ClimatePartner's label ‘Carbon neutral’

A label for transparency in carbon neutral products, services, and companies
Our label confirms that carbon emissions have been measured and reduced where possible and that unabated CO2 emissions have been offset via recognised, certified carbon offset projects.
Our ‘Carbon neutral’ label represents transparency and traceability for climate action. The offsetting process certified by the label is verified every year by TÜV Austria, an internationally recognised specialist in environmental auditing. The label is currently granted in 30 languages in 60 countries.
71 % of our customers value our label as guidance for consumers.
Source: ClimatePartner Survey, 2020
Criteria for receiving our label
The precise calculation of emissions is the first requirement for carbon neutral products, companies and services. ClimatePartner has clearly defined the areas that must be included and the emissions that must be calculated. The emissions of the product, service, or company must then be offset in order to receive the ClimatePartner "Carbon neutral” label. This definition is based on the British carbon neutrality standard PAS 2060 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol for emissions accounting. These processes are outlined in the ClimatePartner Protocol, which is our quality guideline for carbon neutral companies, products and services.
The criteria for receiving the ClimatePartner label differ, depending on whether the label is for a carbon neutral company, a carbon neutral product, or a carbon neutral service like an event.
Carbon neutral company
- Emissions are recorded and accounted for based on the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
- The minimum requirements are:
- All scope 1 emissions are accounted for and offset
- All scope 2 emissions are accounted for and offset
- The following scope 3 emissions are accounted for and offset
- Employee commuting
- Business travel
- Upstream electricity
- Upstream heating/cooling
- Upstream fleet
- Unabated CO2 emissions are offset via recognised carbon offset projects that are certified according to the highest standards such as Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard.
- The process confirmed by the label is certified by TÜV Austria.

Carbon neutral product
- Emissions are accounted for based on the GHG Protocol Product Life Cycle Standard.
- The minimum requirements are:
- All cradle-to-customer emissions are accounted for and offset.
- All end-of-life emissions are accounted for and offset.
- Unabated CO2 emissions are offset via recognised carbon offset projects which are certified according to the highest standards.

Transparency in communicating emissions
The “Carbon neutral” label needs to be communicated in the appropriate context. Additional descriptions are not part of the label.
The unique ID number on the label creates transparency about the CO2 emissions along with the product life cycle and thus the basis for reductions. Companies that advertise carbon neutrality take it upon themselves to continuously and effectively protect the climate.
In order to guarantee a holistic climate protection strategy, the offsetting of remaining unabated CO2 emissions via certified, international climate protection projects should be used primarily as a supplementary measure to the reduction efforts. Therefore, the possibilities of ID tracking with the presentation of reduction and further climate action measures should also be taken advantage of.
79 % of consumers change their purchasing preferences for sustainability reasons.
Source: Capgemini Research Institute, 2020
ID-tracking explained
You scan the QR code on the label or enter the ID number on our website. You will then be taken to the ID tracking page and see all the relevant information on the carbon offset of the product, company, or service. In addition, you will receive information on the supported climate protection projects, including photos and videos (if available).

40 % of consumers attribute the greatets influence on controlling environmental damage to manufacturers.
Source: GfK, 2019
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