CO2
Sustainability has been a social issue for quite some time. One of the main topics of discussion, CO2 reduction, has received a lot of attention, particularly since the Kyoto Protocol was agreed in 1997. Besides CO2 there are many other greenhouse gasses, which are usually divided into six main groups. The various gasses can be converted into so-called CO2 equivalents.
Carbon footprint analysis
A carbon footprint analysis or CO2 emission inventory is a report that gives a clear insight into CO2 emissions (in kgs) caused by an organization, an activity or a product during its life cycle. It also indicates what measures can be taken to reduce emission.
Governments, companies, consultants and institutions have developed a large number of methods and tools for easy measurement of an organization's carbon footprint and for communicating it to customers, shareholders, consumer associations and other stakeholders.
In the Netherlands alone, several measuring methods are used:
- The CO2 performance ladder within the environment barometer distributed and promoted by the Stimular Foundation;
- The CO2 explorer developed by the province of Utrecht;
- The emission tool of Van den Bosch Transport (only for CO2 emissions caused by transportation)
A carbon footprint analysis is drawn up in accordance with international criteria and agreements, including agreements on data, verification methods and conversion factors. These agreements are set out in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (more information).
In 2006 the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted the above-mentioned corporate standard as a basis for its ISO 14064-1 standard. The CO2 performance ladder developed by ProRail is in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064-1.
CO2 performance ladder
The CO2 performance ladder (now called the national performance ladder) was developed by ProRail. This company has been using it in tenders since 2009. Most of all, the ladder should provide insight into CO2 emissions. Certification based on the CO2 performance ladder can be an advantage when contracts are awarded. At the moment the ladder has 6 levels (including level 0). The level achieved by an organization can translate into an advantage in the tender process. The higher the level, the higher the advantage. Both the CO2 performance ladder and the GHG protocol make a distinction between different scopes.
The conversion factors and reference data used in the performance ladder are geared to the situation in the Netherlands. Some of these differ from international or US factors and key figures.