Add-On Certification

4C Carbon Footprint

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4C Carbon Footprint Solution 

Reducing Coffee’s Carbon Footprint 

The agriculture sector is responsible for approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the coffee industry plays its part. As pressure grows to reach net zero targets, coffee companies must act by empowering producers, building sustainable supply chains, and cutting emissions. 

However, measuring the carbon footprint of coffee remains complex and inconsistent. Current tools and methodologies often lack standardisation, making it difficult for businesses to take clear action.

To address this, 4C has developed a dedicated carbon footprint solution for the coffee sector, built on a robust, transparent methodology and certified by an independent third party. This solution brings consistency, credibility, and actionable insights to help your coffee business progress towards a more sustainable future.

4C has developed a dedicated carbon footprint solution for the coffee and cocoa sector.

4C Solution: Our Carbon Footprint Add-On

Credible Climate Action for Coffee

Steps to Conduct GHG Calculation

Four Levels of Implementation  

From GHG Emissions Calculation to Climate Friendly Coffee.

4C calculates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the entire coffee supply chain, supports mitigation planning, and monitors emission reductions. A dedicated Improvement Plan tracks the performance of 4C Units and farmers in reducing emissions. Verified carbon footprint results are used for the 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On certification.

1

GHG Emissions Calculation at the 4C Unit Level

By taking this initial step, you have already started the journey. This first level already enables certified 4C units to sell green coffee with a specified carbon footprint to the market.

2

Takes the Supply Chain into Account

This next level of implementation goes beyond measuring GHG emissions in coffee cultivation and takes the supply chain into account. Green coffee with a carbon footprint covering the entire upstream emissions can be sold to final buyers.

3

Reduction of the GHG Emissions

When this third level of implementation is reached, the reduction of the GHG emissions becomes the focus of attention. The certified units implement measures to reduce GHG emissions in cultivation, processing and transport according to the Improvement Plan they have developed. After competing this stage, the certified units can sell the coffee as 4C Climate Friendly Coffee.

4

Including Carbon Compensation

This final level encompasses all the steps up to Level 3 and goes one step further by including carbon compensation. This means that all remaining emissions, which cannot be eliminated by the reduction measures, are offset through contributing to qualified carbon projects.

Rooted in Credibility. Grounded in Science.

What Sets 4C Apart in Carbon Certification

CF Add-On Document

Where 4C Carbon Footprint Certification is Making an Impact

Applying for the 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On 

When applying for the 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On, 4C system users shall comply with the core 4C procedures and requirements for certification.

The baseline GHG calculation should be made available before applying for the Add-On certification.  

Main Conditions 

  • Prerequisites for 4C core certification fulfilled.
  • GHG emissions calculated following standards and methodologies approved by 4C.

More Information

All operations and facilities responsible for coffee production and post-harvest processing covered by a 4C certificate are eligible to apply for the Add-On. The Add-On can be implemented globally, regardless of the type of coffee produced or the cultivation practices employed.

Only Certification Bodies (CBs) cooperating with 4C are approved to conduct the Carbon Footprint Add-On audits. Once all requirements for 4C Climate Friendly (or Neutral) Coffee are successfully fulfilled, the existing 4C core certificate receives an amendment confirming the successful application of the Add-On. 4C system users have the right to use of the respective logos and claims, according to 4C logo use policy, to communicate their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG).  

List of 4C Approved CBs

Join us in the journey to a more carbon friendly future!

Together, we can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in coffee production and supply chains and combat climate change.

Contact us

Further Information

System Document – Carbon Footprint Add-On v. 1.1
System Document – Carbon Footprint Add-On v. 2.0
Flyer – Overview Carbon Footprint Add-On
Document Library