„Net Zero / Net Zero"
Annex I No. 4a UCPD as amended by EmpCo (EU 2024/825)
What does it mean?
'Net Zero' or 'Net Zero' are terms that suggest that a company or product causes no net greenhouse gas emissions. From 27 September 2026, these claims are to be classified as per se misleading under the EmpCo Directive (Annex I No. 4a UCPD) if they are based on carbon offsetting. The BGH ruling I ZR 98/23 (Katjes, 27 June 2024) has already clarified that such claims are misleading without transparent disclosure of calculation methods and offsetting measures. Legally compliant alternatives include the specific designation of reduction targets with recognised validation standards such as the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) or the transparent presentation of verified emissions reductions according to ISO 14064-1.
Typical phrasings
- 'Net Zero by 2040'
- 'Net zero emissions in our supply chain'
- 'We are Net Zero certified'
What you can write instead
'Scope 1+2 reduction of 42% by 2030 (base year 2020), validated by SBTi' or 'CO2 footprint reduced by 35%, verified to ISO 14064-1.'
Required evidence
- SBTi Net-Zero Standard (October 2021)
- Annual progress report according to GHG Protocol
- ISO 14064-1 verification of emissions reduction
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."Does your website use „Net Zero / Net Zero"?
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