Political Community meeting in 2024.

This baseline provides the conservative assessment of emissions, with elements of key determinant data being finalised post assessment e.g. final delegate numbers and flight options (private or commercial flights).

The baseline carbon footprint for the INTERPOL General Assembly has been estimated to be 3,830 tCO₂e.

As shown in Figure 1, the majority of emissions are estimated to come from international aviation from guest travel, equating to over 75% of the baseline footprint.

Other large contributions to the baseline footprint are from:

Accommodation
Freight of materials
Crew travel
Catering
Purchased goods

Figure 1 Emissions breakdown by category

3.2.1 Final carbon account

Data used for the final carbon footprint will be derived from a mix of primary and secondary sources. Where possible, primary data will be used; this will be sourced from suppliers e.g. material quantities, transport modes and distances etc. Where primary data is unavailable, secondary data will be used to interpolate based on documented assumptions.

The final carbon footprint will be presented within the QES – Declaration of carbon neutrality.

3.3 Carbon reduction opportunities

The results of the baseline carbon footprint have been used to identify a set of priority areas for which to target carbon reduction measures.

Key priority topics and actions are set out in Table 5 below:

Table 5: Carbon reduction opportunities

Hotspot	Actions and opportunities	Main Supplier targets/goals
Attendee travel	The largest contributor to the carbon footprint arises from international travel. Conversations with INTERPOL have confirmed that anyone flying privately is highly unlikely. The Event Information Book, issued to all attendees, highlights the HMG’s commitment to sustainability and encourages attendees to try and offset carbon emissions associated with travel to and from the UK, and inform the sustainability team within the Home Office of any other sustainability risks or opportunities associated with their journeys.	Not applicable.
Ground transport	Local transport for attendees and suppliers contributes a significant proportion of local carbon impacts. Across all groups and activities opportunities to promote lower carbon local transport should be identified and promoted – preferably use of public transport where appropriate, or alternatively use of low-carbon vehicles/ active travel for attendees. Engagement with suppliers should be undertaken to promote the sourcing of local materials and where possible reduce distance travelled through smart route planning.	Crew travel - Prioritising using local crew to minimise transport in the first instance. - Provide guidance on impact of various mode of transport to offices/event sites to help encourage better practice/behaviours. - Review need to travel for internal meetings over online. Freight - Work with supply chain to coordinate delivery collections/drop-offs. - Right-size vehicle manifest to ensure maximum loads. - SMART route planning. - Provide guidance to distribution company to encourage compliance/better practice.
Accommodation	The hosting of the General Assembly requires a large number of hotel rooms for staff and suppliers during the build, event, and de-rig phases. Emissions arise from the energy, water and waste generated by hotels, and from services provided (food and drink, laundry etc). Impacts can be reduced by prioritising accommodation that has adopted a wide-ranging approach to sustainability to reduce energy and resource use in the delivery of its services. Hotels that are within the SEC Campus are being prioritised so as to reduce travel distances / increase walking and cycling.	Minimise number of nights for staff/crew
Venues	The SEC Campus requires energy during the build, event and de-rig phases.	100% renewable energy sourced (build, live and derig) Avoid the use of generators on site (build, live and derig)
Catering	Catering can be a key topic for events given the international makeup of attendees, the need for catering to be available for a large numbers of staff and attendees, and the cultural needs of individuals. As a general principle the carbon impact of catering can be reduced by increasing the use of vegetarian meal options. Consideration must also be given to sourcing, transport, packaging, preparation and waste management associated with catering across the event venues. Much of the produce needed for the event will be sourced locally.	Prioritise nutritious meals for crew and delegates that is responsibly and locally sourced
Waste	Where possible the waste hierarchy will be followed to reduce emissions from waste. Signage has also been created for waste management around the site and licenses have been received from waste contractors.	Apply circular economy approach across all designassociated with catering across the event venues. Much of the produce needed for the event will be sourced locally. Commitment of reduce waste to landfill (build, live and derig) as far as possible
Partners/Supply chain	HMG include carbon reduction in major contract packages are working with suppliers to reduce carbon through their contracts.	Not applicable.

3.4 Roles, responsibilities, and stakeholders

The success of the carbon reduction measures outlined in Table 5 is dependent on the actions of stakeholders involved with the planning and delivery of the event.

Home Office

The Home Office has overall accountability for the successful delivery of a carbon neutral event. The Home Office team will work with all event operations work streams to reduce and mitigate GHG emissions through the application of the ISO20121 and good practice in delivery. The Home Office will ensure that all HMG partners are involved and accounted for as they shift towards a more holistic and responsible approach for procuring goods/services in order to maintain their contributions to building stronger, sustainable and more equitable communities.

Delivery partners

Delivery Partners will be responsible for identifying, implementing and monitoring specific actions to reduce carbon emissions, through their supply chain, where they hold operational or organisational control. In many cases, however, specific activities will be undertaken by contracted suppliers on behalf of the delivery partner.

Question 6

4.  Offsetting strategy

Accepted Answer

4.1 Commitment

In line with HMG’s commitment to deliver a carbon neutral event, avoidance and minimisation is adopted as a priority and offsetting will only be used for ‘residual’ emissions.

4.2 HMG offsetting principles

The offsetting principles for the General Assembly are as follows:

All unavoidable emissions will be offset using Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

CERs should be:

High quality certified offsets e.g. Gold Standard certified.
Located in Least Developed Countries or Small Island Developing States.
Have Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) co-benefits.
Not industrial gas projects and land sector projects.

4.3 Process for purchasing of offsets

Credits for the period 25th October 2024 - 9th November 2024 will be purchased through EDF Energy under existing Crown Commercial Services Framework RM6251: Lot 1 contract.

Question 7

Appendix A: Checklist for QES supporting declaration of commitment to carbon neutrality

Accepted Answer

Annex B of PAS2060 provides a checklist to support the declaration of commitment to carbon neutrality. The checklist provides the contents of what must be included in the Qualifying Explanatory Statement (QES) which is produced to support the commitment to, or achievement of, carbon neutrality.

The checklist has been reviewed and populated with notes to confirm that all elements are in place to support the formal declaration and production of the QES prior to the event.

Checklist requirement	Notes
Identify the individual responsible for the evaluation and provision of data necessary for the substantiation of the declaration including that of preparing, substantiating, communicating and maintaining the declaration.	Table 1
Identify the entity responsible for making the declaration.	Table 1
Identify the subject of the declaration	Table 1
Explain the rationale for the selection of the subject.	Table 1
Define the boundaries of the subject.	Table 1
Identify all characteristics inherent to that subject.	Table 1
Identify and take into consideration all activities material to the fulfilment, achievement of the purposes, objectives or functionality of the subject.	Table 1
Select which of the 3 options within PAS2060 you intend to follow.	Table 1
Identify the date by which the entity plans to achieve the status of “carbon neutrality” of the subject and specify the period for which the entity intends to maintain that status.	Table 1
Select an appropriate standard and methodology for defining the subject, the GHG emissions associated with that subject and the calculation of the carbon footprint for the defined subject.	Section 2.1
Provide justification for the selection of the methodology chosen.	Section 2.1
Confirm that the selected methodology was applied in accordance with its provisions and the principles set out in PAS2060.	Section 2.1
Describe the actual types of GHG emissions, classification of emissions (Scope 1, 2 or 3) and size of carbon footprint of the subject exclusive of any purchases of carbon offsets.	Section 2.2
Identify if the subject is part of an organisation or a specific site or location, and treat as a discrete operation with its own purpose, objectives and functionality.	Table 1
Where the subject is a product or service, include all Scope 3 emissions (as the lifecycle of the product/service needs to be taken into consideration)	Section 2.1, Section 2.2
Describe the actual methods used to quantify GHG emissions, the measurement unit(s) applied, the period of application and the size of the resulting carbon footprint.	Section 2.3
Provide details of, and explanation for, the exclusion of any Scope 3 emissions.	Section 2.2, Appendix B
Document all assumptions and calculations made in quantifying GHG emissions and in the selection or development of greenhouse gas emission factors.	Appendix B
Document your assessments of uncertainty and variability associated with defining boundaries and quantifying GHG emissions including the positive tolerances adopted in association with emission estimates.	Section 2.2, Appendix B
Document carbon footprint management plan:	Section 3
Implement a process for undertaking periodic assessments of performance.	Not applicable.
Where the subject is a non-recurring event identify ways of reducing GHG emissions to the maximum extent commensurate with enabling the event to meet its intended objectives before the event takes place and include post event review to determine whether or not the expected minimisation in emissions has been achieved.	The approach to identifying these opportunities is set out in this CMP.
For any reductions in the GHG emissions from the defined subject delivered in the period immediately prior to the baseline date.	Not applicable.
Record the number of times that the declaration of commitment has been renewed without declaration of achievement.	This is the first declaration of commitment.
Specify the type of conformity assessment:	Table 1
Date the QES and have it signed by the senior representative of the entity concerned.	Section 1.2
Make QES publicly available and provide a reference to any freely accessible information upon which substantiation depends	This QES will be hosted on the UK Government website.
Update the QES to reflect changes and actions that could affect the validity of the declaration of commitment to carbon neutrality.	This is the first declaration of commitment.

Question 8

Appendix B: Baseline carbon footprint parameters and assumptions

Accepted Answer

The quantification of the baseline is based on the current best understanding of the likely scale and scope of the General Assembly, previous events of a similar scale/nature, and discussions with HMG and Delivery Partners.

Category	Working assumption for footprint assessment	Unit
Number of days (site occupied for)	16 days	No.
Total number of attendees	1,200 delegates, including heads of police, Ministers and senior Government officials will attend from approximately 170 member countries as well as UK volunteers, officials, staff and crew.	No.
Temporary infrastructure required	No temporary infrastructure required	Percentage
Mains electric / gas	Assumed requirement is potentially twice that of the AI Safety Summit (larger venue and additional side venues for dinners/receptions). AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy (x2) for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e
Temporary power	No temporary power required	tCO₂e
Hotel accommodation	Assumed requirement is potentially twice that of the AI Safety Summit (longer event duration). AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy (x2) for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e
Catering	AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e
Serveware and drinks	As per catering row	tCO₂e
Crew travel	AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline (which were based on travel logs provided by the 1,182 crew), with an uplift of 50% included to account for longer travel distances.	tCO₂e
Guest travel	Approximate attendee numbers have been provided by the Home Office based on planning assumptions. Assumed 1,200 delegates from approx.170 countries. Assumed that all will travel via commercial airlines. Assumed 25% are within Europe and the rest travelling from Rest of World (ROW)	km per delegation by mode
Freight	AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline, with an uplift of 40% included to account for additional travel distance and INTERPOL freight.	tCO₂e
Production	Assumed scale is similar to AI Safety Summit. AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e
Graphics	AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline, with an uplift of 30% included to account for additional exhibition space / graphics requirements.	tCO₂e
Waste - Recycling	Assumed scale is similar to AI Safety Summit. AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e
Waste - Landfill / incinerated	Assumed scale is similar to AI Safety Summit. AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e
Water / wastewater	AI Safety Summit results have been used as a proxy (x2) for the INTERPOL General Assembly carbon baseline.	tCO₂e

Question 9

Appendix C: Glossary

Accepted Answer

CDM

Clean Development Mechanism

CER

Certified Emissions Reduction

CMP

Carbon Management Plan

DESNZ

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

HMG

His Majesty’s Government

PAS

Publicly Available Specification

QES

Qualifying Explanatory Statement

tCO2e

tonnes of CO2 equivalent

Note – From the 1st of January 2025, the PAS2060 scheme is to be withdrawn and replaced by ISO 14068-1:2023, the first international standard for carbon neutrality. ↩

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