How does certification work?
We calculate our climate footprint, set annual targets for reducing emissions, and plan concrete measures to reduce our climate impact. The work follows a clear structure, where we continuously monitor and adjust as needed. The emissions we cannot yet eliminate are offset by investing in certified climate projects with measurable climate benefits—such as reforestation and agroforestry that meet international standards such as Gold Standard and VCS.
What are the emission reduction targets?
For a product or service to be certified according to Climate Activator, its greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by at least 25% by 2030 compared to the base year. Our own goal is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 (base year 2014).
The calculations must comply with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and cover the entire climate impact – including the supply chain (scope 1, 2, and 3). After 2030, emissions must continue to decrease in line with the Paris Agreement, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Who reviews and audits the certification?
The Climate Activator certification is auditedand reviewedby independent third-party certification bodies. These organizations are not part of the Anthesis Group (which manages the standard), but are independent and accredited to ensure objectivity and credibility.
Examples of such certification bodies are Ecocert and Preferred by Nature, which have extensive experience in auditing and certification in the areas of climate, environment, and supply chains. They conduct annual audits in which they review companies' climate data, emission reductions, offsets, and compliance with the Climate Activator standard requirements.
Ongoing climate project: Protection of rainforest in Acre, Brazil
Acre in Brazil is known for its species-rich rainforests. For many people in the area, the forest is a vital resource, creating complex challenges where environmental considerations need to be balanced with social and economic development.
Forest protection for climate and nature
Brazil's rainforests are unique ecosystems that are crucial to preserve – both to protect biodiversity and to combat climate change. When forests disappear, for example through logging or slash-and-burn practices, we lose their important role as carbon sinks; the forests stop absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, and slash-and-burn practices also release large amounts of greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere. If the land is then used for grazing livestock, emissions increase further through methane gas.
Protecting the rainforest is therefore crucial, not only for nature and the climate, but also for future opportunities for sustainable agriculture, such as coffee cultivation, in the region.
Photo: Anthesis
The Russas project is a REDD(+)-initiative* that protects approximately 42,000 hectares of tropical rainforest along the Valparaiso River. By stopping deforestation, carbon dioxide that would otherwise have been released into the atmosphere is preserved – a concrete effort to reduce emissions and combat global warming. To date, the project has already saved 5,354 hectares of forest, resulting in significant climate benefits.
The project is of great importance to many endangered species, as protecting the forests preserves their habitats and maintains the health and diversity of ecosystems.
*REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. It is an international framework under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by protecting, conserving, and sustainably managing forests in developing countries.
The Russas project not only contributes to climate benefits—it also creates important social improvements for the local population:
- Job opportunities:New jobs in forest protection, monitoring, and education strengthen the local economy and provide people with a more secure livelihood.
- Education:Better infrastructure and targeted educational initiatives give more children the opportunity to attend school and build a brighter future.
- Health and hygiene:The construction of 35 sanitation facilities and investments in health education, including dental care, are improving the quality of life for many families.
Photo: Anthesis
The Russas project is an important part of the Acre region's commitment to sustainable development and preservation of the Amazon rainforest. By combining climate action, biodiversity protection, and social development, the project shows how local communities can become key players in the fight against climate change—while creating better living conditions for people and nature.
Photo: Anthesis
Quality assurance and certification
The Russas project is certified according to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), which guarantees that the climate benefits have been carefully reviewed and verified by an independent third party.
The project contributes to the following global goals:
Ongoing climate project: Biogas project for households in Uganda
Uganda is an important coffee-producing country. It is also a country where many households still cook over open fires, which leads to both greenhouse gas emissions and harmful smoke.
Many households in Uganda lack access to modern energy solutions and still cook food over open fires. This traditional method means that large amounts of wood are consumed every day, which not only causes extensive emissions of harmful smoke and greenhouse gases, but also contributes to deforestation and the depletion of the country's natural resources.
The health impact is serious – inhaling the smoke leads to respiratory diseases and causes more premature deaths than tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS combined. Women and children are particularly affected, as they are often responsible for cooking and collecting fuel, which both exposes them to health risks and takes time away from education and other important activities.
Photo: Anthesis
The biogas project provides access to locally manufactured, cleaner, and more efficient stoves that use 50% less wood than traditional stoves. The stoves not only reduce harmful smoke emissions, but also reduce pressure on Uganda's forests, counteract deforestation, and help mitigate climate change.
Biogas stoves convert organic waste, such as animal manure and household waste, into clean, renewable gas. Instead of burning wood or fossil fuels, the waste is collected in an airtight container where microorganisms break down the material in an oxygen-free environment. The methane gas that is formed is fed directly into the stove and provides even and efficient combustion, completely without smoke.
Photo: Anthesis
- Improved health: Reducedexposure to indoor air pollution lowers the risk of respiratory diseases.
- Environmental protection:More efficient stoves help combat deforestation by reducing wood consumption.
- Stronger communities:The time saved on collecting fuel allows women and children to focus on education and income-generating activities.
- Reduced emissions:Cleaner cooking methods reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global climate efforts.
Quality assurance and certification
The initiative is certified according to the Gold Standard, which guarantees careful monitoring, reporting, and third-party verification of the project's effects.
The project contributes to the following global goals:
