Get certified in 4 steps:
FAQ
1. Decide on Step
- Determining ambition: Familiarise yourself with the CO₂ Performance Ladder and decide which Step you wish to achieve. The higher the Step, 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.
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.
The handbooks
The handbooks contain all the requirements your organisation must meet. Download the version that matches your Step, or view the handbook directly in the login environment.
View in My CO₂ Performance Ladder
Download Step 1
The handbook for Step 1 contains all the requirements for your first step on the CO₂ Performance Ladder: insight into your energy consumption, an action plan, and communication about your CO₂ reduction. Download Handbook Step 1
Download Step 2
The handbook for Step 2 contains additional requirements regarding scope 3 emissions, a Climate Transition Plan, and active collaboration in the value chain. Download Handbook Step 2
Download Step 3
The handbook for Step 3 sets the highest requirements: a Climate Transition Plan for all activities, with a long-term target of zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 at the latest. Download Handbook Step 3
Resources and support
FAQ
Find quick answers to the most common questions about certification, the audit, and the three Steps.
View the FAQDialogue with experts
Organisations at Step 3 have their Climate Transition Plan assessed through a dialogue with external, independent experts. View the available experts.
Overview of initiatives