Get certified in 4 steps:
FAQ
1. Decide on Step
- Determining ambition: Familiarise yourself with the CO₂ Performance Ladder and decide which Level or Step you wish to achieve. The higher the level, the greater the effort – and the greater the impact.
- Create support: Make sure management is behind the certification ambition and put together a project team.
- Define the scope: Determine which organisational units and activities are covered by the certification.
2. Set to work
Create an account on this website (trial licence available) and get started with the requirements for the chosen Step on the CO₂ Performance Ladder. You start with:
- Calculating a CO₂ footprint and identifying the main sources of CO₂ emissions.
- Formulating reduction targets and drawing up an action plan.
- Communicating your carbon reduction policy internally and externally.
- Implementing a CO₂ management system.
3. Audit and certification
- Certification body: Select a recognised certification body, in time for the external audit.
- Internal audit: Check internally that you meet all the requirements of the CO₂ Performance Ladder.
- External audit: Have an external audit carried out. With a positive assessment, you will receive the certificate.
4. Continuous improvement
- Periodic audit: The certificate is valid for three years. Ensure an annual surveillance audit and demonstrate your improvements to maintain the certificate.
- Recertification: After three years, repeat the steps to obtain a new certificate.
- Climbing the Ladder:
Regularly evaluate your organisation’s progress and, where possible, set new goals or aim for a higher Step to achieve even greater impact.
Obtaining a certificate on the CO₂ Performance Ladder
Costs for obtaining a certificate
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1. Working hours
The implementation of a robust CO₂ management system takes time. On average, organisations report that this requires around 100–200 working hours.
Some organisations choose to engage the support of a consultancy. This can save time but does incur additional costs.
2. Annual contribution to SKAO
As a certificate holder, you pay an annual contribution to SKAO. The applicable fee for your organisation depends on its size or turnover. It ranges from €65 to €6,000. See our list of fees.
3. Certification body
An independent certification body (CB) carries out the audits at your organisation. A one-off fee of approximately €3,000–€4,000 is invoiced, plus around €1,500–€2,500 annually thereafter. Ask the CB of your choice for its rates. See this page for all CBs.
Benefits of a certificate
1. Award advantage
CO₂-related award advantage in tenders.
2. Innovation
Product and service improvements through innovation.
3. Image
Enhanced sustainable image as a supplier.
4. Market position
Stronger market position as a sustainable employer.
5. Added value
By buying sustainably from your suppliers.
6. Energy savings
Concrete energy cost savings.
