In this article we take a look at the application of the CO₂ performance ladder in Brussels and Wallonia, with insights from our Business Development Manager Bernard Cornet and practical observations by Didier Block, Secretary General of Mobiwall, the Walloon federation of roadworks contractors.
The CO₂ performance ladder is an environmental management system that encourages organisations to structurally reduce their emissions. The system was developed in the Netherlands and today comprises more than 5,000 certified organisations. In Belgium it is managed by BENOR, with COPRO as accredited certification body.
The system simplifies the awarding of contracts, because environmental criteria are checked in advance by an accredited body. - Bernard Cornet, Business Development Brussels and Wallonia at COPRO
Mobiwall, the Walloon federation of roadworks contractors, sees clear advantages to the system. Didier Block: “Governments can integrate environmental criteria through ad-hoc evaluations per contract, or through prior certification. The first method requires a lot of effort from those writing specifications and is difficult to monitor. The CO₂ performance ladder, on the other hand, stimulates structural efforts and offers advantages for future contracts.”
Mobiwall considers the system particularly suitable for roadworks contractors class 4 and higher, because it is both pragmatic in implementation and objective in use.
Transparency and sectoral progress
Version 4.0 has been in effect since July 2025. It integrates international sustainability goals such as the Paris Agreement, SBTI and CSRD.
Companies start with a CO₂ inventory of their direct and indirect emissions. They communicate transparently about their results and engage in sectoral initiatives. COPRO verifies that the promised actions are actually carried out.
The performance ladder has three levels:
- Level 1: a focus on one’s own emissions
- Level 2: a focus on the complete value chain (suppliers and customers)
- Level 3: structural efforts towards carbon neutrality
Moving towards a more sustainable future together
Mobiwall emphasises the importance of collective progress. Didier Block concludes:
Our role as a professional federation is to lift the entire sector to a higher level.
