CO₂ Performance Ladder

The CO₂ Performance Ladder is a powerful tool for organisations committed to reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing their sustainability practices. Originating in the Netherlands, this innovative instrument has gained widespread recognition across Europe, including the UK and Ireland, as a proven method for effective carbon management. By integrating sustainability criteria into tender evaluations, the Ladder incentivises organisations to actively pursue CO₂ reduction, offering a competitive edge in procurement processes.

The Foundation for Climate-Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO), the owner and manager of the CO2 Performance Ladder, is launching the pilot in the United Kingdom in partnership with Action Sustainability and in Ireland with the Irish Green Building Council.

What is the CO₂ Performance Ladder?

The CO₂ Performance Ladder is an innovative tool that helps organisations systematically reduce carbon emissions across their operations, projects and supply chains. It serves as both a procurement instrument and a CO₂ management system, providing a structured approach to achieving sustainability goals. By rewarding efforts with a competitive advantage in tenders, the Ladder encourages businesses to align their practices with global climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.

How Does the CO₂ Performance Ladder Work?

Following version 4.0, the CO₂ Performance Ladder now operates through a series of 3 steps, each designed to progressively reduce emissions and enhance sustainability.

Focuses on reducing emissions within your own organisation, targeting short-term goals (up to 3 years) and addressing scope 1 and 2 emissions. This step involves aligning internal operations with energy-saving practices and identifying key personnel for effective implementation.

Targets emissions in your value chain, focusing on medium-term goals (5 to 10 years) and scope 3 emissions. Organisations work collaboratively with supply chain partners to develop additional CO₂ reduction measures, fostering industry-wide sustainability.

Aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, addressing both scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This step encourages organisations to look beyond their immediate operations, considering emissions outside traditional scopes, such as avoided emissions.

Certification of the CO₂ Performance Ladder

Certification of the CO₂ Performance Ladder is a formal process that verifies an organisation's compliance with the Ladder's standards for carbon reduction and sustainability. As an accredited certification body, TÜV UK conducts thorough audits to assess whether organisations meet these requirements. Achieving certification demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility and positions your organisation as a leader in sustainability. It offers tangible benefits such as competitive advantages in tenders, enhanced corporate image and significant energy cost savings, helping you contribute to global climate goals and foster a greener future.

Certification Process

Year 1

Stage 1

This initial audit evaluates your organisation's readiness for certification, focusing on identifying areas for improvement in your CO₂ management system. It sets the foundation for the certification process by ensuring that your organisation is prepared to meet the Ladder's requirements and standards effectively.

Year 1

Stage 2

A comprehensive evaluation of your CO₂ management system, this audit ensures compliance with the Ladder's requirements. It involves a detailed examination of your processes and practices, verifying that your organisation is effectively managing and reducing its carbon emissions as per the Ladder's standards.

Year 1

Certification Decision

Based on the result of the stage 2 audit, TÜV UK makes a formal decision regarding your certification. This decision is crucial as it determines whether your organisation has successfully met the CO₂ Performance Ladder's standards, allowing you to leverage the benefits of certification in your sustainability efforts.

Years 2 & 3

Annual Surveillance

Conducted annually, these audits monitor ongoing compliance and continuous improvement in your CO₂ management system. They ensure that your organisation maintains the standards required by the Ladder, fostering a culture of sustainability and ongoing enhancement of carbon reduction practices.

Year 4

Recertification

Every three years, a recertification audit is conducted to renew your certification and assess long-term sustainability progress. This audit is essential for verifying that your organisation continues to meet the Ladder's standards, ensuring sustained commitment to environmental excellence and CO₂ reduction.

The new version 4.0 was published on 14 January 2025 and will have a two year transition period. Certified organisations can opt for audits based on Handbook 4.0 from July 2025 and must switch completely no later than their first audit after January 2027.

Changes include;

New structure: Three levels instead of five, that will require more ambition from organisations.
Long-term focus: Organisations are challenged to reduce emissions in scope 1, 2 and 3 – and beyond – to zero. Long-term goals, such as plans for the next 10-20 years, also receive attention.
Awareness: Version 4.0 asks organisations to embed CO₂ reduction broadly within the organisation.

Benefits of CO₂ Performance Ladder Certification

Competitive advantage in tenders
Enhanced sustainable image
Concrete energy cost savings
Stronger market position
Alignment with international standards
Contribution to global climate goals

Why Choose TÜV UK?

TÜV UK is a leader in CO₂ Performance Ladder certification, offering:

Expertise: Our auditors are highly experienced, bringing in-depth knowledge and insights to your organisation.
Global Recognition: TÜV UK is part of the TÜV NORD Group, a globally respected certification body.
Impartial Certification: Benefit from an independent, accredited, third-party assessment.

Already certified?

If you currently hold a valid accredited certificate from another provider, transferring your certification to TÜV UK is straightforward and hassle-free. Contact us and transfer today!

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Get Started Today!

Embark on your journey to excellence in carbon management with TÜV UK. Contact us today to learn more about our CO₂Performance Ladder certification services and how we can support your organisation in achieving its sustainability goals.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The CO₂ Performance Ladder is a tool that helps organisations reduce carbon emissions and gain a competitive advantage in tenders. It benefits your organisation by improving sustainability practices and enhancing your market position.

Certification involves a structured audit process, similar to ISO standards, assessing your CO₂ management system against the Ladder's standards. Contact us to start your certification journey today!

The process includes a Stage 1 audit, Stage 2 audit, two annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit every three years.

Version 4.0 introduces a climate transition plan, aligns better with international standards like the Paris Agreement and focuses on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It simplifies the structure to three steps, enhancing the framework for carbon reduction.

The Ladder provides a structured approach to systematically reduce emissions across operations, projects and supply chains, aligning with global climate targets.

Yes, small businesses can benefit from certification by improving their sustainability practices, gaining competitive advantages in tenders and reducing energy costs.

The CO₂ Performance Ladder focuses specifically on carbon reduction and procurement advantages, offering a unique approach to sustainability. ISO 14001 is an environmental management standard, ISO 50001 focuses on energy management and ISO 14064 deals with greenhouse gas accounting and verification. While all aim to improve environmental performance, the Ladder uniquely integrates sustainability into tender processes, providing direct procurement benefits.

The certification timeline varies depending on your organisation's readiness and the complexity of your CO₂ management system. Contact us today to find out more.

Costs include audit fees and any necessary improvements to your CO₂ management system. Contact us today for a detailed quote based on your organisation's needs.

Yes, TÜV UK offers a seamless transition process for organisations wishing to transfer their existing certification. Contact us to learn more about the transfer process.