Carbon footprint certification in Spain: how to obtain it

Carbon footprint certification is the process by which an independent, accredited body verifies the greenhouse gas emissions declared by a company, ensuring its data is reliable and comparable. In Spain it is the basis for registering the footprint in the MITECO registry and for demonstrating climate commitment to clients, investors and public authorities.

This article explains what certification is, what types exist, how to obtain it step by step and what benefits it brings.

What is carbon footprint certification and why does it matter?

Certifying your carbon footprint means submitting your inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to review by an accredited body, which checks that the calculation was made in line with recognised standards. This provides reliability and transparency, an essential requirement for enrolling in official registries and for avoiding accusations of greenwashing.

This step becomes even more relevant with Royal Decree 214/2025, which requires large companies to calculate and publish their footprint and to draw up a reduction plan, and which demands external verification of Scopes 1 and 2 except in certain cases (SMEs and non-profit entities that use official factors).

The European framework: climate neutrality by 2050

The European Union has set the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050, enshrined in the European Climate Law. As an intermediate milestone, the Fit for 55 package sets a reduction in net emissions of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. These targets are transposed into Spanish law and push companies to measure, certify and reduce their emissions.

Types of carbon footprint certification

Within the MITECO registry framework, the certification levels correspond to the official seals:

• CO₂ calculated: certifies the total GHG emissions generated by the company's activity, expressed in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. It is the starting point (Calculo seal).
• CO₂ reduced: recognises the emissions reduction achieved over time, comparing successive periods (Reduzco seal).
• CO₂ offset: certifies that the company has offset part or all of its emissions through registered absorption projects (Compenso seal).

You can see the detail of each level in our guide to the Calculo, Reduzco and Compenso seals.

Benefits of certifying your carbon footprint

• Improves corporate image: a competitive advantage for attracting clients and investors who value sustainability.
• Reduces risk: lets you anticipate future regulation and avoid potential penalties.
• Access to opportunities: eases access to grants, public tenders and markets where sustainability is a requirement.
• Drives efficiency: the process brings energy inefficiencies and savings opportunities to light.

How to obtain carbon footprint certification in Spain

1. Define the scope: decide which emissions to include in the calculation: Scope 1, 2 and, where applicable, 3.
2. Gather the activity data that generates emissions: energy consumption, fuels, travel, waste, etc.
3. Calculate the footprint with a recognised methodology such as ISO 14064 or the GHG Protocol.
4. Select a body accredited by the Spanish National Accreditation Entity (ENAC) to guarantee the validity of the certification.
5. Pass the verification audit, in which the body reviews the information and procedures.
6. Obtain the certificate and, if you wish, register the footprint in the MITECO registry to obtain the official seal.

Manglai, your ally for certifying your carbon footprint

At Manglai we calculate the footprint under the GHG Protocol and the ISO 14064 standard and support companies throughout the process: automatic calculation of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, generation of third-party auditable reports, reduction plans and management of the certification.

If your goal is to certify and register your footprint in the national registry, discover Manglai's solution for MITECO registration.