New assurance system for Bettercoal

This new, robust and transparent process is the result of a comprehensive two-year review period led by Bettercoal members and the multi-stakeholder Technical & Advisory Committee. 

The new assessment process consists of five steps and includes an obligation to undergo a site assessment as well as regular reporting on continuous improvement. According to Bettercoal, this new system aims to reflect: 

• A strong commitment made by coal producers from the outset, including clear deadlines; 
• Mandatory site-assessment and reporting on continuous improvement; 
• Clear guidelines for Bettercoal Members’ involvement in the process to avoid duplication of effort duplication of effort; 
• Clear claims for coal producers joining the Bettercoal assessment process and clear claims for coal producers joining the Bettercoal assessment process and use in marketing materials; 
• New policy of association and clear guidelines for disassociation. 

According to the company – whose aim is to support the continuous improvement of sustainability performance in the coal supply chain – one of the most significant changes in the assessment process is the publication of summary results of the assessments which will be available on the Bettercoal website.  

Bettercoal Executive Director, Anne-Claire Howard, said: “Bettercoal was founded over five years ago and it was important for the initiative to take on board the feedback received during those five years. Reviewing, modernising and improving the rigour and quality of our assessment process was crucial to the credibility of our organisation."

"Bettercoal and its members recognise the role coal still plays in our economy through its multiple uses as a source of energy for electricity generation, steel and cement manufacturing and other processes. It was essential for buyers and producers of coal to have a credible, internationally recognised standard they could rely on to manage the risks in their supply chain. We are proud to have worked with our multi-stakeholder advisory group to further enhance the credibility of our standard and ensure that we can contribute to a responsible global coal supply chain."

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/24072018/new-assurance-system-for-bettercoal/