News

CO2 Performance Ladder launches pilot in France

The CO2 Performance Ladder is expanding to France, marking the next step in its dissemination across Europe. This expansion follows successful implementation in the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland. The Ladder's launch in France was heralded on 27 March in Paris at the residence of the Dutch ambassador, in the presence of prominent representatives of the Dutch and French governments.

Procura+ Conference training: 'Implementing the CO₂ Performance Ladder'

On 14 March at the Procura+ Conference, our account managers George Thurley and Thijs Wentink will give an in-depth training on implementing the CO₂ Performance Ladder as a European contracting authority. This is a great opportunity for parties present at the conference who want to focus on low-carbon procurement, to learn the ins and outs of the Ladder.

CO₂ Performance Ladder takes center stage at 11th Procura+ Conference

On March 13th and 14th, the 11th edition of the Procura+ Conference, where sustainable, circular and innovation procurement policy meets practice, will take place in Lisbon.

The conference is organised by ICLEI Europe and COPerformance Ladder takes the center stage in the two-day programme as one of the key partners. We are proud of that, because the Procura+ Conference shows cities and public authorities how public procurement can be used to implement changes that can make a big impact.

CO2 Performance Ladder showcased as part of Irish-Dutch collaboration for green procurement

The CO2 Performance Ladder was in the spotlight in Ireland recently as part of an event held at the Dutch Embassy in Dublin focusing on Circular and Sustainable Construction in a Dutch-Irish context.  

DeCarb-Pro: Pioneering Decarbonization in Public Procurement for a Sustainable Europe

In the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, the DeCarb-Pro project emerges as a vital initiative aimed at significantly reducing CO2 emissions resulting from public procurement activities carried out by local authorities (LAs) in North West Europe (NWE). The impact of public procurement on CO2 emissions is striking, with 15% or 230 million tons of CO2 emitted in 2020 attributed to LAs in the NWE region. 

'If you really want to achieve something in terms of sustainability, this is a great tool.'

Sustainability is a catch-all term; an awful lot falls under that umbrella. Where do you start as a company? And how do you do it? 'It is nice that with the CO₂ Performance Ladder there is one clear focus: CO₂ reduction,' explains René van der Boon. He is director of Leertouwer in Barneveld. 

Ireland to harness the power of green procurement with the CO2 Performance Ladder

The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) have launched a pilot of the CO2 Performance Ladder in Ireland. The first tender has been published by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), with other contracting authorities expecting to use the CO2 Performance Ladder over the coming months.

CO2 Performance Ladder to be implemented in Europe

The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO), together with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Utrecht University Centre for Public Procurement (UUCePP) and ICLEI Europe, will support European countries in implementing the CO2 Performance Ladder in Europe over the next two years. This roll-out of the CO2 Performance Ladder is supported by the IKEA Foundation.

NEW HARMONISATION DECISION ON EMISSION FACTOR FOR ELECTRICITY FROM BIOMASS

SKAO publishes a new harmonisation decision on the emission factor for electricity from biomass.

CE Delft research: the CO2 Performance Ladder a proven tool for CO2 reduction

The CO2 Performance Ladder is an effective tool to help organisations reduce their CO2 emissions. The sustainability tool helps organisations make their CO2 emissions comprehensible and embed reduction measures. The CO2 Performance Ladder offers the most added value to companies and governments with little insight into their CO2 emissions. This is according to research by CE Delft commissioned by the IKEA Foundation.

Launch testimonials: the success of the CO2 Performance Ladder

To support the implementation of the CO2 Performance Ladder across Europe, we present these testimonials from our stakeholders in which they share the valuable lessons learned while successfully implementing the Ladder. Over the last 14 years, the CO2 Performance Ladder has developed into a key Green Public Procurement (GPP) tool and the number one CO2 management system in the Netherlands and Belgium.

IISD: CO2 Performance Ladder feasable for use in Europe

IISD conducted a feasibility study of using the CO2 Performance Ladder as a procurement tool and CO2 management tool in Europe. Compared to other European carbon tools and approaches, the CO2 Performance Ladder stands out for its track record of use in public procurement, its proven carbon mitigation impact, and its third-party verification system.

Invitation: The CO2 Performance Ladder for Low-Carbon Procurement in Denmark

The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO), and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) kindly invite you to participate in a focus group discussion, in which we will explore the potential to use the CO2 Performance Ladder as a low-carbon procurement tool in Denmark.

Revised harmonisation decision on renewable fuels in aviation

SKAO publishes a renewed harmonisation decision on renewable fuels in aviation. This harmonisation decision is relevant for certificate holders participating in renewable fuels programmes through which they reduce their aviation emissions. Harmonisation decisions are a further interpretation of certain requirements in Manual 3.1. These are also normative.

Rates annual contribution CO2 Performance Ladder for 2023 reduced by 10%

The board of Stichting Klimaatvriendelijk Aanbesteden & Ondernemen (SKAO) has reduced the annual fee for CO2 Performance Ladder certified organisations. The rates for 2023 have been reduced by 10% compared to 2022.

The start of the CO2 Performance Ladder: 'We had the wind at our backs'.

Founding fathers of the CO₂ Performance Ladder reminisce

Ger van der Wal and Johan van Dalen are in the books as the founding fathers of the CO₂ Performance Ladder. From the initial idea to its elaboration and rollout... They are responsible for allowing the CO₂ Performance Ladder to rapidly grow into a successful sustainability instrument. How did the initial phase of the Ladder go? Ger and Johan (both now happily retired) reminisce.

CO2 Performance Ladder highlighted in World Economic Forum report

A new report explores low-carbon concrete and construction procurement in six leading countries, one of which is the Netherlands, and identifies the CO2 Performance Ladder as a key tool in the Dutch GPP approach.

Harmonisation act validity period of the certificate when advancing to a higher level within 3 months

The Central College of Experts (in Dutch CCvD) has published a new harmonisation act, which is normative from now on. It concerns situations where a certificate holder advances to a higher level, within 3 months of a Ladder assessment. In that case, only the additional requirements have to be assessed.

The harmonisation act can be found on this page and here.

Deutsche Bahn: Solar cells between the railway tracks can generate as much electricity as five nuclear power plants

In Germany, a trial is being launched with solar panels on the sleepers between the tracks. DB and the British company Bankset Energy, which is responsible for the project, call the potential enormous.

SKAO introduces the CO2 Performance Ladder Project Impact Dashboard: PID

Registrations for companies that have obtained projects with award advantage will now be a lot easier. That is the promise of the Project Impact Dashboard, or 'PID' for short, which SKAO is introducing today. Tijmen de Groot, project manager at SKAO and Bastina van Houwelingen, member of the project group representing contractors and also CCvD member, on behalf of the sector associations Cumela and MKB Infra, explain everything we need to know about this registration tool.

Report on measure list CO2 Performance Ladder: Strong increase in the generation of energy and the electrification of mobility and mobile equipment

For companies working with the CO2 Performance Ladder, the energy transition is in full swing. There is a strong increase in the generation of energy and the electrification of mobility and mobile equipment. Measures to switch offices off from gas are also on the rise. This and more can be found in the Report on the 2021 CO2 Performance Ladder Measure List. But whether things are moving fast enough remains to be seen.

SKAO publishes impact report 2021: story behind annual figures

In addition to publishing the annual figures for 2021, SKAO has also published an Impact Report for the first time. This document is intended to provide a picture of the most important projects that SKAO carried out in 2021, with the aim of making the impact of the CO2 Performance Ladder visible. Annemiek Lauwerijssen, manager: 'Figures do not provide information about who is behind all this work, what the impact of the CO2 Performance Ladder is and what developments are taking place. The story behind the figures for 2021 is at least as interesting.'

The new Emissions Trading System ETS and the CO2 Performance Ladder

The Emission Trading System (ETS) has been in place since 2005 for electricity and heat generation, energy-intensive industries and aviation. But as part of the Fit for 55 package, the ETS is getting a major boost. The new EC-ETS proposal strengthens the overall target for the sectors concerned to a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 (compared to 2005). At the same time, the phase-out of emissions allowances will be accelerated, and from 2027 there will be no free allowances for intra-EU aviation. Shipping to and from the EU will also gradually come to be covered by the system between 2023 and 2026.

The new Energy Efficiency Directive and the CO2 Performance Ladder

The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) has existed since 2012, but as part of the Fit for 55 programme it is being revised, and strengthened.

Power of procurement and the CO2 Performance Ladder mentioned in IPCC report

It's really 1 minute to 12 now. The new IPCC report 'Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change' leaves no room for doubt. The options for halving our emissions in the next eight years are clearly described. It is striking that government purchasing power  is specifically mentioned as one of these options for bringing about change.

The EU sustainable taxonomy and the CO2 Performance Ladder

The purpose of the taxonomy is to establish rules for which economic activities can be considered green - no mean feat. The idea is that it will: make it easier to invest in green activities, shift money to the sustainable economy, minimise greenwashing and increase clarity for all parties.

Webinar: Getting started - The CO2 Performance Ladder for low carbon procurement

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO) are pleased to invite you to participate in a virtual event that will showcase a joint project on low-carbon infrastructure procurement.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the CO2 Performance Ladder

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) sets new rules for what and how companies must report on sustainability. It covers not only CO2 but also circularity, biodiversity and the rights of workers in the value chain, among other topics. The CSRD will apply to all large companies and listed SMEs - some 50,000 companies across the EU.

The Fit for 55 package and the CO2 Performance Ladder

The Fit for 55 package is the set of measures designed to meet the EU’s 2030 climate goals. Foremost among them is the target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030 (compared to 1990). The package addresses the EU's climate, industrial, energy, transport and taxation policies, setting specific targets for each sector.

The CO2 Performance Ladder and the European Green Deal

In the coming weeks, we will publice a series of articles to explain how the CO2 Performance Ladder can contribute to European climate policy. Today we start with the European Green Deal: we've all heard about it, but what exactly is it?

Europe is ready for the CO2 Performance Ladder

Green public procurement (GPP) is developing rapidly across Europe, and the CO2 Performance Ladder can play a large role in boostin those efforts. These are the results of recent research conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Each year, European governments spend €1.8 trillion (14% of EU GDP) buying goods and services from the private sector but there is no requirement to consider the climate in these decisions. Shifting to green public procurement can result in a green revolution among companies and their supply chains, and the CO2 Performance Ladder can help.

Advancing GPP and low carbon procurement in Europe: Insights

Public procurement provides a key entry point for governments to change the trajectory of their greenhouse gas emissions, and to meet climate goals in line with their international commitments to the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, and - in Europe - to the European Green Deal. In the coming years, it is therefore essential that public procurement, which accounts for 15% of carbon emissions globally, becomes a driver of innovation and commercialization of low-carbon infrastructure, goods, and services. By Laura Turley, Liesbeth Casier and Ronja Bechauf from IISD. Read the original article here.

Annual contribution rates for the CO2 Performance Ladder reduced again

The board of The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO) has reduced the annual contribution for CO2 Performance Ladder certified organisations. The rates for 2022 have been reduced by about 5% compared to 2021. The new rates will come into effect on 1 March 2022. Organisations that have already met their financial obligations for the year 2022 will receive a refund of the excess amount paid.

Billion-euro project: making the Antwerp Ring round again and bringing it into harmony with its surroundings.

In Antwerp, the ring road around the city is being made circular, complete with underground (and stacked) tunnels. The CO2 performance ladder was used for this gigantic project, but not in the way it is usually done. It was quite a challenge. Nevertheless, the management company Lantis hopes that the Ladder will contribute to making the multi-billion project as sustainable as possible. 

Transitioning to Green Government Procurement Practices Could Cut 15% of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Public sector procurement activities are directly or indirectly responsible for 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, seven times the amount emitted by the entire aviation industry, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Around the world, the study finds, governments currently spend $11 trillion—or 15% of global GDP—on procurement every year, making the transition to green public procurement crucial for reaching net zero.

Sustainable superstructure renewal of industrial estate and yard tracks

For Charlotte Pars of ProRail, it is clear: as a contracting authority, you must use the influence you have to contribute to a more sustainable world. She shows that this can be done with little effort. For procuring entities which have perfected the basics, like ProRail, there are chances that require courage to take, but which also have the potential to achieve more results. In concrete terms, ProRail allows contractors to contribute to the design of projects and even to the standards that must be met. ‘By using the contractor's expertise, we can make more sustainable choices.’

Public procurement for the port of Antwerp awarded with the CO2 Performance Ladder

Several pilot projects are currently taking place in Belgium in which a CO2 Performance Ladder certificate yields an award advantage in the procurement. One of those projects is the renovation of the Scheldelaan in Antwerp. What role did the CO2 Performance Ladder play in that project? And what sustainability actions were taken?

‘The CO2 Performance Ladder has enormous potential to make an impact in Europe'

The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO) aims to accelerate CO2 reduction in Europe by stimulating sustainable procurement through the CO2 Performance Ladder. How are they going to do that? Maud Vastbinder (project manager) and George Thurley (project officer) tell us all about the ambitions of the CO2 Performance Ladder in Europe.

Van Oord: 'Consistent sustainability goals across Europe would help us enormously'

Van Oord is working hard to make its often heavy equipment, such as excavators and large dredgers more sustainable. However, to accelerate the pace international cooperation and shared sustainability goals are crucial.

RAW framework agreement for extraordinary maintenance of polder and dyke embankments

It has been a procurement requirement at the Delfland Water Board (Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, HHvD) to use the CO2 Performance Ladder as an award criterion since 2018, in tenders where this is applicable and proportionate. This also applies to the RAW framework agreement for extraordinary maintenance of polder and dyke embankments, an agreement that runs until 2024. Chris Borst, contract manager at the Water Board, explains how he used the Ladder differently in his tender and shares his ideas on sustainable procurement.

Glasgow offers hope for breakthrough in global climate approach

Sible Schöne is critical of Glasgow’s outcomes, but does see steps in the right direction between the lines.

How does a fruit and vegetable wholesaler reduce its CO2 footprint?

Smeding & Zoon recently obtained a level 3 certificate of the CO2 Performance Ladder. But the fruit and vegetable wholesaler is concerned with sustainability in many more ways. From the fight against food waste to sustainable collaborations with partners. The family business has a simple (and sober) reason for its sustainable efforts: 'It just saves euros.'

This is how it goes with the certification of ministries

In October, the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) obtained the certificate for the CO₂ Performance Ladder on level 3. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) already preceded them and is now on level five. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) is also looking forward to level 3 certification in early 2022 and is already preparing level 4.

All Dutch ministries will implement the CO2 Performance Ladder

All Dutch ministries are getting started to use the CO2 performance ladder. It helps ministries to achieve the government-wide objective: climate-neutral business operations by 2030. 

SKAO publishes two harmonisation decisions on aviation and CPT companies

The Central College of Experts (in Dutch: CCVD)  of SKAO has published 2 new harmonisation decisions that are normative from now on. The first decision concerns the rules that apply when granting emission reductions to organisations that participate in renewable fuel programs for aviation. For example, it is described which sustainability requirements apply and which calculation rules must be applied. The second harmonisation decision states that companies that carry out CPT investigations belong in the category 'services', and not in the category 'works/supplies'. See the harmonisation acts for further explanation.

Innovation partnerships stimulates sustainable innovators

Contracting authorities in the Netherlands spent no less than €85 billion on products, works and services in 2019. This purchasing power can help enormously in achieving sustainable goals. Especially given Europe has had a unique tool to drive new sustainable solutions since 2014: the Innovation Partnership. Although applicable in the Netherlands since 2016, it is not yet widely used. Why is that, what are its strengths and where are its limitations? This article investigates the method with the help of Dutch pioneers and experts.

New: Procurement Guide 3.1 has been published!

After Procurement Guide 3.0, there is now Procurement Guide 3.1: the updated guide for the application of the CO2 Performance Ladder in tenders.

Behavioral scientist Reint Jan Renes: 'Expect resistance when making organisations more sustainable'

How do you properly involve employees in your sustainable ambitions? How does behavioral change work in theory and practice? Isis Weekenborg and Eva Louwerenburg of OchtendMensen discussed this with Ingelou Sybrandij, Sustainability Coordinator at the police, and Reint Jan Renes, behavioral scientist and lecturer Psychology for a Sustainable City at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam.

18% of Dutch footprint through government procurement

With the 'Netherlands Circular 2050' programme, the government aims to achieve a fully circular economy in the Netherlands by 2050 at the latest. RIVM research now shows that the government can make a significant contribution by sustainable public procurement. 23% of the raw materials needed for our standard of living are purchased through the government.