Carmans achieves CO₂ Performance certificate level 5: sustainability as the foundation of a construction company
On 1 April 2026, Carmans received the CO₂ Performance certificate at level 5, the highest level of the CO₂ Performance Ladder. Stefan Carmans and Jade Paulissen accepted the certificate in the presence of representatives of Embuild Vlaanderen and BENOR. What makes this result special: the process was completed in less than two years.
What is the CO₂ Performance Ladder and why does level 5 matter?
The CO₂ Performance Ladder is a recognised certification system that guides organisations step by step in reducing their CO₂ emissions. At the lower levels, a company focuses on mapping its own scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. At the higher levels, and certainly at the highest level 5, an organisation looks beyond its own operations and actively involves the entire chain in its climate ambitions.
In Belgium, BENOR manages the secretariat of the Ladder. The BENOR quality label guarantees products and services that meet strict requirements regarding performance, safety and reliability, and it plays a key role in making the construction sector more sustainable.
"In Belgium we have seen in recent years that this works. Construction companies see the concrete benefit of it, both in terms of sustainability and on a strategic and economic level." — Jasmien Felix, BENOR
CO₂ Performance certificate level 5 in less than 2 years: how did Carmans do it?
Most companies take several years to reach the highest level of the CO₂ Performance Ladder. Carmans Group achieved it in about two years. That pace is no coincidence.
The focus on sustainability and circularity is deeply rooted in Carmans' corporate philosophy, based on the principles of the Blue Economy. That approach, in which ecology and economy go hand in hand, gave the company a strong foundation to quickly take steps towards demonstrable CO2 reduction.
"Circularity, ecology and also CO2 reduction are fundamental characteristics of our business process. Obtaining the certificate was not a goal for us, but a confirmation of our approach." — Stefan Carmans & Jade Paulissen
Embuild Limburg and Embuild Vlaanderen: the role of the sector
Embuild Limburg supported Carmans Group in the initial phase of the process, with targeted training towards level 3. This sector support proved an essential foundation for further growth towards the highest level.
"That Carmans Group can now receive the certificate at level 5 proves that targeted support lays a solid basis for further growth." — Carline Deiteren, director general Embuild Vlaanderen
Sustainability as a distinguishing advantage for a contractor in the construction sector
Carmans Group is active in road construction, soil remediation, PFAS remediation and circular material recycling. With products such as BlueBlocks, prefab concrete blocks based on recycled materials, and circular concrete, and with innovations such as BlueCure and RemBind for PFAS remediation, the company translates its Blue Economy philosophy into concrete technological applications.
For contractors who want to become more sustainable while seeking strategic advantages, better access to public contracts, reputation enhancement and more efficient energy management, the CO2 Performance certificate is a powerful instrument.
"Construction companies must become more sustainable to stay at the top of our sector. The CO₂ Performance Ladder is a powerful instrument for that." — Chris Slaets, managing director Embuild Limburg