The CO2 Neutral protocol is the methodological basis for supporting the client in his approach and defining his climate pathway. This protocol is based on international standards (PAS 2060) and on the climate science currently available at international level.
However, this subject is bound to evolve and the reality on the ground or the specificities of companies must be taken into account in order to define the most credible climate action plans.
In order to ensure the best approach with each of our clients, but also to preserve the credibility of our label and to ensure the best use of it, we have set up a scientific council to discuss specific client cases, market developments, the international context or to respond to potential misuse of the label.
The board is composed of CO2logic employees but also of external members whose field of expertise helps to feed the reflection.
To know more about the council or submit questions or suggestions for improvement, please reach out to us at :
co2neutrallabel@southpole.com
Our certification protocol is public.
A company, product or activity that is deemed to be in conflict with sustainable development and the transformation to a Net Zero society may be denied the CO2 Neutral label.
Offsetting can only be carried out by certified climate projects. Climate projects related to nuclear power, fuel switching, industrial gases, coal mine methane and large hydroelectric power plants are excluded.
If a company does not reduce its emissions compared to the average of the previous three years without a valid explanation and cannot demonstrate the implementation of reduction actions, the label will be withdrawn. Reduction results against interim targets must be achieved in order to retain the label.
If false or misleading communication is proven, the label may also be withdrawn.
A label is awarded for one year, once all the basic requirements have been met. These include the correct calculation of the footprint, the implementation of a reduction plan and the setting of targets, as well as the submission of a letter of commitment from top management. Once the various stages of the climate journey have been completed, the label is awarded.
Each year, CO2logic consultants update the carbon footprint of all clients and check the initiatives and actions taken to meet the targets, before renewing the label.
If the requirements are not met, the label expires.
Each year, CO2logic consultants update the carbon footprint of all clients and verify the initiatives and actions taken to achieve the targets.
To know more about the protocol and the reduction monitoring, you can take a look at the certification protocol.
CO2logic awards the label when the companies meet all the required conditions (measuring the carbon footprint, setting ambitious targets, implementing the reduction plan and then offsetting the remaining emissions). CO2logic also updates the carbon footprint and monitors the client’s reduction plan on an annual basis.
Vinçotte then validates the compliance with the protocol, ensuring that all our Project Managers follow the same methodology and that the companies commitments are fulfilled.
Vinçotte is the independent third party appointed to audit all the labels issued by CO2logic.
This third-party verification is specific to the CO2 Neutral label, and guarantees the compliance of every label with the certification protocol, the implementation of the reduction plan and the climate contribution of companies.
To meet the growing demand from all stakeholders for more transparency and to improve the quality of the communication around the label, we have added an individual QR code to each label. Thanks to this code, the company can now publicly communicate its level of ambition, its reduction plan and the climate projects it is supporting.
The QR-code also gives access to the Validation Statement issued by Vinçotte after the process audit, which guarantees the validity of the label.
Reach out to us !
Your CO2logic project manager will be the best person to guide you in this process. If you do not have a Project Manager yet, please fill the contact form on our website, or write at :
co2neutrallabel@southpole.com
Obtaining the bronze label is an important step in itself. It means that your company or organization has taken climate responsibility and started its climate journey towards a low-carbon society.
Climate neutrality is a journey, and the bronze label is the first step. Progression to silver or gold should then follow, as your company becomes more familiar with climate issues and raises its ambition towards a reduction plan aligned with scientific targets.
The CO2 Neutral Label can be used to certify a company, a product or an activity (event, delivery, …).
The label also has different levels – ranging from bronze to gold – to help your customers and stakeholders understand exactly where you stand on your climate journey. They indicate the level of ambition and the scope of your carbon reduction efforts.
For all labels, emissions have to be 1/ calculated, 2/ reduced as much as possible and then 3/ offset with certified carbon credits.
Details of the levels :
ENTITY
- Bronze level : Covers scopes 1 and 2, meaning: all direct and indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, heat, or cooling (energy consumption, heat generation, fuel for vehicles…).
- Silver level : Covers scopes 1, 2 and part of scope 3, meaning: all direct and indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, heat or cooling as well as the indirect emissions linked to fuel and energy-related emissions (not already considered in scopes 1 and 2), waste from operations, business travel, employee home-work commuting.
- Gold level : Covers scopes 1, 2 and all material scope 3 emissions, meaning: all direct and indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, heat or cooling as well as the indirect emissions generated within the value chain (upstream and downstream emissions). Furthermore, to reach this level, the reduction target must be in line with science-based targets (1,5°C trajectory) and should cover at least ⅔ of scope 3 emissions.
PRODUCT
- Bronze level : All upstream and production-related emissions until the product leaves the factory (raw materials, supply chain, manufacturing) are taken into account.
- Silver level : All upstream and downstream emissions (raw materials, supply chain, manufacturing, delivery to store, usage, end of life) are taken into account.
- Gold level : All upstream and downstream emissions (raw materials, supply chain, manufacturing, delivery to store, usage, end of life) are taken into account. Furthermore, to reach this level, the company’s climate targets must be aligned with science and a 1,5°C trajectory.
ACTIVITY
Activity : All emissions related to the activity (including indirect emissions from fossil fuel combustion, based on the requirements of PAS2060) are taken into account.
