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Carbon Projects & Offsetting
Carbon-neutral Accreditation
Carbon-neutral Accreditation provides independent, third-party verified certification that an organisation, product, or event has measured, reduced, and offset its greenhouse gas emissions to achieve carbon neutrality — in line with a recognised international standard.
The primary recognised standard for carbon neutrality claims is PAS 2060:2014 (Specification for the Demonstration of Carbon Neutrality), published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). PAS 2060 requires a GHG quantification study aligned with ISO 14064-1 or an LCA aligned with ISO 14040/14044, a carbon footprint reduction plan, use of high-quality offset credits (Verra VCS or Gold Standard) for residual emissions, and a qualifying explanatory statement (QES) attesting to carbon neutrality. ISO 14021 governs self-declared environmental claims including carbon neutrality assertions. The VCMI Claims Code of Practice and the SBTi position statement both caution against stand-alone carbon neutrality claims that are not accompanied by ambitious, science-aligned reduction targets — making PAS 2060 accreditation most credible when integrated with an SBTi commitment. Without a structured accreditation process aligned with PAS 2060 or equivalent standards, carbon neutrality claims are exposed to greenwashing scrutiny, legal challenge under consumer protection regulations, and rejection by sustainability-aware customers.
Our approach
A structured carbon neutrality accreditation process is developed and delivered in line with PAS 2060:2014 requirements, integrated with the organisation's existing GHG inventory and reduction programme. The process covers GHG quantification, reduction plan development, residual emission offset selection aligned with ICVCM Core Carbon Principles, preparation of the qualifying explanatory statement (QES), and coordination with a BSI-accredited certification body or independent verifier. The objective is to achieve credible, audit-ready carbon neutral certification that withstands regulatory and stakeholder scrutiny.
- GHG quantification study aligned with ISO 14064-1 or ISO 14067 (for product-level claims) to establish the carbon neutral boundary
- Development of a carbon footprint reduction plan demonstrating commitment to ongoing emission reduction per PAS 2060 requirements
- Identification of residual emissions and selection of high-quality offset credits (Verra VCS, Gold Standard) aligned with ICVCM Core Carbon Principles
- Preparation of the Qualifying Explanatory Statement (QES) documenting quantification methodology, reduction commitments, and offset procurement
- Alignment of carbon neutral claim with VCMI Claims Code conditions and SBTi net zero target framework to prevent greenwashing exposure
- Coordination with BSI-accredited verifier or independent certification body for QES verification and certification issuance
- Integration of carbon neutral certification into ESG disclosures, BRSR reporting, CDP responses, and customer communications
Outcomes
Achieved PAS 2060-aligned carbon neutral certification with independent third-party verification
Qualifying Explanatory Statement documenting quantification, reduction plan, and offset procurement per PAS 2060 requirements
Credible and legally defensible carbon neutrality claims under ISO 14021 and applicable consumer protection standards
Integration with SBTi commitment and VCMI Claims Code to ensure carbon neutral claim withstands greenwashing scrutiny
Enhanced stakeholder and customer confidence supported by independently verified carbon neutral status
Speak with an expert
The team can walk you through exactly how Carbon-neutral Accreditation applies to your organisation's context and objectives.
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