Evaluating the contributions of the CO2 Performance Ladder to improved energy management practices

Abstract

The CO2 Performance Ladder is a certifiable scheme for energy management and carbon reporting that is used by several Dutch public authorities as a tool for green public procurement. Achieving certification gives companies a competitive advantage in awarding contracts. This paper aims at evaluating the effectiveness of implementing the CO2 Performance Ladder as a management system for improving energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction in the construction industry sector which is the main target group of the scheme. The implementation of the CO2 Performance ladder will be evaluated by using methods for evaluating policy theory, programme process evaluation and impact assessment. Data were mainly collected through document research (e.g. energy management plans, monitoring reports and CO2 footprints) and interviews with various representatives of firms and other stakeholders. The research results show that 1) the CO2 Performance Ladder contributes significantly in improving energy management practices in the involved firms; 2) that additional energy saving measures were taken because of the CO2 Performance ladder and 3) that the majority firms show sufficient progress towards reaching their CO2 emission reduction goals. This research concludes that at least in the short term the CO2PL is an effective tool for tapping the energy efficiency potential in firms in the construction industry sector.