IGI’s offices, grading laboratory and school of gemology in Antwerp, where the institute was first established in 1975, have been declared carbon neutral according to PAS 2060 standards by SCS Global Services (SCS), a world leader in third-party sustainability certification.
The PAS 2060 Designation
The British Standards Association’s PAS 2060 designation requires a voluntary and ambitious commitment to positive climate action. Earning this designation implies the organization’s carbon neutrality has been verified, to the benefit of both the environment and consumer confidence. A formal declaration of IGI Antwerp’s carbon neutrality achievement has been issued by SCS.
According to IGI Chief Operating Officer Deborah Pienica:
IGI is fully committed to making positive changes which strengthen the environment and our industry. This goal was first achieved by our New York City offices, now Antwerp, and we will continue to expand our efforts worldwide.
Full Team Effort
IGI Antwerp principals had smart thermostats and LED lighting equipped with auto-off settings installed, and committed to using only environmentally safe cleaning products from sustainable companies. All of IGI’s team members reduced their print frequency, eliminated single use plastics, diminished the amount of trash generated per-person, followed an unplug policy and sorted trash into categories, among other improvements. The institute plans to continue proactive environmental stewardship, with a goal of 30% reduction by 2025.
First To Commit
In 2021 IGI became the first gemological institute to commit to carbon neutrality, joining the Responsible Jewelry Council, International Precious Metals Institute, and Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance in an association with SCS Global Services. Since 1984 SCS has been advancing sustainable development goals across multiple sectors through auditing, testing, certification and developing leadership standards to create a framework for continuous improvement.
