Carbon Reducing Achieved
Carbon Trust
Certifies products reducing their carbon footprint annually.
The Carbon Reducing Achieved costs $5,000 USD, takes approximately 12 weeks, and requires around 80 hours of study. Over 2,000+ products have earned this certification worldwide. Renewal costs $3,000 USD every 12 months.
Key Strengths
- Requires continuous annual carbon reduction — not a one-time achievement
- Third-party verified by the globally respected Carbon Trust
- Signals genuine climate commitment beyond offsetting
- Helps brands communicate credible sustainability progress to consumers
- Supports science-based decarbonisation trajectories for products
Ideal For
Best suited for product manufacturers and consumer goods brands that have already measured their product carbon footprint and are committed to year-on-year emissions reductions. Ideal for companies seeking credible, third-party verified sustainability claims to differentiate their products in environmentally conscious markets.
Target Audiences
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Overview
Carbon Reducing Achieved by Carbon Trust certifies products that show a year-on-year reduction in their carbon footprint. This certification requires ongoing commitment from companies to monitor and lower their carbon emissions annually, rather than a one-time offset. By consistently improving their carbon performance, companies demonstrate a proactive approach to tackling climate change. Consumers who choose products with this certification can be assured that their purchase supports a brand making continuous efforts to reduce its environmental impact, aligning with long-term sustainability goals.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Applicants must provide a full product lifecycle carbon footprint assessment conducted in accordance with the Carbon Trust's methodology (aligned with PAS 2050 or ISO 14067). Annual re-measurement and documentation of carbon footprint data is required to demonstrate year-on-year reduction. Supporting data, supply chain information, and emissions calculations are reviewed by Carbon Trust assessors.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam. Carbon Trust assessors conduct a technical review of the applicant's product lifecycle carbon footprint data, methodology, and supporting documentation. Assessors verify that the carbon footprint has been calculated in accordance with PAS 2050 or ISO 14067, and that a measurable year-on-year reduction has been achieved. The review involves document submission, data validation, and may include follow-up queries before certification is granted.
Renewal & Compliance
Certification must be renewed annually. Companies are required to re-measure their product carbon footprint each year and demonstrate a reduction compared to the previous year's verified baseline. Continued use of the label is contingent on passing the annual verification review conducted by the Carbon Trust.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
As a product-level certification rather than an individual credential, this does not directly impact individual salaries. However, brands holding the label may gain competitive advantage and access to sustainability-focused retail channels, potentially driving revenue growth.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Avoid if your organisation has not yet conducted a full product-level carbon footprint measurement, as baseline data is a prerequisite. Also consider alternatives if you are seeking a one-time certification rather than committing to ongoing annual reduction targets and verification cycles.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2007
2K+
Available
Cost Breakdown
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