We are pleased to present this 2024 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 access standard and guide developed for business, by business that draws together leading independent standards for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting into a practical guide to carbon neutrality.

It underpins CarbonNeutral® certifications awarded by Climate Impact Partners to recognize carbon neutral organizations, products and activities, and provides a detailed framework for the design and implementation of credible carbon neutral programs.

Summary of clarifications published in April 2024

Section 2.5.2 Treatment of Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC) in Scope 3 emissions

• Minor language edits to clarify that for ‘product’ and ‘product-as-a-service’ certifications, all remaining emissions from electricity usage during the use phase of a product must be covered by EACs and where that is not possible, using carbon credits.

Section 3.4 Net zero targets

• Updated wording referencing the now-published Science-Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTi) Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) report. The change reflects the more specific recommendation that organizations purchase carbon credits equal to at least 50% of unabated value chain emissions annually on the pathway to net zero to support global efforts to achieve net zero.

Section 4.1 Internal abatement requirements 

• Minor language edits to clarify that where organizations have not met any of the below criteria, that it must publicly explain whether and how it considers itself on track to achieve its near-term science-aligned target and publicly disclose planned and ongoing corrective actions it is taking to ensure that emissions reductions will be achieved in subsequent years.

          Criteria:

• Have demonstrated an emissions reduction vs. the baseline year
• Have demonstrated an emissions reduction vs. the prior year
• Consider itself on track to achieve its near-term science-aligned target.

Section 4.2.1.2, Table 11: Approved Energy Attribute Certificate (EAC) Standards

• Expansion of allowed Japanese EAC standards
• Corrected name of New Zealand’s Approved standard/Governing body.

‘Carbon neutral’ definition 

• Minor language edits to clarify that all remaining emissions, after reduction efforts, are offset for carbon neutrality.