The CO₂ Performance Ladder combines a practical CO₂ management system with a tangible advantage in public procurement. The higher the step, the greater the tendering advantage in public procurement.

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At the same time, systematic CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency can deliver tangible cost savings, not just better reporting. Clients and sectors are also increasingly expecting organisations to demonstrate a robust CO₂ policy, alongside CSRD and other reporting requirements.

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For organisations already working with Handbook 3.1, the transition to Handbook 4.0 is particularly relevant: existing programmes based on version 3.1 must be aligned with the new version by the first audit after January 2027 at the latest. In Wallonia, the CO₂ Performance Ladder will also be introduced gradually from 2027 for Walloon public works contracts, as part of the policy on Public Works, Climate and Sustainable Development.

We work in five steps:

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1. Getting started and defining the scope - Together, we define your ambitions, target step, scope and organisational boundaries. We appoint a central point of contact and, where needed, establish a CO₂ steering group. We then assess your current situation. What CO₂ footprint, energy data, procedures or certifications are already in place? Do you have an existing version 3.1 programme? And what steps are still needed to achieve your target step? This gives you a clear view of the effort required from the outset.
2. Insight - We map your energy consumption and material emissions: scope 1 and 2, and from step two onwards, scope 3. We establish a quality management plan for your emissions inventory and identify the key opportunities for reduction.
3. Reduction - We translate these insights into an ambitious yet achievable action plan or climate transition plan. This sets out concrete actions, measures and timelines, aligned with your chosen step and integrated with your broader climate policy.
4. Communication and collaboration - Where relevant, we support collaboration with clients, public authorities and NGOs, as well as public commitments and sector-wide initiatives. This helps ensure that your CO₂ approach is not only embedded within your organisation, but also visible and credible in the market.
5. Audit preparation - We compile all required documents and supporting evidence into a clear and structured portfolio. If desired, we prepare this together with management and use it as the basis for the internal and external audits. Throughout the process, we work closely with the project team through workshops and regular consultations.

The CO₂ Performance Ladder is an important building block of your broader climate strategy. From your certification, you can continue to build on:

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• CO₂ footprint (CCF)CO₂ footprint (CCF): use a robust footprint based on the GHG Protocol as the basis for the Ladder’s insight requirements.
• Decarbonisation roadmapDecarbonisation roadmap: translate your CO₂ reduction plan into a phased action plan with concrete measures and business cases.
• CO₂ target-setting and SBTiCO₂ target-setting and SBTi: link your reduction targets to science-based SBTi targets.
• Sustainability reporting and CSRDSustainability reporting and CSRD: use your CO₂ Performance Ladder certification as part of a broader, evidence-based sustainability narrative.