4C Carbon Footprint

Agriculture contributes with a significant part in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. And as an integral and significant part is the production of green coffee and its entire production chain due to the use of synthetic fertilizers, transportation, use of machinery in its harvest, among others.

This new complement has the proposal to obtain the knowledge of these values generated through the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions for the coffee cultivation and for the entire supply chain, so that, afterwards, mitigation and compensation measures for the GHG emissions can be created.

In summary, the Carbon Footprint complement assesses the GHG values generated, the mitigation process, and its compensation. Each of these points is evaluated through a checklist divided into three degrees of compliance, according to the implementation level of the unit.

Implementation levels

The methodology is adopted in four basic levels of implementation, making it possible to implement the complement gradually and in different configurations of the coffee value chain.

Level 1 - GHG emissions calculation is proposed at the 4C Unit level, allowing certified 4C units to sell green coffee with a carbon footprint. Level one compliance of the checklist is met.

Level 2 - At this level, measurement of GHG emissions also includes the supply chain in addition to the 4C Unit. Level 1 compliance of the checklist is met.

Level 3 - The focus of this level is the reduction of GHG emissions. The units certified at levels 1 or 2 implement measures to reduce emissions in accordance with the Improvement Plan that must be developed. The units can sell their coffee as 4C Climate Friendly Coffee. At this point, in addition to level 1 compliance, level 2 compliance of the checklist applies.

Level 4 - Certified units can sell the coffee as 4C Climate Neutral Coffee. At this level, the issue addressed is the offsetting of the carbon that cannot be eliminated by the reduction measures in the previous levels. The reduction measures are offset by contributing to qualified carbon projects.  The compliance level becomes level 3.

Why certify 4C Carbon Footprint?

• To meet growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced coffee and transparent and reliable carbon footprint information.
• To verify and reduce GHG emissions in the coffee production chain, from farm production to roasting.
• Be in alignment with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) guide and the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Why choose QIMA/WQS for 4C Carbon Footprint certification?

• Our team, with over 30 years of experience in the food industry supply chain, is ready to deliver quality end-to-end solutions for your business.
• Specialized in the food area, QIMA/WQS has a structure designed to start your service quickly and be available to clarify any questions that may arise along the way.
• Experienced and approved local auditors for various programs, specialized in all areas of quality and food safety.
• More than 9,000 satisfied customers in all stages of the food chain are proof of the quality, dedication, and success offered by QIMA/WQS.