Certification bodies for the CO2 Performance Ladder
Only certification bodies (CIs) accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (Raad voor Accreditatie, RvA) may carry out the ladder assessment. Without that accreditation, your certificate is not valid for tenders. Which CI you choose affects the costs, the planning and the experience you have during your audit process.
The current list of accredited CIs is always on co2-prestatieladder.nl . Below, we explain what accreditation means, which well-known parties are active and how to make a good choice. For a full cost overview including audit rates, see the costs and timeline page.
What is a ladder CI?
A ladder CI is a certification body that is specifically accredited to assess the CO2 Performance Ladder. The accreditation runs through the RvA under scheme S571, in line with ISO 17021. In Belgium, that body is Belac.
ISO 17021 is the international standard for certification bodies. They are independent, work according to fixed procedures and are themselves supervised. That gives clients confidence in the assessments.
With the arrival of handbook 4.0, CIs must apply for a separate 4.0 accreditation. Not every CI has one yet. If you want a 4.0 certificate, check whether your chosen CI already holds 4.0 accreditation before you request quotes.
Well-known certification bodies
The CIs below are active as ladder CIs at the time of writing. Kiwa was the first to receive 4.0 accreditation. Always check the current list on the SKAO site for the latest status.
| Certification body | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwa | kiwa.com | First with 4.0 accreditation |
| DNV | dnv.nl | Active internationally |
| DEKRA | dekra.nl | Broad sector experience |
| Bureau Veritas | bureauveritas.nl | Active internationally |
| SGS | sgs.com | Global presence |
| Normec | normec.com | Netherlands-focused |
| Aboma | aboma.nl | Strong in construction and infrastructure |
Rates differ per CI. No fixed price list exists. Each CI sets its own rates based on your company size, your level and the number of locations.
How do you choose the right CI?
Five factors shape a practical choice.
Price. Always request quotes from at least two or three CIs. Rates for an initial audit vary. The difference can be a few hundred euros, sometimes more.
Sector experience. A CI that has assessed many companies in your sector knows the common mistakes and can guide you more precisely. Aboma, for example, has a strong position in construction.
4.0 accreditation. Do you want a 4.0 certificate now, or do you plan to switch? Then check whether the CI holds 4.0 accreditation. Kiwa was the first, and other CIs are following.
Region and planning. Check whether the CI is available at short notice and whether it has auditors working in your region. That saves costs and makes coordination easier.
Communication. A CI that communicates clearly about what it needs prevents surprises during the audit. When you request a quote, also ask about the process: what do you deliver, what does the auditor do, and how long does it take?
Comparing several quotes: how to do it
Give every CI the same description of your situation: your company size, annual turnover, number of locations, the level or rung you want, and whether you want 3.1 or 4.0. That way you compare like with like.
Pay attention to exactly what each quote includes. Some CIs charge the document assessment and the on-site assessment separately. Others offer an all-in price. Also ask about the surveillance audits in the three years after that.
More background on choosing a certification body is in the knowledge base.