Carbon Trust
Carbon Trust is an independent UK-based climate consultancy and certification body, founded 2001, providing carbon footprint verification, Net Zero advisory, and market transformation services to 3,000+ businesses, governments, and financial institutions across six global offices using PAS 2050, ISO 14067, and proprietary methodologies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Carbon Trust does
Carbon Trust is an independent, private UK-based climate consultancy and certification body founded in 2001, headquartered in London, and operating through six offices (London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Singapore, Johannesburg, Mexico City). Structured as a private company limited by guarantee with no external shareholders, the organisation reinvests profits into its mission of accelerating decarbonisation and employs 350+ consultants, policy specialists, engineers, and other experts. Over its 20+ year history it has supported 3,000+ organisations globally on climate action planning, carbon footprint verification, and Net Zero transition advisory. Its customer base spans large enterprises (Amazon Devices, GlaxoSmithKline, Kellogg Company, Virgin Media O2, Carlsberg Group, Bentley Motors, Siemens, FIFCO), national and local governments, and financial institutions.
The company delivers its services through three complementary revenue streams: (1) advisory and consulting services covering decarbonisation strategy, footprinting, target setting (including Science Based Targets), supply chain engagement, sustainable finance, TCFD reporting, and implementation planning; (2) certification and verification services using recognised methodologies (PAS 2050, ISO 14067:2018, PAS 2080, BES6001), including the Carbon Reduction Label, Carbon Neutral verification, and the Route to Net Zero Standard; and (3) government-funded programme management, including the Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator for the UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Proprietary assets include the SUSJIP carbon footprinting methodology for offshore wind, the FASTA MRV system for sustainable agriculture (delivered with UK Agri-Tech Centre), and the Net Zero Intelligence Unit research function. Recent product launches include world-first carbon labelling for CEMEX UK cement and verified lower-carbon beef for Tesco/Kepak. CEO Michael Rea was appointed in August 2024.
Carbon Trust distributes its services via direct enterprise sales through its six offices, through flagship joint industry programmes and R&D consortia (Offshore Wind Accelerator, Floating Wind JIP, SUSJIP, ORJIP, Coal Asset Transition Accelerator), and through partnerships with multilateral bodies (IFC), telecoms (Vodacom), and other consultancies (BrownGreer, Osborne Clarke). Customer segments are hybrid across size (large corporate, enterprise, government) and vertical (energy, built environment, transport, agriculture, finance). Pricing is custom and quote-based with multi-year contracts; pricing is not publicly disclosed. Marketing combines direct expert engagement, policy briefings, the Net Zero Intelligence Unit research outputs, event presence, and earned media coverage. The organisation generated no publicly disclosed revenue but shows multi-year expansion in geography, vertical, and programme breadth through 2024–2026.
Carbon Trust firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Carbon Trust
- Legal name
- The Carbon Trust
- Website
- https://carbontrust.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Carbon Trust is an independent UK-based climate consultancy and certification body, founded 2001, providing carbon footprint verification, Net Zero advisory, and market transformation services to 3,000+ businesses, governments, and financial institutions across six global offices using PAS 2050, ISO 14067, and proprietary methodologies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Carbon Trust industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Climate Advisory and Sustainability Consulting
- NAICS
- Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Carbon Neutrality/Claims Strategy & Communications (claims substantiation, greenwashing risk) (EUABAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Data Assurance, Audit & Attestation (ISAE 3000/3410, SOC, Chain-of-Custody) (EUABACAJ), GHG Monitoring Plans & Sampling Design (Field Protocols, QA/QC) (EUABACAE)
Keywords
Where Carbon Trust is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Carbon Trust business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Advisory & Consulting Services: Professional consulting services for climate action planning, decarbonisation strategy, target setting, footprinting and reporting, and supply chain sustainability
- Certification & Verification Services: Carbon footprint certification, labeling, and verification services including Carbon Reduction Label, Carbon Neutral verification, and organizational footprint labels
- Government Funded Programmes: Management of government-funded initiatives including IEEA (Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator) on behalf of DESNZ, and various market transformation programmes
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom engagement model based on client scope and requirements |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Carbon Trust product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Carbon Trust is a climate consultancy that provides advisory services, carbon footprint certification and labeling, market transformation programmes, and collaborative R&D initiatives. It helps organizations measure, reduce, and certify their carbon emissions and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy through expert advisory engagements and standards-based certification products.
Product overview
The Carbon Trust operates as a climate consultancy and certification organization offering a portfolio of advisory services, certification/verification programs, and industry collaboration initiatives. The core offerings include carbon footprint labelling and certification services (product carbon footprint labels, organizational labels, carbon neutral verification), advisory services for Net Zero transition planning (decarbonisation strategy, footprinting, target setting), and market transformation programs (Offshore Wind Accelerator, Floating Wind JIP, ORJIP, SUSJIP). The organization also runs venture acceleration programs like FASTA for agri-tech innovators and produces research through the Net Zero Intelligence Unit. These services work together to help businesses, governments, and financial institutions navigate the transition to a decarbonised economy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FASTA (Food Agriculture System Technology Accelerator): A programme delivered by the Carbon Trust in partnership with UK Agri-Tech Centre to accelerate adoption of MRV systems for sustainable agriculture.
- Net Zero Intelligence Unit
- Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA)
- Floating Wind Joint Industry Programme
- Coal Asset Transition Accelerator (CATA)
Products and services
- Climate Advisory Expert consulting engagements that help organizations set climate strategy, measure emissions, identify reduction opportunities, and execute decarbonization roadmaps across operations and supply chains. Aimed at corporate sustainability, ESG, and strategy leaders.
- Carbon Footprint Certification Independent third-party certification of an organization's or product's carbon footprint, providing verified measurement against the Carbon Trust Standard. Used by companies seeking credible assurance of emissions performance.
- Carbon Trust Certification Mark / Carbon Label Recognized consumer-facing label and certification mark (including the carbon footprint label) licensed to brands to communicate certified reductions in product or organizational carbon footprint. Targeted at brand owners in consumer-facing industries.
- Market Transformation Programmes Multi-stakeholder programmes that convene corporates, public bodies, and industry players to accelerate decarbonization at sector or supply-chain level. Designed for industry groups, governments, and large buyers seeking systemic change.
- Collaborative R&D Initiatives Joint research and development activities with partners to develop and demonstrate low-carbon technologies, products, and business models. Targeted at corporates, innovators, and public-sector partners seeking applied climate R&D.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3000+ organisations globally supported with climate action planning
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Carbon Trust
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Carbon Trust technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Carbon Trust partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- MicrosoftminorMentioned as participant in AI Carbons Market analysis, indicating involvement in carbon accounting technology ecosystem.
- GoogleminorMentioned as participant in AI Carbons Market analysis, indicating involvement in carbon accounting technology ecosystem.
- EcoActminorMentioned alongside Carbon Trust in Eco Scoring Platform Market analysis as key players in the sustainability certification ecosystem.
- EcoScoreminorMentioned alongside Carbon Trust in Eco Scoring Platform Market analysis as key players in the sustainability certification ecosystem.
- Vodacom GroupcoreTechnical support provided by Carbon Trust for Vodacom's white paper 'Decarbonizing Africa's ICT Sector' examining challenges Africa faces in reducing carbon emissions while expanding digital infrastructure, citing weak grid infrastructure, financial constraints, and regulatory complexities.
- Osborne ClarkeminorOsborne Clarke featured as speaker in Carbon Trust webinar on EU regulations and environmental labelling, providing regulatory compliance expertise alongside Carbon Trust.
- Amazon DevicesminorAmazon Devices featured as speaker in Carbon Trust webinar on EU ECGT Directive, sharing perspective on regulatory compliance and environmental labelling best practices.
- Innovate UKcoreCarbon Trust and Innovate UK's Net Zero Living Programme developed guidance to help councils design and implement community energy support programmes, highlighting examples such as the Swansea Community Energy & Enterprise Scheme.
- UK Agri-Tech CentrecorePartnership to deliver the Food Agriculture System Technology Accelerator (FASTA), helping UK-based innovators scale technologies supporting sustainable farming. Focus on MRV systems for tracking emissions and validating sustainability claims in agriculture which accounts for approximately 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.
- BrownGreerflagshipCarbon Trust and BrownGreer selected to lead the design and development of Offshore Wind Fisheries Compensation Fund on east coast of US. Joint leadership of this significant offshore wind environmental compensation initiative.
- IFC (International Finance Corporation)corePartnership to cut emissions in emerging markets. IFC and Carbon Trust join forces to help companies in developing economies measure, reduce, and report their carbon footprint, supporting climate disclosure and Net Zero transitions.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Carbon Trust competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- EcoAct: France-based carbon consultancy providing carbon footprinting, Net Zero strategy, and climate advisory services. Explicitly mentioned alongside Carbon Trust as a comparable player in the sustainability certification and eco-scoring ecosystem.
- South Pole Group: Global climate consultancy and project developer offering carbon advisory, footprinting, target setting, and Net Zero strategy services to enterprises and governments. Closely comparable in service mix, customer segments, and revenue model to Carbon Trust.
- Anthesis Group: Global sustainability consultancy offering Net Zero strategy, supply chain decarbonization, and climate advisory to large enterprises. Comparable in target customer base (large corporates), service portfolio, and consultancy delivery model.
Broad incumbents
- SGS: World-leading testing, inspection, and certification company offering carbon footprint verification, GHG inventory assurance, and sustainability certification services. Direct competitor in the product carbon label and ISO 14067 verification market.
- DNV: Global certification, assurance, and verification body with deep climate and energy transition services including carbon footprint verification and ISO 14064/14067 assurance. Broader incumbent that competes for the same third-party verification mandates as Carbon Trust.
- TÜV SÜD: Global testing, inspection, and certification firm with established carbon footprint verification, ISO 14064/14067, and sustainability assurance services. Competes with Carbon Trust for product carbon label verification mandates across multiple industries.
- Schneider Electric Sustainability Business: Global energy management and sustainability services arm of Schneider Electric, offering carbon reporting, energy efficiency, and decarbonization advisory to enterprises. Broader incumbent with overlapping advisory and reporting offerings.
Emerging players
- Persefoni: Climate management and accounting platform serving enterprises with carbon footprint measurement and decarbonization planning. Comparable in target customer base and partially overlapping with Carbon Trust's target setting and disclosure work.
- Watershed: Enterprise carbon accounting and climate platform serving large corporates with measurement, reporting, and disclosure tooling. Comparable customer segment to Carbon Trust and increasingly overlapping scope in climate disclosure and target setting.
- Greenly: Carbon accounting SaaS platform focused on SMB and mid-market footprinting, with adjacent advisory services. Emerging software-led competitor that pressures Carbon Trust's footprinting and certification offering at the lower end of the market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Carbon Trust social profiles
Digital presenceCarbon Trust compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Carbon Trust financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Carbon Trust leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Carbon Trust funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Carbon Trust M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments24 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Carbon Trust
What does Carbon Trust do?
Carbon Trust is a climate consultancy that provides advisory services, carbon footprint certification and labeling, market transformation programmes, and collaborative R&D initiatives. It helps organizations measure, reduce, and certify their carbon emissions and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy through expert advisory engagements and standards-based certification products.
Is Carbon Trust a public or private company?
Carbon Trust is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Carbon Trust founded?
Carbon Trust was founded in 2001. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Carbon Trust based?
Carbon Trust is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Carbon Trust make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Advisory & Consulting Services are the primary driver. The others are certification & Verification Services and government Funded Programmes.
Who are Carbon Trust's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are EcoAct, South Pole Group and Anthesis Group. Broad incumbents are SGS, DNV, TÜV SÜD and Schneider Electric Sustainability Business. Emerging players are Persefoni, Watershed and Greenly.
Does Carbon Trust have an API?
No public API is recorded for Carbon Trust.
What industry is Carbon Trust in?
Carbon Trust's product category is Climate Advisory and Sustainability Consulting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAKAK, Carbon Neutrality/Claims Strategy & Communications (claims substantiation, greenwashing risk), with a secondary code of EUABACAJ, Data Assurance, Audit & Attestation (ISAE 3000/3410, SOC, Chain-of-Custody). Its NAICS code is 541620 and its SIC code is 8731.