The Carbon Trust is a leading UK-based environmental consultancy and mission-driven organization that partners with businesses, governments, and institutions worldwide to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Headquartered in London, the Carbon Trust is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and climate strategy development.
Company Overview
Established in 2001 by the UK government, the Carbon Trust operates as an independent, not-for-profit entity. Its mandate is to help organizations reduce carbon emissions, promote resource efficiency, and drive the adoption of clean technologies. With over two decades of experience, the organization has evolved into a global authority on climate-related strategies, sustainability certification, and science-based net zero pathways.
The Carbon Trust employs a multidisciplinary team of over 300 experts and operates across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Core Services and Expertise
The Carbon Trust delivers a comprehensive range of services designed to support organizations at various stages of their sustainability journey:
1. Net Zero Transition Planning
- Development of science-based decarbonisation roadmaps
- Setting and validating Net Zero and Science Based Targets (SBTs)
- Alignment with international frameworks such as the SBTi, TCFD, and CDP
2. Carbon Footprinting and Reporting
- Corporate and product-level carbon footprint analysis
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions inventory
- Lifecycle assessments (LCA) and embodied carbon analysis
3. Decarbonisation Strategy Development
- Energy efficiency audits and carbon reduction plans
- Sector-specific strategy development for manufacturing, energy, food, construction, and transport
- Renewable energy feasibility studies and implementation planning
4. Certification and Environmental Labelling
- Carbon Trust Standard for organizational, supply chain, and product footprinting
- Product Carbon Footprint Label
- Route to Net Zero Standard
These certifications enhance brand credibility and help clients demonstrate verified environmental claims to customers and stakeholders.
Global Reach and Impact
Since its inception, the Carbon Trust has:
- Supported over 3,000 organizations in achieving carbon reduction targets
- Enabled over £7 billion in energy savings
- Facilitated the reduction of more than 60 million tonnes of CO₂e globally
- Worked with governments and public sector bodies in more than 50 countries
The organization has active consultancy and certification projects in regions including the UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Target Clients and Sectors
The Carbon Trust works with a broad spectrum of clients including:
- Multinational Corporations (MNCs) such as Tesco, BT, and Coca-Cola
- Public Sector Entities including UK local councils and national governments
- SMEs seeking sustainability certifications
- Investment and Financial Institutions incorporating climate risk in portfolios
Sectoral expertise includes retail, food and beverage, construction, ICT, heavy industry, energy, and agriculture.
Thought Leadership and Innovation
The Carbon Trust is known for its knowledge dissemination and collaboration with global climate bodies. Its research and reports are frequently cited in environmental policy frameworks and academic literature.
- Co-developer of the SBTi Net-Zero Standard
- Strategic contributor to the UK’s Clean Growth Strategy
- Partnered with C40 Cities and the Climate Group on urban decarbonisation projects
Sustainability and Ethical Governance
Operating under a mission-driven governance model, the Carbon Trust reinvests its revenues into advancing climate innovation and thought leadership. The organization emphasizes:
- Transparency in reporting and methodologies
- Equity and inclusiveness in climate adaptation planning
- Support for developing economies through low-carbon technology programs
Recognition and Partnerships
- Accredited by CDP and SBTi as a partner consultancy
- Works closely with BEIS, DEFRA, European Commission, and UN agencies
- Regular contributor to COP summits and global climate dialogues
Client Feedback and Success Cases
The Carbon Trust has received consistent praise from corporations and institutions for its analytical rigor, practical solutions, and global perspective.
“The Carbon Trust’s team provided invaluable insights that enabled us to set science-based targets and take real action toward net zero.” — Sustainability Director, Global Retail Brand
Future Strategy
The Carbon Trust continues to invest in:
- Digital climate tools for SMEs and large-scale enterprises
- Nature-based solutions and biodiversity-linked decarbonisation
- Expanding climate finance advisory for sustainable infrastructure investments
- Enhancing climate risk assessments for financial institutions
As one of the world’s foremost climate consultancies, the Carbon Trust remains at the forefront of enabling businesses and governments to transition effectively to a net zero, climate-resilient future.