The importance of CO₂
CO₂ emissions contribute substantially to global warming. Alcomel recognises that its business activities impact energy use and emissions, from the selection and processing of materials to mobility, logistics, and on-site operations.
Effective management requires a reliable understanding of the company’s consumption and the associated emissions. To achieve this, Alcomel launched a programme, in cooperation with sustainability adviser Sustacon, to systematically map its CO₂ emissions and integrate the results into a broader sustainability policy.
What is the CO₂ performance ladder? (CO₂-prestatieladder)
The CO₂ performance ladder is a management system and certification scheme that helps organisations reduce their CO₂ emissions. The instrument originated in the Netherlands, and SKAO manages it today.
The ladder encourages organisations to lower energy consumption, deploy renewable energy in a targeted manner, and report emissions transparently. Contracting authorities often use the CO₂ performance ladder as an award criterion, allowing them to consider demonstrable ambition and robust climate management in their selection.
Societal expectations and regulatory pressure regarding emissions reduction continue to increase. Clients increasingly expect organisations to act proactively in support of the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
Against this background, more efficient working methods, further electrification, a well-considered energy mix, and targeted supply chain collaboration gain importance. The CO₂ performance ladder supports Alcomel in planning, monitoring, and evaluating its climate performance within a recognisable PDCA system.
How does the CO₂ performance ladder work?
The CO₂ performance ladder distinguishes five levels that reflect the maturity of CO₂ management. As an organisation moves up, the requirements become more stringent regarding emissions insight, reduction targets, internal embedding, and supply chain collaboration.
During the assessment, the auditor verifies the completeness and reliability of the emissions inventory, the quality and feasibility of the reduction targets, the transparency of communication on progress and results, and the extent of cooperation with clients, suppliers, and partners to limit emissions across the supply chain. Organisations that demonstrably achieve a higher level of ambition may obtain an award advantage in tender procedures, as contracting authorities recognise climate efforts as concrete added value.
Perspectives
The CO₂ performance ladder is built on four pillars that structure CO₂ management. Alcomel systematically identifies its main energy consumers and emissions sources, using this baseline to set reduction targets and translate them into concrete measures with clear ownership and timing. The company communicates results and progress clearly, both internally and, where relevant, with external stakeholders, and actively collaborates across the supply chain to achieve emissions reductions beyond its own operations.
Baseline and reduction target
We used 2024 as the base year for our new audit cycle. In that year, total CO₂ emissions across scope 1 and scope 2 amounted to 337 tonnes. For the first semester of 2025, we reached a total of 213 tonnes of CO₂. When projected to a full year, this indicates a substantial increase, as a purely mathematical projection yields 426 tonnes. The difference is mainly due to heating oil consumption for space heating. Deliveries can temporarily distort figures when a tank is refilled shortly before the end of the reference period, but the fluctuations are significant enough that the year may end at a considerably higher level.
We have set the objective, in line with the European target, to reduce consumption by 55% by 2030 compared with 2024. This corresponds to a reduction of 185.15 tonnes of CO₂.
To achieve this, we focus on a combination of electrification, energy optimisation, and the phased reduction of fossil energy carriers. Our reduction plan includes a complete switch to green electricity, the stepwise electrification of the vehicle fleet, and a partial switch to HVO for vans.
The fluctuations in heating oil volumes also require a closer examination of our boiler, its operating parameters, and potential alternatives. We will continue work on infrastructure measures, consumption optimisation, and targeted reductions in heating oil use.
Want to know more?
https://www.co2-prestatieladder.be/
Neem contact op met Alcomel, expert in volkern
Met meer dan 46 jaar aan ervaring en onze expertise in volkernoplossingen voor werken we voor tal van diverse bedrijven in de woon-, zorg- en hospitaalsector. Of het nu gaat om het plaatsen van innovatieve prefab badkamers, bekleden van de wand van een OK met volkern of volkern meubilair voor een zorginstelling: we horen graag wat de uitdaging voor jouw bedrijf is.
