On 7 September, in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, CEN and CENELEC's German members, DIN and DKE, hosted a conference on “Standardization – a strategic instrument for climate action and the global digital energy transition”, in the framework of the German Presidency of G7.
The high-level conference began with a keynote speech from Ulrika Francke, ISO President, who outlined the crucial need for international standards to meet climate goals. She also showcased the achievements of ISO in this area, such as its commitment to the London Declaration, that unites the standardization community in using standards to achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. CEN and CENELEC are also signatories of this declaration.
Session one examined the use of standardization to support the global climate agenda. It included a contribution from Daniele Pernigotti, Chair of CEN/TC 467 “Climate Change”. Mr Pernigotti presented key standards from ISO that are used to support the global climate agenda, such as the ISO package for carbon accounting. Such standards are essential to creating concrete climate action goals because achievable goals need credible information.
Session two discussed standardization for a digitally enabled, smart and sustainable global energy transition with experts from Germany, the US and Japan. Energy resilience and security has become one of the most important topics in policy due to the war in Ukraine. According to the speakers, standards can contribute to creating a more efficient, resilient, and green energy system.
Session three looked at fostering SME participation in and education on standardization, with speakers from Canada, Germany and the US. Each speaker presented best practices used to increase SME participation in standards making and to foster the talent of the next generation of standards makers. Lea Emmel, previously interviewed in our Young Professionals Series, presented her experience as a Young Professional in standardization and her work encouraging others through the Next Generation DKE programme.
CEN and CENELEC congratulates our members DIN and DKE on hosting an enlightening event that showcased the standards community’s strong commitment to combatting climate change and achieving the green transition.
