You can read the Protocol by downloading the PDF of the Protocol or through these web pages. The content is identical in both places.
We are pleased to present this 2023 edition of The CarbonNeutral Protocol. First developed and published in 2002, The Protocol is revised and updated annually to reflect developments in climate science, international policy, standards and business practice. It is an open source standard and guide developed for business by business that draws together leading independent standards for greenhouse gas accounting into a practical guide to carbon neutrality.
Read more about the background to the Protocol in the Introduction, the terms we use in Glossary or step into the core requirements for achieving CarbonNeutral® certification by clicking on any of the five steps to achieving certification below.
Understand exactly what should be covered in your footprint
Calculate it accurately and conservatively
Set goals to reduce the footprint you defined and offset all remaining emissions
Deliver internal reductions and offset all remaining emissions through financing verified emission reductions and removals
Demonstrate your climate action and engage your teams, customers and stakeholders