Planet Mark has changed its membership model with the introduction of a Net Zero Certification Programme, designed to guide organisations through their sustainability journey to achieve net zero.
The programme features four levels of certification supported by five tailored membership packages, and has officially been recognised by the UNFCCC as a Cooperation Climate Initiative. It is also aligned with the principles of the Science Based Targets initiative and Transition Plan Taskforce framework.
Additionally, members gain access to the Planet Mark Academy’s supporting resources, equipping them with tailored tools and guidance at each stage of the certification program to drive measurable progress.
Data from the UK Net Zero Business Census, which was launched last September and benchmarked the decarbonisation journeys of over 2,000 UK organisations, revealed that while 73% of respondents view net zero as a strategic priority, many face significant barriers such as cost and limited access to expertise.
Steve Malkin, CEO and founder at Planet Mark, said: “2025 to 2030 are critical years. With global average temperatures in 2024 breaking records by surpassing the warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time, we must act urgently to protect the future of our planet. We want every organisation to feel empowered to drive impactful change and embed sustainability into their operations.
“Equally important is recognition for their efforts and the ability to clearly and effectively communicate those achievements to others. Our new Net Zero Certification Programme provides our inspiring community with the structure needed to achieve net zero, engaging their supply chain and ecosystem to do the same for maximum impact in our lifetime.”
Programme levels
Corresponding to the stages of progression towards achieving net zero, the four levels introduced through the Net Zero Certification Programme are:
Planet Mark Certified – Business: Awarded with Planet Mark’s support in measuring Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 carbon emissions, establishing a net zero baseline.
Planet Mark Certified – Net Zero Committed – Earned by setting clear net zero targets and developing a transition plan based on the established net zero baseline, with Planet Mark’s guidance.
Planet Mark Certified – Net Zero Aligned – Granted upon achieving near-term net zero targets for Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 carbon emissions, supported by transparent annual measurement and progress reporting.
Planet Mark Certified – Net Zero Achieved – Attained by reducing 90% of all Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 carbon emissions compared to the organisation’s original net zero baseline.
Andrew Griffiths, director of policy and corporate development at Planet Mark, added: “Planet Mark’s Net Zero Certification enables organisations to remain ahead of the curve by being fully aligned with best practice principles from all major global standards relating to carbon measurement, target setting, transition planning, governance and progress tracking toward net zero. Advancing through the levels – from committed, to aligned, to achieved – is the strongest proof that an organisation can give to be publicly recognised for playing a leading role in solving the climate crisis.”
