April 9, 2009 - The Carbon Trust has published an online toolkit (including spreadsheets!) outlining four do's and don'ts for getting carbon-management projects off the ground.

The guide covers the entire process of securing investment, from building the business case (including considerations of finance and risk) to drafting and presenting the proposal to maintaining momentum for the project once introduced. It also highlights the common mistakes made when presenting a business case.

The Do's

1. Defining your needs. Once a potential project has been identified, define the solution in further detail before approaching potential suppliers.
2. Developing the business case. Learn how to prepare a business case to justify your project to senior management and secure the financial and other resources required using the new publication, online financial planning tool and suggested proposal structure.
3. Focusing on procurement. Once a project has been signed off, what questions should a potential supplier be asked in terms of their qualifications and expertise?
4. Producing specifications. Agree on a specification with a supplier that clearly defines the requirements and the objectives of the project.

The Don'ts

1. Using unexplained jargon or unambiguous terms
2. Failing to indentify and deal with risk factors
3. Not using the appropriate financial appraisal methods
4. Not giving a single clear recommendation.

Find the complete guide here.