The urgency of the climate crisis demands faster emissions reductions—and confidence in the carbon accounting that underpins them. SmartCarbon welcomes the new ISEP Register of Carbon Accountants and Auditors (RCAA) as an important step in strengthening professional practice and building trust in greenhouse gas reporting.
SmartCarbon Founder and Strategic Adviser, Anna-Lisa Mills, attended the register’s launch at the Carbon Accounting Alliance conference on 6 October. Reflecting on the event, she said:
Jonathon Porritt CBE’s words are still ringing in my ears: ‘The Climate Crisis is unfolding faster than scientists expected.’ The challenge to reduce emissions is more urgent than ever. Robust carbon accounting helps organisations understand where their emissions come from, prioritise action and track whether that action is making a difference.
Over the last decade, our team have supported over 1,000 organisations with carbon measurement and reduction, through a combination of our software platform, consultancy services and training. The business has also successfully maintained a partnership with Northumbria University to deliver the popular ISEP-accredited carbon footprint training and a more recent Green Skills eLearning module for organisations working towards long-term carbon reduction.
For more than a decade, SmartCarbon has supported organisations to measure, report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through its software platform, consultancy and training. Our team welcomes the evolution of carbon reporting standards and the maturing professional practice that supports them.
Developed by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) in collaboration with the Carbon Accounting Alliance, the RCAA sets out a competency framework recognising different levels of carbon accounting practice: Technical Associate, Registered Practitioner and Principal.
For organisations commissioning carbon accounting support, the register provides a clearer way to identify professionals with recognised knowledge, experience and competence. It will help build trust and give organisations, regulators and auditors greater confidence in the professional practice underpinning carbon reporting.
Recognition and a commitment to professional standards
Anna-Lisa is proud to have been recognised as a Principal Carbon Accountant (PCA), the register’s senior carbon accounting grade, recognising advanced technical expertise and leadership. She has also been invited to join the first cohort of assessors reviewing applications to the RCAA.
Anna-Lisa said:
“I’m delighted to support a register that recognises different levels of professional competence and provides a clear pathway for development. Having worked in carbon accounting for over 15 years, I welcome the opportunity both to have my own experience recognised and to contribute as an assessor.
“For SmartCarbon, this is about helping organisations make informed decisions, report with confidence and turn carbon data into meaningful emissions reductions.”
Developing the next generation of carbon accountants
SmartCarbon is also working with Northumbria University to develop a new course intended to provide a pathway to Technical Associate Carbon Accountant (TACA) status on the register.
This collaboration builds on our commitment to making carbon accounting knowledge accessible and equipping more people with the skills needed to support credible reporting and effective climate action.
Find out more about the ISEP Register of Carbon Accountants and Auditors.