Milestones

In 2009, ProRail developed the CO₂ Performance Ladder to encourage companies to actively reduce their carbon emissions in both procurement processes and operational management.

In 2011, management of the CO₂ Performance Ladder was transferred to the independent Foundation for ClimateFriendly Procurement and Business (SKAO). SKAO has since played a leading role in further developing the Ladder to ensure the standard remains aligned with current market trends. SKAO also promotes the use of the Ladder across both the private and (semi-)public sectors.

In 2015, the OECD published the report “Going Green: Best Practices for Sustainable Procurement”, highlighting exemplary approaches to sustainable procurement. The report extensively featured the CO₂ Performance Ladder as a best practice for sustainable procurement.

Version 3.0 introduced specific objectives for each requirement, a Measures List to better assess and compare companies’ ambitions and reduction targets, and greater focus on carbon reduction throughout the supply chain at the highest level.

In 2019, Belgium began implementing the CO₂ Performance Ladder through a pilot phase. During this phase, 24 pilot projects were conducted in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, testing the instrument in public procurement. The positive results led to a decision for full-scale national implementation.

The project “Accelerating carbon emission reduction through the power of procurement”, funded by the IKEA Foundation, aims to speed up CO₂ reduction across Europe by encouraging sustainable procurement through the CO₂ Performance Ladder. SKAO is collaborating with European contracting authorities to explore how the Ladder can be used effectively in tenders.

The 1500^th CO₂ Performance Ladder certificate was awarded by SKAO to European fast-charging company Fastned. A wide range of organisations are now certified – from SMEs to publicly listed companies.

In the Netherlands, the CO₂ Performance Ladder has become the sustainability tool for organisations committed to serious carbon reduction. With the launch of version 4.0, the standard has been further refined and aligned with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).