The Carbon Trust

Company profile

• Name: The Carbon Trust
• Legal form: Not-for-dividend private company limited by guarantee
• Company number: 04190230 (UK Companies House)
• Incorporated: 29 March 2001
• Registered office: Level 5, Arbor, 255 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 9AX
• Status: Active, operating globally with multiple offices including UK, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific markets

Mission and purpose

• Core mission: Accelerate the transition to a decarbonised and sustainable low-carbon economy by helping businesses, governments and financial institutions reduce carbon emissions and improve resource efficiency.
• The organisation acts as a catalyst for change by stimulating low-carbon action, enhancing energy security, and supporting innovation in low-carbon technologies.

Key activities and services

• Decarbonisation consultancy: Advises organisations on strategy, risks and opportunities associated with Net Zero transition and carbon reduction planning.
• Energy efficiency programmes: Provides technical and commercial guidance on energy performance across estates, from audits to large-scale project implementation.
• Carbon footprinting and certification: Delivers independent carbon measurement and assurance services including Carbon Trust Standards and carbon labelling for products and organisations.
• Policy and market support: Helps design, implement and evaluate policies, business models and collaborative projects to meet ambitious carbon-reduction goals.
• Innovation and technology acceleration: Supports development and deployment of clean technologies, such as offshore wind and other renewable solutions.
• Specialised standards: “Route to Net Zero Standard” assists organisations to measure, manage and independently verify carbon emissions and reduction progress.

Historical impact and milestones

• Origins: Established by the UK government in 2001 with initial funding linked to the Climate Change Levy; originally focused on reducing business energy costs and improving carbon performance.
• Early achievements: Launched the world’s first carbon footprint label in 2007 and created the Carbon Trust Standard to benchmark corporate carbon performance.
• Industry collaboration: Set up the Offshore Wind Accelerator programme, contributing to cost reductions in offshore wind.
• Global expansion: Opened offices in Pretoria (Africa), Mexico City and later in Amsterdam, Singapore and Berlin to support international Net Zero work.
• Leadership evolution: Leadership has transitioned over time with several CEO changes; as of 2025 leadership is headed by Michael Rea.
• Standards influence: Has contributed to international frameworks such as guidance on Scope 3 emissions and engaging with the Science Based Targets initiative.

Business relevance

• For UK and global organisations: The Carbon Trust provides trusted, expert input that enhances competitive advantage by identifying cost savings through energy efficiency, reducing operational emissions, and supporting compliance with evolving climate regulations.
• For investors and financiers: It offers credibility via independent certification and assurance, helping firms communicate sustainability performance and bolster investor confidence.
• For policy makers and public sector bodies: It contributes evidence-based insight to shape effective climate and energy policy, and supports implementation of national and international Net Zero goals.
• The range of guides and tools available supports businesses of all sizes in realising energy and carbon savings across sectors.

Summary status

The Carbon Trust remains an influential UK-origin climate consultancy and facilitator of decarbonisation efforts worldwide. It operates at the intersection of business, government and finance to accelerate low-carbon transitions, enhance energy efficiency and drive measurable reductions in carbon emissions. Its services span strategic advisory, certification, technical support and policy engagement, making it a cornerstone organisation for UK and international organisations seeking to advance climate action.