The new carbon reporting obligation: Everything your business needs to know

From 1 July 2024, companies with more than 100 employees must comply with a new carbon reporting obligation in The Netherlands, requiring them to report on CO2 emissions from business and commuting travel. This regulation demands careful planning and compliance. In this article, we outline everything you need to know to meet these new requirements, from reporting obligations to the benefits of carbon awareness for your business.

The new carbon reporting obligation

The new carbon reporting obligation, officially called the “Reporting Requirement for Work-Related Mobility”, is part of a broader government initiative to achieve a 55% CO2 reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. By that time, emissions from business mobility must have decreased by 1.5 megatonnes. Employers must report the following:

• Total kilometres travelled for business purposes
• Type of transport + fuel type
• The reporting obligation applies to all forms of business travel, including cars, public transport, bicycles, and taxis.

Reporting procedure

From 1 July 2024, companies must submit their reports via the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The deadline for submission is 30 June 2025, by which all companies with more than 100 employees must have reported their 2024 data. Since the regulation takes effect halfway through the year, businesses may choose whether to report for the entire year or only for the second half of 2024.

Why carbon reporting matters

Carbon analysis and reporting provide businesses with valuable insights into their environmental footprint and help identify opportunities for improvement. These insights enable companies to take targeted measures to reduce their environmental impact. In addition to environmental benefits, carbon reporting offers several business advantages. Companies that actively measure and reduce CO2 emissions not only comply with legislation but also become more attractive to investors seeking sustainable investments. It also plays a key role in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, which is essential for securing access to capital. Moreover, carbon reporting helps businesses prepare for future, stricter environmental regulations, ensuring long-term success.

Available frameworks for carbon reporting

Several frameworks are available to help businesses report on their CO2 emissions:

• ISO 14064-1 – An international standard that provides detailed guidelines for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring accuracy and consistency worldwide.

• GHG Protocol – A globally recognised framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions, offering flexibility for different business types.

• Milieu-Prestatieladder (Environmental Performance Ladder) – A Dutch-developed environmental management system that integrates CO2 reduction with broader sustainability goals.

Getting started with carbon reporting

These frameworks not only enable companies to transparently report their CO2 emissions but also help improve environmental performance and comply with increasing regulations.

At CFP Green Buildings, we support businesses in carbon reporting according to various reporting standards. Our service provides insights into the mandatory government reports while also offering a broader perspective on your CO2 emissions and environmental impact. These insights help businesses effectively address sustainability and environmental goals.

Contact us to explore the possibilities for your company.