Corporate Carbon Rating (A-E)

OFFICIAL CARBONGRADE CERTIFICATION MARK

The CarbonGrade Certified mark is issued to organizations that achieve an annual A–E classification under the CarbonGrade Independent Rating Framework.

Certification reflects structured assessment of carbon intensity, sector positioning, data integrity, and methodological transparency within a defined reporting scope and year..

The Certified mark may be displayed for the validated reporting year in accordance with CarbonGrade usage conditions. 

WHAT IS CARBONGRADE

CarbonGrade is an independent corporate carbon rating framework assigning A-E classifications based on carbon performance and methodological robustness.
The framework evaluates organizational greenhouse gas inventories and issues structured ratings with annual validity.

SCOPE OF EVALUATION

CarbonGrade ratings are issued at organizational level and are based on:

• Carbon intensity indicators;
• Performance trajectory over time;
• Sector-relative positioning;
• Data integrity and methodological transparency

Ratings are issued for a defined reporting year.

THE FIVE CLASSES

Rating Interpretation Framework
How CarbonGrade classifications are to be interpreted.

GRADE A — Leading

Interpretation: Indicates high carbon efficiency relative to sector benchmarks and strong data robustness under the CarbonGrade framework.
Typical profile: Mature reporting systems, transparent boundary definition, consistent methodological application.

GRADE B — Strong

Interpretation: Above-average carbon performance with limited methodological constraints.
Typical profile: Structured reporting with minor boundary or allocation sensitivities.

GRADE C — Baseline

Interpretation: Performance aligned with sector norms.
Typical profile: Standardized reporting practices with acceptable data coverage.

GRADE D — Weak

Interpretation: Below-sector performance or notable structural limitations in reporting.
Typical profile: Data gaps, boundary inconsistencies, or methodological volatility.

GRADE E — Insufficient

Interpretation: Material limitations affecting reliability of carbon classification.
Typical profile: Incomplete disclosures, inconsistent system boundaries, or unverifiable datasets.

HOW THE RATING WORKS

1. Data Submission

Organizations submit documented greenhouse gas inventories and supporting disclosures for the defined reporting year. Submissions typically include activity data, emission calculations, boundary definitions and relevant methodological notes.

2. Data Integrity Review
Submitted information is reviewed for structural completeness, internal consistency and alignment with recognized carbon accounting approaches. This step evaluates the robustness of the reporting structure, including boundary definition, calculation logic and transparency of the dataset.

3. Structured Carbon Assessment
Carbon performance indicators are analyzed within the CarbonGrade framework, including carbon intensity indicators, sector-relative positioning, trajectory and performance signals over time, methodological robustness of the inventory.

4. Rating Determination
Based on the assessment results, the organization is assigned a CarbonGrade classification from A to E. The classification reflects the combined evaluation of carbon performance, reporting maturity and data reliability.

5. Rating Issuance
The rating is issued for the defined reporting year and may be accompanied by the CarbonGrade Certified Mark, subject to the framework usage conditions.

WHAT THE RATING SIGNALS

Founded as a structured carbon classification initiative, CarbonGrade rating provides structured differentiation of corporate carbon performance relative to sector positioning and methodological robustness.

• Performance positioning,
• Reporting maturity,
• Data reliability

VERIFICATION & CONTROLLED ACCESS

Issued ratings and classification records are accessible to rated organizations and designated stakeholders through a restricted verification portal. Access is granted under defined authorization procedures.