How should companies in Portugal start their carbon neutrality process?

Companies should begin by collecting and organizing their emissions data before any calculations are made. Inês Rego explains that organizations typically need around one year of data to get started in a structured way.

What does Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º include?

Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º is a local service package for companies in Portugal that covers emissions calculation, verification, and a decarbonization plan. It uses the Corporate Carbon Footprint approach to assess Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in line with ISO 14064.

Can companies choose different levels of verification for carbon neutrality claims?

Yes. Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º is flexible, allowing companies to choose calculation only, verification only, or a full end-to-end service. Verification can be performed with accreditation or without, depending on the organization’s needs.

How companies in Portugal are taking control of their carbon footprint

Bottle covered in moss and small plants on a wooden surface against a green background.

2 June 2026

We spoke to Inês Rego, Business Unit Manager, Sustainability at Kiwa Certification, who explained how companies in Portugal are starting to approach carbon neutrality in a more structured and practical way.

“Companies here are very committed and share the same difficulties as other countries in knowing how to structure the process from the start. That’s why we have developed Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º, a specific pack of services for companies in Portugal working towards carbon neutrality. While the methodology is based on global standards, the service has been developed locally to better support organizations across all sectors.”

Start with clarity, not assumptions

Inês highlights that any effective carbon strategy begins with preparation. “The first step is to collect and then organize the data. After that, calculations can begin,” she explains. “Companies need more or less one year of data for us to begin.”

“As part of Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º, we offer the full package from calculation, verification, and a solid plan for decarbonization. We calculate emissions using the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) module, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across operations and the wider value chain, in line with ISO 14064.” The latter is an international standard providing a structured framework for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals.

Building a reduction plan that delivers

Once emissions are quantified, the focus shifts to action. “We then move on to creating a solid plan for decarbonization,” says Inês. “For sustainability and quality managers, this means turning complex data into practical steps that can be implemented across the organization.”

A flexible, integrated approach to carbon neutrality

One of the key strengths of Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º is its flexibility. “The goal of these services is to offer our customers one or all of the services,” says Inês. “We can support the entire process end-to-end, offering both calculation and verification services. Verification can be carried out either with accreditation or without, depending on your needs.”

This flexibility allows companies to choose the level of assurance that fits their needs, while ensuring transparency and credibility for stakeholders, auditors, and regulators. This is particularly valuable for organizations at different stages of their sustainability journey, whether they are just starting or refining existing processes.

“We create tailored plans for decarbonization, and after that, we can verify the neutrality claims.”

Take the first step

For companies in Portugal just starting, the message is clear: keep it simple and start with the basics. “Sustainability can only happen step by step,” Inês says. “The first step is to organize and collect the data. I believe it is necessary to measure the present in order to optimize the future.”

With a structured approach that combines measurement, reduction, and verification, Kiwa Carbon Neutrality 360º helps sustainability and quality professionals turn complexity into a clear and manageable process.

Keen to learn more? Take our free technical diagnosis (for companies in Portugal) and download the eBook in Portuguese.