Netherlands – Services related to air pollution – CO2 Compensation service

Up until 2020, a portion of TNO’s emissions (due to the combustion of natural gas) was compensated annually through the purchase of certificates. These certificates were purchased on individual orders on the ‘day market’ for such certificates via an intermediary. Due to the increasing demand within TNO to purchase certificates, the contract value has exceeded the tendering limit. As such, individual orders have been stopped pending a tender. The intended expenditures for compensation are always included as a reservation in the annual operating budget. In 2021, the new mobility policy was established, which includes the policy to compensate for the emissions of TNO’s air travel. In March 2024, the Board of Directors decided to set a minimum price for CO2 compensation certificates at €25/ton CO2 and to increase the annual budget for compensation of Scope 1 & 2, (direct emissions) van TNO (effective from 2024). In March 2024, the Board of Directors decided to set a minimum price for CO2 compensation certificates at €25/ton CO2 and to increase the annual budget for compensation of Scope 1 & 2, (direct emissions) van TNO (effective from 2024). At this moment, TNO has € 335.000 is reserved budget for CO2 compensation certificates (reservation for the years 2021, 2022, 2023). The budget for compensation in 2024 and upcoming years is currently € 170.000 (scope 1 and 2, direct emissions) + €35.000 (scope 3, flights) = Total € 205.000. The exact amount depends on TNO’s CO2 emissions.