On January 14, the CO2 performance ladder handbook version 4.0 will be published. Compared to handbook 3.1, this is a major revision. The intention is to challenge organizations more. To achieve this, there will be a switch to a 3 step system. The current step 1-3 will now become step 1. Handbook 4.0 is more focused on reducing emissions to 0 in scope 1, 2 and 3 and goes beyond just CO2 emissions, but looks at all greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it forces organizations to establish a long-term vision and requires appointing individuals to anchor awareness of CO2 reduction within the organization.

Because Handbook 4.0 is a major revision, SKAO has established a 2-year transition period for certificate holders. Not only certified organizations, but also contracting authorities and certifying institutions must be ready to work with Handbook 4.0. There is a six-month period for certifying institutions to obtain their accreditation for the new standard.

Contracting parties will need to closely monitor the market to name Handbook 4.0 as a procurement requirement. If the certificate holders are not yet ready for it, it makes no sense to include it as a requirement, but ultimately SKAO recommends that after January 14, 2027, handbook 3.1 should no longer be included as a requirement, but should use handbook 4.0 for that purpose.

You may be wondering, as an organization, where to start. All in all, another big change in the current certification of your organization where 0-uptake and awareness are the common threads. Where do you get people to assist you in this?

With FACT compliance, you’ve come to exactly the right place! We provide the knowledge, and bring it into your organization. Not by means of a PowerPoint presentation, but by sitting down at your desk with you and your employees, and addressing the issue together. We provide the tools, you provide the data and together we ensure that the reporting becomes 4.0-proof. But more importantly, we ensure that you can embed CO2 awareness in your organization and that your employees are stimulated to think about reduction.

Call or email us to get acquainted and get started!