The CO2 Performance Ladder has now been officially introduced in Belgium
Good news for businesses and environmental agencies in Belgium: the CO2 Performance Ladder, a successful tool from the Netherlands, is now being officially introduced in Belgium. This initiative marks an important step in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainability within the Belgian business sector.
What is the CO2 Performance Ladder?
The CO2 Performance Ladder is a sustainability tool that helps companies reduce their CO2 emissions. It functions as a certification system and encourages organizations to actively work toward CO2 reduction within their operations and projects. The ladder consists of five levels (1 to 5), with each higher level imposing stricter requirements on the organization’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. Companies that rank higher on the ladder may receive an award advantage in tenders, which gives them a competitive edge. This advantage can amount to up to 10%.
Key findings from the pilot phase (2019–2023)
The pilot phase, conducted between 2019 and 2023 with 24 projects in infrastructure, construction, and climate, yielded the following insights:
- Positive reception: both contracting authorities and companies responded positively
- efficiency: little extra time required for implementation and evaluation
- cost neutrality: no significant price increases due to use of the ladder
- awareness and reduction: Increased awareness and actual CO2 reduction within companies
- structural application: Significant interest in applying the ladder on a structural basis
Future implementation
The successful pilot phase has paved the way for a broader implementation of the CO2 performance ladder. Starting in 2025, the Flemish Public Waste Agency (OVAM) and the Ministry of Public Works (MOW) will begin integrating the ladder into all relevant projects. This promises to bring about a structural change in how CO2 reduction is addressed in the Belgian infrastructure and construction sector.
The official introduction of the CO2 Performance Ladder in Belgium is an important step toward a more sustainable business community and a greener future. Companies participating in this initiative will not only contribute to a better climate but also benefit from the many advantages the CO2 Performance Ladder offers.
With the successful results of the pilot phase, we can look forward to a future in which sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand in Belgium.
