CASES / URBASTYLE

The CO₂ Performance Ladder as a strategic tool for Urbastyle

Urbastyle is an expert in architectural concrete. Together with Mantis, it successfully completed the process for the CO₂ Performance Ladder, resulting in a Level 3 certificate. This now gives them an advantage in government contracts, but also provided essential insights for making strategic decisions.
Urbastyle

About Urbastyle

Urbastyle produces architectural concrete for public spaces worldwide. From Tournai, the company works on projects for cities, architects, and contractors – from outdoor furniture for NATO headquarters to concrete facade elements for public buildings. By intelligently managing materials, using closed water circuits, and optimizing processes, Urbastyle systematically reduces its environmental impact. It aimed to structure its CO2 reduction efforts within the CO2 Performance Ladder.

“We knew that the CO Performance Ladder process would provide us with crucial data insights. Now it's objectively clear where our biggest CO impact lies and how we can further reduce it.”

JAN LAROY, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT URBASTYLE

The Challenge

Leading the Way in a Changing Construction Sector

Governments are imposing increasingly strict sustainability requirements for tenders. Large clients expect transparency regarding CO₂ emissions. The question: How do you translate existing sustainability efforts into an objective certification that attracts new clients and projects? Urbastyle saw certification through the CO₂ Performance Ladder as an chance to position itself as a pioneer in a niche where the framework is still rarely used..

From Efforts to Insights
Urbastyle had been working on sustainability for years: more efficient production processes, optimized transport, lower energy consumption. But what was the actual impact? And where were the biggest opportunities for improvement? Reporting trough the CO₂ Performance Ladder was meant to make these efforts measurable and provide a roadmap for the next steps.

“We also need to demonstrate how we manage and reduce our CO₂ emissions. This creates opportunities, but also means we need to act quickly. The CO₂ Performance Ladder now helps us structure our efforts efficiently.”

JAN LAROY, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT URBASTYLE

The Solution

Certification as a Strategic Tool

Urbastyle decided to view the CO₂ Performance Ladder not just as an entry ticket for tenders, but as a strategic tool for for advancing its sustainability. Mantis took charge of the entire process: collecting emissions data, drawing up reduction plans, and preparing for the audit. Urbastyle continued to do what they do best, while we handled the technical complexity.

What is the CO₂ Performance Ladder?
A certification system that assesses companies on their CO₂ reduction. It has five levels, with level 3 often required for government contracts. Companies using this sustainability framework must measure and report their emissions, set goals, and demonstrate that they are systematically working towards improvement. For the construction sector, it is the standard for tenders.

“The certificate helps us retain clients, but also to strengthen our market position and secure more contracts. At the same time, it helps us make well-considered choices for further sustainability.”

JAN LAROY, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT URBASTYLE

The Results

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71
New EcoVadis score
Increase in
13%
35
production sites integrated
35
production sites integrated
8
skilled professionals
8
skilled professionals

Our approach

From data-driven strategy to Level 3 certification

To achieve certification for the CO2 Performance Ladder, Urbastyle had to accurately document its CO₂ emissions, formulate reduction targets, and demonstrate concrete improvements.

Together, we mapped out a trajectory to:
1. Map the complete CO₂ emissions

• Identify Urbastyle's largest emission sources: from raw materials and transport to energy consumption.
• Long-term strategy: Address Scope 3 CO₂ reduction by involving suppliers.

2. Define reduction targets and improvement actions

• Achieve quick wins, such as optimizing transport flows and energy consumption on site.
• Long-term strategy: Address Scope 3 CO₂ reduction by involving suppliers.

3. Successfully complete the audit and certification

• Documenting reduction targets and action plans.
• Guidance during the external audit by audit firm COPRO.

“It was an intensive process, but everything was divided into phases with interim deadlines. Mantis professionally managed everything, both for us and for the auditors. This approach made the entire process run very smoothly.”

JAN LAROY, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT URBASTYLE

The results

Level 3 Certificate as a lever for sustainable growth and new future plans

Urbastyle achieved its Level 3 certification within the set timeframe. The impact of this trajectory within the CO₂ Performance Ladder extends beyond compliance, strengthening both their market position and strategic long-term vision.

Market access secured. Thanks to the certification, Urbastyle remains eligible for government contracts and tenders.

Strategic advantage. The certificate strengthens Urbastyle's credibility within the sector and with public authorities.

Foundation for further steps. The CO₂ Footprint analysis forms the basis for future optimizations and collaboration with suppliers.

Cultural shift. Sustainability is now structurally embedded in Urbastyle's operations and mindset.

Win more tenders

Are you getting more and more questions about sustainability data? Strengthen your competitive edge with objective certification.