1、 What is carbon neutrality certification?

Carbon Neutrality Certification is a certification process in which an authoritative third-party organization quantitatively evaluates the carbon emissions of a company, product, or service based on international standards such as PAS 2060, ISO 14064, etc., and combines emission reduction measures with carbon offsetting to ultimately achieve "net zero emissions". Its core lies in:

Calculate the carbon emissions throughout the entire process of a product from raw materials to waste using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).

Develop executable emission reduction plans and prioritize reducing one's own emissions.

Offset the remaining carbon emissions that cannot be eliminated by investing in renewable energy projects, forest carbon sinks, etc.

The certification results are usually reflected in the form of certificates, representing that the enterprise or product meets internationally recognized carbon neutrality standards.

2、 Why do we need to undergo carbon neutrality certification?

The European Union, the United States, China, and other countries have legislated to require high carbon industries to fulfill their emission reduction responsibilities. For example, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been in trial operation since 2023, requiring importers to declare the carbon footprint of their products, and those who fail to meet the standards are required to pay high carbon tariffs.

Case: Tesla has avoided carbon barriers in the EU market by obtaining supply chain carbon neutrality certification, resulting in a 35% increase in electric vehicle exports to Europe in 2023.

65% of global consumers are more inclined to purchase carbon neutral labeled products (McKinsey 2023 report), and ESG investment has exceeded $30 trillion, making it easier for certified companies to obtain green financing.

Apple has committed to achieving carbon neutrality across its entire industry chain by 2030, driving over 200 suppliers to complete certification and consolidating its market image as an "environmental leader".

New energy vehicles, photovoltaic modules, and other products entering markets such as the European Union and North America are required to provide mandatory carbon neutrality certification.

3、 Which products and countries require carbon neutrality certification?

Energy and industrial products: photovoltaic modules, lithium batteries, steel, cement

Consumer goods: electronic products (mobile phones, home appliances), textiles, food

Architecture and Transportation: Green Building Materials, Electric Vehicles, Aviation Fuel

◆ Define emission boundaries: covering direct emissions (such as fuel combustion in production), indirect emissions (such as purchased electricity), and value chain emissions (such as employee commuting and logistics transportation).

Data collection and calculation: Complete 12-month operational data is required, and international standard models (such as ISO 14064) are used to quantify carbon emissions.

Key tools: It is recommended to use certified carbon management software or third-party agency services to ensure data accuracy.

Identify key emission sources: For example, 80% of a manufacturing enterprise's emissions come from production line energy consumption, and priority can be given to upgrading equipment or switching to green electricity.

◆ Set short-term and long-term goals, such as "reducing carbon emissions per unit of output by 20% by 2025", and align them with international standards (such as SBTi).

Project type: Priority support for domestic renewable energy, forest carbon sequestration and other projects, ensuring that offsetting amounts are traceable and comply with international standards (such as VCS, GS).

◆ Avoiding pitfalls guide: Be alert to the risk of "greenwashing", choose third-party verified carbon credits, and avoid double counting.

◆ Choose authoritative institutions: International accreditation institutions include SGS, T Ü V Rheinland, China Quality Certification Center (CQC), etc; Domestic emerging institutions such as Tuoken Consulting also provide localized services.

Review content: Verify the authenticity of emission data, the effectiveness of emission reduction measures, and the compliance of offset projects.

◆ Signing a license agreement: After obtaining certification, enterprises can use institutional logos (such as PAS 2060 certification marks) on product packaging, official websites, and other scenarios.

Annual update: Certification needs to be reviewed annually, and companies need to continuously optimize emission reduction measures and update data.

ESG report disclosure: Publicize progress through channels such as annual reports and social responsibility reports to enhance investor confidence.

Processing cycle: 4-8 weeks with complete documentation

5、 Required materials

1. Product Carbon Footprint Report

2. Provide certification certificate

3. Apply for a climate friendly commitment label

Need to calculate the weight of carbon compensation based on sales volume and purchase carbon compensation

Including one ton of carbon compensation fee and official fee

6、 Future trend: From certification to zero carbon transformation

With the tightening of international carbon regulations, carbon neutrality certification is shifting from a "bonus point" to an "admission ticket". As of 2023, 89 countries worldwide have incorporated carbon neutrality into their legislation, covering 92% of their GDP. For enterprises, obtaining certification is not only a compliance requirement, but also a strategic opportunity to reshape business models and seize the green market.

Action suggestion:

Export oriented enterprises should lay out carbon accounting in advance and prioritize international mutual recognition standards (such as PAS 2060).

Collaborate with upstream and downstream suppliers to reduce emissions and lower certification costs.

Incorporate carbon management into enterprise digital systems to achieve dynamic monitoring.

The ultimate goal of carbon neutrality certification is to promote enterprises to shift from passive emission reduction to active innovation, and to gain an advantage in the wave of low-carbon economy. As stated in the United Nations Climate Report, "Carbon neutrality is not the end point, but the starting point for reconnecting humanity with nature

Through systematic certification practices, enterprises can not only overcome trade barriers, but also lead the world towards a sustainable future at an accelerated pace.