Cotopaxi, a B Corp and mission-driven brand, is happy to announce its Climate Neutral certification for the second year in a row. Climate Neutral is an independent and rigorous certification program that ensures a company's carbon impact is net-zero.

The Climate Neutral Certified label is awarded by Climate Neutral, a non-profit organization, to businesses that meet its stringent criteria. Measure, Offset, and Reduce are the three steps in the organization's certification process. Cotopaxi's total carbon footprint is 13,859 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), which the company offsets through carbon credits as part of its carbon neutrality plan. Cotopaxi is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint by eliminating single-use plastics and using 100% non-virgin and responsible materials in its manufacturing.

Annie Agle, Cotopaxi’s Senior Director of Impact and Sustainability, said that they acknowledge the important role climate change plays in economic disparity because Cotopaxi was formed with the underlying aim of fighting extreme poverty. As an outdoor company, they strive to be as environmentally conscientious as possible, supporting and protecting the environment. Climate Neutral has assisted them in measuring and accepting responsibility for their whole footprint, allowing them to continue to reduce their impact and promote economic change through their offset initiatives.

The certification of Climate Neutral is based on internationally recognized carbon measurement, neutrality, and offsetting standards. Scope 1, 2, and 3 cradle-to-customer greenhouse gas emissions must be measured for the previous calendar year by each brand. As a result, a company or organization must purchase verified carbon credits to compensate for its complete carbon footprint. This allocates funds to important carbon-sequestration programs like forest protection, renewable energy, and carbon-capture technology. Finally, brands agree to a reduction action plan to reduce future emissions over a 12- to 24-month period, with annual progress reports. Climate Neutral's website makes all of the company's data public. When organizations must recertify, the procedure is repeated.