The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has committed to carbon neutrality, with its New York offices the first to undergo the process.
In partnership with SCS Global Services, a sustainability and third-party certification organisation, the IGI has commenced a six month period of engagement and assessment.
During the half-year period, SCS will evaluate the group’s greenhouse gas emissions, in turn creating a plan to mitigate the institute’s environmental impact.
Once a strategy and timeline is confirmed, the IGI will commit to purchasing and retiring carbon offsets, with the group’s carbon neutrality status then confirmed by SCS.
Through the partnership, the institute is joining organisations such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI), and Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) in association with SCS.
Avi Levy, North American president at the IGI, said: “Our environment is an interdependent system where everyone has a role to play, and I am proud of the institute stepping up and enacting real change.
“While we are pioneering the practice in our sector, we look forward to others joining us in our environmental stewardship.”