How Certification Works

A clear framework for action. Transparent requirements. A focus on action.
Join us
Hand holding a clock

The goal of certification is to determine your compliance with the Climate Neutral Certified Standard. Certification can be completed in 3-4 months, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the work. We can support you for measurement and certification, or your team or consultant may lead it. Along the way, we invite you to take advantage of our carbon management tools, workshops, network, and community.

Option 1: Join a Guided Certification Cycle

We provide structured certification cycles throughout the year, where we offer resources and guidance to get you through each step of the process:

  • A dedicated carbon management coach. 
  • Group workshops on how to measure, build reduction plans, and research carbon credits.
  • Structured program to keep you on track to certify.

Option 2: Apply via Open Certification

Tap into our network of service providers who can work with you to meet our Standard and apply for certification.

  • Follow your own timeline.
  • Use any external tools that meet our technical requirements.
  • You complete the application. We review and certify it. 

Here's what you'll need to do...

01 Measure

Time to Complete

Small Brands: 1-2 hours
Large Brands: 1-3 months (including data aggregation)

Access the BEE
A mockup of the BEE displayed on a laptop screen

Measure emissions and assess the carbon impacts of all of your products and services from cradle to customer.

It all starts here: with a solid inventory of the carbon emissions from making and delivering your products and services. Your measurement will include Scopes 1, 2, and upstream Scope 3 emissions (per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).

You may already have this step nailed. Or measurement may sound overwhelming, expensive, and complex. Don’t worry. We’ve simplified the process through extensive guided content and our software tool, the Business Emissions Evaluator, or “BEE.”

FAQs

For Example

Your company, InTents is a tents company headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with most of its manufacturing based in China. The company had $80M in revenue in 2022.

02 Reduce

Time to Complete

1 week to develop plan.
1 to 2 years to implement.

Reduce value chain carbon emissions, and annually document plans and progress toward emissions reductions.

We require all brands to develop and implement reduction action plans (RAPs) to reduce emissions over the next 12-24 months. We're looking for concrete next steps your team is ready to implement.

Brands with over $100M in annual revenues are required to set science aligned reduction targets to reduce emissions ~50% by 2030.

We offer guides, templates, and tools to help you determine where, and how, you can reduce your emissions. Our network of 340+ brands is also an incredible resource for crafting your reduction action plans.

FAQs

For Example

Your team at InTents noticed a large portion of your emissions were coming from purchased materials and business travel.

03 Contribute

Time to Complete

Up to 2 weeks to complete and document your purchase.

Contribute to global net-zero GHG emissions by purchasing eligible verified carbon and clean energy credits that support climate projects outside your value chain. For the Climate Neutral Certified label, you'll buy one carbon credit for every tonne of your carbon emissions. Projects like direct carbon removals or reforestation remove carbon from the atmosphere, while clean energy avoids emissions from fossil fuels.

FAQs

For Example

Since InTents’ carbon footprint for 2021 was 63,150 tonnes of carbon, you have to purchase at least 63,150 carbon credits to completely offset your footprint.

Here’s what we’ll do

No matter your path to certification, we will:

  • Review and certify that your measurement, reduction actions, and carbon compensation meet the Climate Neutral Certified Standard
  • Provide resources for certification and learning, including workshops and access to our certified brand Slack community. 
  • Provide access to our verified, eligible carbon credit directory. 
  • Provide Climate Neutral Certified label marketing assets and resources.
  • List your company in the Climate Neutral Certified brand directory. 
Photo mockup of a smart phone displaying a certified brand page.

Label your products

Once you’re officially certified, your company can put the Climate Neutral Certified label on your products and marketing materials to show people that you’re working actively to decarbonize across your entire business. 

We equip you to make climate a part of your conversation with customers in a credible, independently verified way. When someone wants to understand your claims, they can come to your brand profile page to read up on exactly what you and other certified companies are doing.

Now accepting commitments for certification.

Join today and show the world that you’re ready to tackle your carbon emissions.

Mockup of a paper bag with the climate neutral certified label and a message reading "Your brand here".