Carbon Trust Footprint Label

The Carbon Trust Footprint Label is a seal granted by the independent organization Carbon Trust that certifies and communicates the carbon footprint of a product, organization, or service.

Recognized internationally, it shows consumers that a brand measures, reduces, and verifies its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through rigorous standards.

Components of the label

• Measured: Verification of the carbon footprint based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with PAS 2050 or ISO 14067.
• Reducing: A public commitment to cut emissions within an agreed timeframe.
• Carbon Neutral: Remaining emissions are offset with high-quality carbon credits.

Methodology

• GHG inventory: Includes direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3).
• Independent review: Audit by Carbon Trust to ensure traceability and accuracy.
• Renewal: Measurements must be updated every two years to demonstrate progress.

Advantages for companies

• Market differentiation: A visible label that supports climate transparency.
• Consumer trust: Helps guide choices toward lower-impact products.
• Regulatory compliance: Facilitates ESG reporting and disclosure requirements.
• Cost savings: Identifies energy inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

Application sectors

• Food and beverages: Supermarket chains use the label to show emissions per serving.
• Consumer goods: Electronics, textiles, personal care.
• Service companies: Corporate emissions reduction and offsetting.

Relationship with other initiatives

• EPD and ISO 14025: Complement environmental information with a specific focus on carbon.
• Science Based Targets (SBT): Companies holding the label often align their aims with 1.5 °C pathways.

Key requirements

• Primary data: Preference for own data, supported by suppliers.
• Permanence and traceability of offsets: Certified credits (Gold Standard, VCS).
• Transparency: Publication of summarized results and accessible methodology.

The Carbon Trust Footprint Label is an effective tool to show clients and investors a real commitment to decarbonization, driving innovation and competitiveness in markets that value sustainability.