CO₂ Performance Ladder: guidance towards certification
What is the CO₂ Performance Ladder?
The old levels 1-3 have now been merged into Level 1, the entry level for most companies. In construction and infrastructure tenders, a certificate is often the minimum requirement. Without it, you lose points or are excluded from selection.
For this, you must demonstrate:
- How much CO₂ you emit within Scope 1 and 2 (in accordance with the GHG Protocol)
- Which Scope 3 emissions are relevant to your organization
- Concrete reduction targets and how you follow up on them
- That your management system is structurally embedded
- That your trajectory is assessed annually by an external auditor
Who is the CO₂ Performance Ladder for?
The CO2 Performance Ladder is intended for:
- Contractors active in infrastructure and construction
- Companies participating in public tenders
- Businesses with their own equipment, transport, or outsourced activities that generate CO₂
- Companies that want to substantiate their sustainability efforts with an external certificate
Why certification within the CO₂ Performance Ladder?
Avoid exclusion from tenders
A certificate is the minimum requirement in many public and private tenders. Level 1 is the entry level. Without it, you lose points or will be excluded.
Create a market advantage
With a certificate, you differentiate yourself from competitors who cannot yet demonstrate sustainability efforts.
Future-proof your business
CO₂ reduction opens doors to other ESG certificates, subsidies, and customer groups that value sustainability.
Reduce operational costs
By accurately measuring and reducing your CO₂ emissions, you often also optimize your fuel and energy consumption.
How does the process work?
Initial Consultation
We analyze what data is needed, how your organization operates, and what projects you are targeting. You'll immediately know if certification is feasible and which level suits your situation. We also review your current sustainability initiatives to see what can be reused.
Calculate Footprint
Together, we calculate your Scope 1 and 2 emissions based on your own data (fuels, electricity, natural gas). We analyze Scope 3 where relevant for your sector. We use existing invoices and consumption data to make the calculation as accurate as possible.
Reduction Plan
We formulate concrete measures that are technically feasible and measurably contribute to CO₂ reduction. The plan includes both internal measures and actions directed at subcontractors and suppliers. Each proposal receives a realistic timeline and measurable objective.
Audit
We prepare your audit, compile the complete dossier, and ensure everything meets the standards of the certifying auditor. We guide you through the audit discussions and ensure all documentation is correct.
Follow-up
We ensure you have the correct figures and documents ready annually, including progress reports and updates to your reduction plan. You'll receive a manual for internal follow-up between audits.
CO₂ Performance Ladder: why Mantis?
As one of the few specialized agencies in Belgium, we guide companies from data collection to certification. Together, we ensure that your CO₂ Performance Ladder certification not only meets all relevant requirements but also adds tangible value to your business strategy.
Complete peace of mind. From context determination to final report – we guide you through the entire process without you having to train your team.
Practical expertise. Expect an efficient process. We know the CO₂ Performance Ladder inside out and understand exactly what documentation auditors want to see.
Pragmatic approach. We ensure you meet all requirements, but our main focus is on what truly helps your organization become more sustainable and efficient.
Schedule an introductory meeting
Afterwards, you'll immediately know where you stand and what's needed to obtain a certificate.
Not our words
"The team always thinks along with us, for both the short and long term. Pragmatic, efficient, and technically excellent. Their experience has often made the difference for us, in strategy and in the field."
Marc Croonen
Chief HR, Sustainability & Communication at Vandemoortele
“Why Mantis? An accessible approach and deep expertise. They successfully translate complex regulations into practical solutions for our organization.”
Jan Laroy
Managing Partner at Urbastyle
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. After a successful external audit, you receive a certificate demonstrating that your organization is systematically working on CO₂ reduction. The certificate is linked to a level (1, 2, 3, or 4) and is assessed annually. The higher the level, the greater your competitive advantage in tenders.
A Carbon Footprint analysis is a snapshot. The CO₂ Performance Ladder also requires reduction, follow-up, reporting, and annual external verification.
No, but in many government tenders, a certificate is a prerequisite or an important award criterion. Level 1 is the entry level and often sufficient. Without a certificate, you risk losing contracts.
The exact cost of a program depends on your company size, data quality, and the desired level.
Yes. We guide processes at all levels, including the higher levels (2 and 3) with their stricter requirements regarding supply chain analysis, climate transition plan, and mandatory communication.
Your certificate is valid for three years, but you need an annual interim audit to demonstrate progress with your reduction plan. An external auditor annually assesses whether your CO₂ management system meets the requirements of your level. We prepare you for the audit so you know what the auditor expects.
Also interesting?
Carbon Footprint
Energy audit or plan
Sustainability reporting
Lifecycle assessment (LCA) & EPD
Sustainabilityplan
Climate risk analysis
VLAIO Greening Scan
EcoVadis guidance
SBTi guidance
VSME reporting
CO₂ Performance Ladder
