System BoundariesCradle-to-graveSystem boundaries indicate which life cycle stages of a product have been made carbon neutral. The following sections were taken into account for this order:
  • Material acquisition and pre-processing
  • Production
  • Distribution and storage
  • Use
  • End-of-Life
DefinitionFinancial climate contribution and Carbon neutralCarbon neutral confirms that the carbon footprint of a company, product, service, or event has been calculated according to the ClimatePartner Protocol, and a certified climate project has been financed for the resulting amount.

Financial climate contribution also means that the carbon footprint of a company, product, service, or event has been calculated, unless otherwise stated above, and that a certified climate project has been financed for the resulting amount.
System boundariesSources of emissions covered Unless stated otherwise, Carbon neutrality for companies includes at minimum direct emissions generated by the company (i.e. heat generation, vehicle fleet, and fugitive gases), emissions from purchased energy like electricity, and also indirect emissions from purchased energy, business travel, and employee commuting. Other emissions that occur outside of the company's direct control, such as those during the extraction and production of raw materials purchased by the company, intermediate products, external logistics, product use, and end-of-life-treatment are not covered by the carbon neutral company claim.

Carbon neutrality for products includes the production, processing, and logistics of raw materials, precursors, and packaging, transport to retail, emissions from sources not directly attributable to products (e.g. employee commuting), and treatment at the end of the product life cycle. The use phase of products is not covered by carbon neutrality unless using the product itself directly emits greenhouse gases, such as the use of a combustion engine, or a gas powered heater.

For more information: www.climatepartner.com/en/protocol