Reducing your company\u2019s CO2 emissions is not optional, especially if you operate in the EU. The CO2 Performance Ladder<\/em> is a tool that helps companies in improving their environmental and business performance. In this interview, Brian Heikamp<\/strong>, Project Manager at The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business<\/strong>, explains the tool and the benefits of using it.<\/p>\n What is The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business and how are you involved in the CO2 Performance Ladder, in short?<\/strong><\/p>\n Why is it essential for construction industry companies to actively reduce their carbon footprint?<\/strong><\/p>\n The construction industry has a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions through the use of energy and carbon intense materials. That\u2019s why this industry can make a huge impact on national climate targets. Research shows that construction companies certified for the CO2 Performance Ladder achieve an annual 3.2 percent reduction in CO2. \u00a0Very remarkable, given how the national average has CO2 emissions actually increasing. Because of the ladder, company awareness about CO2 reduction has increased 2.5 fold.<\/p>\n What is the CO2 Performance Ladder and what makes it special?<\/strong><\/p>\n The CO2 Performance Ladder is a management system that encourages companies to cut their own CO2 emissions. The ladder has five\u00a0levels. A company can reach the next level through incremental improvements in its existing process, and through innovations in technologies and methods. The position of a\u00a0 company on the CO2 Performance Ladder is determined by the highest level on which the company\u00a0 meets all requirements.<\/p>\n A great thing about the CO2 Performance Ladder is that a company will gain financial benefits from procuring bodies who use the ladder for awarding tenders. The higher the level of the company on the CO2-Performance Ladder (as in, the more it works towards CO2-reductions), the higher the award advantage. So in this case, being sustainable is profitable. Procuring bodies give up to 10% award\u00a0advantage in multi-million euro projects.<\/p>\n There are various ways to do this. For example, a more economical use of fuel, a more efficient way of using materials or by procuring green energy. A company \u00a0then shares this knowledge with other companies. That\u2019s how companies show a drive for innovation \u2013 and not just in their own business, but across the entire chain. More than 2400 companies have a certificate for the CO2 performance ladder and this number is growing fast.<\/p>\n![\"Brian-Heikamp\"](\"https:\/\/aec-business.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Brian-Heikamp.jpg\")
The foundation stimulates and facilitates effective dialogue between companies, governments and social organizations about environmental-friendly entrepreneurship that is aimed at CO2 reduction. The foundation is owner of the CO2 Performance Ladder; a sustainability tool that helps companies reduce their CO2 emissions. Every day, the CO2 Performance Ladder proves its value to an increasing number of industries. Our foundation is responsible for its use, the development and the certification scheme. I am the manager for marketing and communications.<\/p>\n![\"co2-perfomance-ladder-levels\"](\"https:\/\/aec-business.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/co2-perfomance-ladder-levels.png\")
The higher the step or the level on the certificate, the more advantages enjoyed by the company during the award decision.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n