Understanding CO₂e requests — Case #4
Carbon attestation for SMEs: what to provide without a full carbon footprint
Many SMEs now receive CO₂e requests from clients, procurement teams, banks or insurers. In most cases, this is not a regulatory obligation and not an audit: you are being asked for a simple indicator for screening and internal documentation.
1. Why SMEs receive CO₂e requests
Even if your company is not subject to mandatory ESG reporting, your partners (customers, contracting authorities, financial institutions) may be, or they may apply internal responsible procurement policies. They therefore collect environmental information across their value chain.
The most common situation
You are not being asked to “be compliant”. You are being asked to provide a simple, reusable and documentable CO₂e indicator, to avoid incomplete files or endless questionnaires.
2. What is actually expected (in most cases)
A “carbon attestation” request is often vague. In practice, the need is straightforward: a document that allows a third party to tick a box (“CO₂e information available”) and archive minimal evidence.
What the reviewer wants to check quickly
- an aggregated CO₂e result (indicative)
- a coverage year + an issue date
- a declared method (e.g., spend-based)
- a standard, identifiable PDF document
- clear limitations (not audited, not CSRD/ESRS)
- a verification link/QR (independent check)
3. Indicative attestation vs full carbon footprint: understand the difference
SMEs often confuse a “carbon attestation” with an “audited carbon footprint”. These are two different objects. An indicative attestation serves screening. A full footprint supports a detailed inventory (often costly).
Indicative attestation (screening)
- goal: answer a third-party request quickly
- aggregated result + declared method
- explicit limitations
- fits workflows (procurement, banking, insurance)
Full carbon footprint (inventory)
- goal: detailed inventory and steering
- physical data, scopes, assumptions
- often audit / verification
- significant cost and lead time
In “onboarding / screening” contexts, a full audit is rarely required. If an audited standard is explicitly imposed, ask for the expected framework (standard, boundary, scopes).
4. How to respond effectively (without overbuilding)
The best response is the one that reduces friction: a standard, readable, reusable document that clearly states its scope and limitations. This helps avoid being “blocked” by repeated requests.
Safe wording (copy-ready)
- Use: “indicative CO₂e attestation”, “spend-based estimate”, “ESG screening use”, “not audited”.
- Avoid: “certified”, “CSRD/ESRS compliant”, “carbon audit”, “regulatory inventory”.
If a third party requires a standard (ISO, audit), ask for: the exact standard, organizational boundary, expected scopes, and assurance level. Without those, the request is usually screening.
5. Why standardization saves time (and increases credibility)
SMEs lose time when they respond case-by-case: different files, unclear methods, missing dates or boundaries. A standardized document helps you answer faster and reduces back-and-forth.
- fewer manual questionnaires
- less ambiguity about scope
- a reusable format across multiple requests
- minimal evidence that can be archived
6. Frequently asked questions (SMEs)
Do I have to produce a full carbon footprint?
In most cases, no. Requests received by SMEs are usually screening-related (procurement, banking, insurance). If an audit or a standard is explicitly required, the specification should state it.
Can an estimate be accepted?
Yes, when the request is for an informative indicator and the document clearly states its limitations: indicative, not audited, not CSRD/ESRS, not a complete inventory.
What if my client insists on “Scope 1/2/3”?
Ask whether the goal is screening information or a full inventory. If a full inventory is required, an indicative attestation is not the right tool. If it is screening, a scoped and standardized attestation usually fits.
Answer CO₂e requests without an audit, with a clear document
If you are an SME and you are asked for a “carbon attestation”, the need is often a simple screening indicator. Certif-Scope produces an indicative, standardized, traceable and verifiable attestation.