Carbon neutral label | ClimatePartner

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.

The ClimatePartner label

Our label guarantees transparency and traceability in climate action.

The logo

The logo shows a globe whose atmosphere is protected by our initials, CP. It stands for climate action.

Carbon neutral

With this label ClimatePartner certifies that a product’s carbon footprint is continuously calculated, reduced and offset.

The category

The category describes what the carbon neutral status refers to. Is it the packaging or the product itself? This ensures transparency and clarity.

ID number and tracking URL

Each carbon offset is given a unique ID number. This number and the associated URL can be used to find out more about the CO₂ emissions associated with the business or product, the reduction initiatives in place and the carbon offset project supported.

Optional: QR code

The QR code is linked to the tracking URL, which provides an easy way for consumers to find out more about what sits behind the claim.

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).