„Net Zero / Net Zero"
Annex I No. 4c UCPD as amended by EmpCo (EU 2024/825)
What does it mean?
'Net Zero' or 'Net Zero' are terms that suggest that a company or product causes no net greenhouse gas emissions. From 27 September 2026, these claims are to be classified as per se misleading under the EmpCo Directive (Annex I No. 4c UCPD) if they are based on carbon offsetting. The BGH ruling I ZR 98/23 (Katjes, 27 June 2024) has already clarified that such claims are misleading without transparent disclosure of calculation methods and offsetting measures. Relevant to substantiability is whether, instead of the blanket claim, concrete reduction targets with recognised validation standards (such as the Science Based Targets Initiative, SBTi) or verified emissions reductions according to ISO 14064-1 are transparently disclosed.
Typical phrasings
- 'Net Zero by 2040'
- 'Net zero emissions in our supply chain'
- 'We are Net Zero certified'
Required evidence
- SBTi Net-Zero Standard (October 2021)
- Annual progress report according to GHG Protocol
- ISO 14064-1 verification of emissions reduction
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4c UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — Neutralitäts-/Reduktions-Claim auf Kompensations-Basis
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer Aussage, die sich auf der Kompensation von Treibhausgasemissionen begründet und wonach ein Produkt hinsichtlich der Treibhausgasemissionen neutrale, verringerte oder positive Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt hat."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Claiming, based on the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions, that a product has a neutral, reduced or positive impact on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Affirmer, sur la base de la compensation des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, qu'un produit a un impact neutre, réduit ou positif sur l'environnement en termes d'émissions de gaz à effet de serre."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Beweren dat een product dankzij de compensatie van broeikasgasemissies een neutraal, verminderd of positief milieueffect heeft wat broeikasgasemissies betreft."Does your website use „Net Zero / Net Zero"?
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