Achieved

Net Zero Achieved accreditation is awarded to organisations that have made deep, substantiated cuts to their emissions and can credibly demonstrate that what remains is being neutralised through the highest-quality permanent carbon removal. This is not a badge for aspirations, it is a recognition of achievement..

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What's required

• All Progressing Plus requirements met and carbon footprint updated annually with full audit trail
• Minimum 90% absolute reduction in Scope 1, 2 and material Scope 3 from baseline, attributable to genuine operational changes, not accounting adjustments or offsetting substitution
• Residual emissions neutralised exclusively through permanent carbon removal credits, avoidance credits are not accepted at this stage
• Carbon removal credits from verified providers: quality, permanence, additionality and retirement requirements met, with project details disclosed
• Action Plan confirms completed reductions, residual emissions approach, and ongoing management
• Avoided emissions not presented as equivalent to reductions or removals in any public communications
• Active supply chain engagement evidenced, demonstrating work with key suppliers on their own emissions reduction
• Board-level accountability for Net Zero status confirmed
• Independent verification at reasonable assurance level by an accredited third party

Our accreditation panel applies the most stringent assessment at this stage, cross-referencing submissions against the SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard, the Oxford Principles on Net Zero Aligned Offsetting, and ISO 14068-1:2023. We verify that the 90% reduction threshold has been met through genuine operational change, that residual emissions are neutralised exclusively through permanent removal credits, and that governance, supply chain engagement, and annual verification are all in place. Independent third-party verification by an accredited body is a requirement at this stage.

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Framework alignment

Achieved delivers full alignment with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard (v1.3), ISO IWA 42:2022 Net Zero Guidelines, and the UK Climate Change Act 2008 pathway. It supports B Corp Year 5+ requirements, EcoVadis Platinum positioning, and full UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS S2) and ISSB IFRS S2 climate disclosure requirements. The Oxford Principles on Net Zero Aligned Offsetting underpin the carbon removal criteria, protecting the integrity of the accreditation against greenwashing challenge.

For organisations supplying into the NHS, a 2045 net zero commitment is required. Stage 4 also provides the strongest available evidence base for SECR compliance, CSRD supply chain data requests, and JOSCAR Zero verified supplier submissions.

_{To receive the full Stage 4 Net Zero criteria, detailed guidance notes, and submission checklist, please contact us.}