The CO2 Performance Ladder: Turning Carbon Data into a Reduction Plan

Companies are increasingly aware that measuring their carbon footprint is only the beginning. The real challenge and opportunity lies in translating data into strategy. That’s where several widely recognised standards come in.

Today, we’ll talk about the CO₂ Performance Ladder.

Originally developed in the Netherlands and now adopted across sectors and countries, this certification framework helps organisations reduce emissions, gain credibility, and even win public tenders.

With our platform, you’ve already done the hard work of collecting and structuring your emissions data, now it’s time to turn that into value.

What Is the CO₂ Performance Ladder?

The CO₂ Performance Ladder, developed by the Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business (Stichting Klimaatvriendelijk Aanbesteden & Ondernemen, SKAO), is a certification system that rewards companies for taking climate action.

Version 4.0 (the latest version) of the ladder includes three levels:

• Step 1: Focuses on short-term reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions within your organisation (e.g.fuel, electricity, heating).
• Step 2: Includes Scope 3emissions, requiring a long-term plan (5–10 years) and engaging with your value chain.
• Step 3: Requires a full climate transition plan aligned with net zero by 2050, including proactive stakeholder engagement and accountability.

Importantly, companies can certify directly to Step 3, provided they have a basic CO₂management system and demonstrable action in place.

Why Should Businesses Get Certified under the CO2 Performance Ladder?

The CO₂ Performance Ladder is more than a badge, it’s a strategic tool to:

• Win more public tenders

In many Dutch and EU tenders, having a CO₂-Aware Certificate grants you a direct advantage or proves compliance with sustainability criteria.

• Build stakeholder trust

Certification proves your climate commitments are backed by action plans, audits, and monitoring. It gives credibility to your sustainability claims.

• Attract customers and partners

B2B buyers and investors increasingly prefer working with suppliers who can demonstrate proactive ESG risk management.

• Create a roadmap for long-term value

Rather than viewing compliance as a one-time task, the ladder helps embed carbon governance into daily operations and future strategy, saving costs and optimising processes by using resources more effectively.

How the Process Works, And Where 414 Fits In

We guide our clients through the certification process by transforming carbon data into a structured project file that meets all requirements of the CO₂ Performance Ladder and the SBTi framework.

Here’s how:

1. Define the Scope and Objectives: Do you aim for Step 1, Step 2 or Step 3? What is your timeline? We help you set a realistic ambition and coordinate internally with the right contact point (e.g. sustainability lead or operations manager).
2. Compile Your Emissions Inventory: We help you collect and structure your GHG emissions data via our platform.
3. Develop Reduction Measures and Targets: Together, we identify high-impact emissions sources and define practical, achievable actions. These are documented in a plan that meets audit requirements and aligns with your business priorities.
4. Prepare for Certification: We assemble a clear, complete project file with all required documentation: emissions baseline, targets, action plans, roles and responsibilities, internal communication plans and more. This will be handed to the certification body of your choice and the better structured your documentation, the more efficient (and possibly less costly) the audit process.
5. Monitor, Improve and Communicate: Certification is valid for 3 years, but companies must report annually. We support you in setting up tracking mechanisms and communicating progress to stakeholders. This also helps align with other ESG frameworks like the SBTi, the VSME or the CSRD.

Certification Made Practical, Not Bureaucratic

Certification doesn’t need to be a bureaucratic burden. We help you bridge the gap between data collection and audit-ready documentation. Our support ensures:

• You’re not starting from scratch
• You stay aligned with European ESG standards
• You receive tailored, industry-relevant support, not generic templates
• Your certification becomes a competitive asset, not just a compliance checkbox

Ready to Turn Climate Data into a Carbon Reduction Plan?

If you’re already collecting emissions data for investors or regulatory purposes, the CO₂ Performance Ladder is a natural next step, one that adds credibility and opens commercial opportunities.

We help you go from data to certification, turning your targets into trusted commitments and giving your company the tools to stand out in an increasingly climate-conscious market.