IGI becomes first Gem Lab to commit to Carbon Neutrality

IGI and SCS Global Services, a leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, have begun a six-month period of engagement and assessment, wherein SCS will evaluate the institute’s greenhouse gas emissions for the purpose of creating an action plan to mitigate the laboratory’s environmental impact. IGI’s New York offices will be the first to undergo the process.

With this move, IGI becomes the first gemological institute to commit to carbon neutrality, joining the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC), International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) and Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) in an association with SCS Global Services (SCS). 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.

An extension of leadership
For 45 years IGI has been a world leader in the global jewelry certification and grading industry. This commitment represents another leadership standard the institute hopes others in the industry will follow. According to IGI North American President Avi Levy:

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.

Upon thorough evaluation and analysis, both parties will devise an action plan that will solidify a strategy and timeline. Once confirmed, IGI will commit to purchasing and retiring carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse gas impact. After successful implementation, SCS will complete the assessment that will validate the institute’s carbon neutral certification, which the gemological laboratory plans to renew annually.

Since 1984, SCS has been a trusted, strategic auditing and certification partner for their clients. The team’s talented climate experts have brought environmental and climate solutions to Fortune 500 and start-up companies alike.