Do you want to get started with the CO₂ Performance Ladder? Here’s how Waterschap Noorderzijlvest does it
How the Water Board achieved smooth certification with SmartTrackers – and then grew towards broader ESG insights.
For many organizations, obtaining a CO₂ Performance Ladder certificate seems like a complex and time-consuming project. It’s often assumed that external consultants are essential to navigate all the required steps. But there is another way.
Waterschap Noorderzijlvest proves that it’s entirely possible to manage the process independently with online support and software. In this blog, you’ll read the experiences of Margit Akkerman, Sustainability Advisor & Energy Coordinator, with using SmartTrackers.
“The SmartTrackers tool helped me set up and implement the CO₂ Performance Ladder for our organization,” says Margit. “At first, I entered all the meters and measures. After that, the assessment section was especially helpful in guiding me through all the necessary steps.”
User-friendly tool, direct support
What stands out is that the Water Board didn’t need a consultancy firm. Thanks to SmartTrackers’ clear structure and the fast support from our team, everything could be set up independently. And even after certification, the tool remains valuable:
“I still use the tool to collect all CO₂ evidence annually and to automatically generate reports. Our certification body even has its own login and can follow along directly.”
Ahead of new standards
Waterschap Noorderzijlvest is already working on transitioning to the latest version of the CO₂ Performance Ladder manual (version 4.0). SmartTrackers is proactively supporting this:
“For the transition to the new 4.0 manual, they’ve already created a great add-on. They respond quickly to changes and adapt the platform accordingly.”
Growth towards a broader ESG approach
And there’s more: because SmartTrackers uses a licensing model that includes multiple tools, the organization discovered new opportunities:
“We later found out that we could also use the other tools included in the license. We’re now using the ISO 14001 tool to prepare for that certification as well.”
The experience of Waterschap Noorderzijlvest clearly shows that organizations can confidently tackle the CO₂ Performance Ladder on their own – as long as they have the right tools and support. With SmartTrackers, the Water Board not only achieved smooth certification, but also progressed towards deeper ESG insights. It’s proof that smart software and committed support can truly make a difference.