CO2 - Footprint / Certification CO2-neutral
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Many companies are already recording their greenhouse gas emissions for a variety of reasons. The CO2 footprint is used in sustainability reports and is part of voluntary climate protection programs or mandatory to participate in emissions trading. Companies recognize the increasing pressure from politics and society to operate sustainably and use the CO2 footprint to transparently communicate their influence on climate change. At the same time, the balance sheet enables the identification of cost-effective CO2 reduction options and the management of greenhouse gas risks.
Certification of CO2 neutrality goes one step further. In this step, the climate-relevant emissions recorded in the CO2 footprint are offset by the purchase of CO2 certificates. The purchase of certificates supports concrete climate protection projects.
The CO2 Footprint, also known as the Carbon Footprint, records the total CO2 emissions that occur directly or indirectly over the life cycle of a product system. Depending on the objective, the CO2 footprint can refer to a specific product, a service or an entire company.
Based on the calculations of the CO2 footprint, climate-relevant emissions can be compensated by so-called CO2 certificates in order to certify CO2 neutrality.
CO2 footprints are relevant for companies that want to determine their influence on climate change. Another goal is to create transparency by identifying significant emission sources. Externally, the CO2 footprint can be used as a targeted marketing instrument.
On the basis of the CO2 footprint, CO2 emissions can be offset until your product, service or company achieves CO2 neutrality.
Process steps
To create the CO2 footprint, our experts record and evaluate all climate-impacting emissions along their value chain in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14064 and DIN EN ISO 14067.
At an initial meeting, the target and the scope of the investigation are determined. This is followed by a process analysis and the creation of the CO2 footprint. On this basis, the compensation measures are determined and, once these have been implemented, your product, service or company is certified as CO2-neutral.
The Kiwa Method: Carbon Neutrality 360º
Full inventory (Scope 1, 2, and 3) using R<THINK software.
Actionable efficiency plan to lower energy and operational costs.
Strategic offsetting to neutralize remaining unavoidable emissions.
Independent Kiwa seal of approval based on ISO 14068 standards.
* Click on the steps above to view technical specifications.
Step 1: Quantification
Corporate Carbon Footprint Calculation (ISO 14064)The first stage involves establishing a precise Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory. We utilize the R<THINK software (CCF module) to quantify emissions associated with your corporate activities using internationally recognized methodologies.
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions throughout the value chain (suppliers, logistics, waste).
Key Deliverables
- Comprehensive Corporate Carbon Footprint Quantification Report.
- Identification of emission hotspots and high-impact reduction opportunities.
- Full compliance with ISO 14064-1 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Step 2: Reduction
Emission Reduction Plan (SBTi Alignment)Quantification is merely the starting point. We develop a robust, actionable carbon reduction roadmap aligned with the principles of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring your targets are scientifically grounded.
- Time Horizon: Defined pathway toward achieving Net Zero or Carbon Neutrality.
- Reduction Targets: Specific percentage-based GHG reductions across defined periods.
Key Deliverables
- Detailed Carbon Management Plan with specific, time-bound objectives.
- Energy efficiency strategies designed to reduce operational costs (OpEx).
- Framework for annual monitoring and plan adjustments.
Step 3: Compensation
Neutralizing Residual Emissions (Carbon Offsetting)We guide your organization in identifying, evaluating, and procuring high-quality carbon credits from internationally recognized standards (such as Gold Standard and VCS). This ensures your offsets are legitimate, additional, and verifiable to address residual emissions.
Key Deliverables
- Strategic advisory on suitable compensation systems (Kyoto-compliant or voluntary markets).
- Procurement support and due diligence for emission certificates.
- Guarantee of legitimacy and verified environmental impact.
Step 4: Verification
Independent Accreditation (ISO 14068-1)The hallmark of the Kiwa process: independent, third-party validation of your organization’s carbon neutrality claims, providing you with legal certainty and brand reputation.
- Phase 1: Pre-verification and gap/risk analysis.
- Phase 2: Data audit and on-site evaluation.
- Phase 3: Independent technical review and issuance of the Verification Opinion.
Key Deliverables
- Official Verification Opinion Statement (VOS).
- Exclusive use of the Kiwa Carbon Neutrality Seal.
- Certification according to UKAS-accredited standards (ISO 14068-1).
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
The "Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)" represents the next level of European environmental policy and serves to communicate essential environmental parameters in B2B and B2C.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) according to EN 15804 / EN 50693
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a Type III Environmental Declaration and is regulated by ISO 14025 and EN 15804. It contains quantifiable environmental information on a European harmonized, scientific basis. An EPD is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data.
Life cycle assessment (LCA)
A Life Cycle Assessment is used to quantify the environmental impacts of processes, products, services or organisations, usually as a basis for other sustainability applications such as Environmental Product Declarations, Product Environmental Footprints and CO2 footprints.