CO2 policy

The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority aims to be climate neutral by 2035. This is the shared ambition of all water authorities. Being climate neutral means that we will have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions by that time. Some emissions cannot be prevented, such as the small amounts of methane and nitrous oxide emitted by our wastewater treatment plants. We offset these emissions by generating sustainable energy.

The Water Authorities Climate Monitor

For many years, the Water Authorities Climate Monitor has been studying the progress of the water authorities' ambitions for climate and sustainability, both for individual water authorities and for all water authorities together. We also use the climate monitor to drive climate neutrality, circularity, and sustainable commissioning. The Water Authorities Climate Monitor report for 2024 (Dutch only)  can be found on the website of the Dutch Water Authorities.

The CO2 performance ladder

The CO2 performance ladder helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We devise measures that ensure lower emissions. We do this in our own work processes and also in projects where we collaborate with contractors and suppliers. For example, by saving energy and using sustainable energy. For example, we encourage the use of electric equipment. Reducing emissions of other greenhouse gases also falls under the CO2 performance ladder.

The CO2 performance ladder of the Foundation for Climate-Friendly Procurement and Business helps us to work on this in a structured manner.

Application

The CO2 performance ladder is used as follows:  

  • We measure how much CO2 is released into the air. Every six months, we calculate our carbon footprint: that is the CO2 emissions of our water authority. We also include emissions of other greenhouse gases in this calculation.
  • We devise measures to reduce CO2 emissions. Every year, we check whether these measures are working.
  • We communicate about the water authority CO2 emissions and explain the measures we are taking to reduce them.
  • We participate in initiatives that reduce CO2 emissions in our region and beyond. 


CO2-awareness Certificate

CO2 and tenders

We also use the CO2 Performance Ladder in tenders. Tenders are contracts that companies and organisations carry out for the water authority. The water authority encourages suppliers to emit fewer CO2 and other greenhouse gases. We want to give suppliers who ensure lower emissions an advantage in tenders. You can read more about this in the Tender Guide 3.1 (CO2-prestatieladder.nl).

More information

More information

If you are unable to read a document for any reason, please send an email to info@noorderzijlvest.nl.

Explanation and manual CO2 performance ladder Foundation for Climate-Friendly Procurement & Business 

Climate agreements (Dutch only) Unie van Waterschappen.nl

CO2 reporting by the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority

If you are unable to read the CO2 reporting documents for any reason, please send an email to info@noorderzijlvest.nl.