Certification schemes > Low-Carbon Scheme
CERTIFHY EU LOW-CARBON CERTIFICATION SCHEME
DEFINITION
The CertifHy Low-Carbon Voluntary Scheme is a certification system for low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives, designed to evidence compliance with the EU rules on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings and associated certification requirements. It builds on the EU framework for low-carbon fuels set out in the hydrogen and gas decarbonisation package, and in particular, adopts the methodology for calculating GHG emissions savings from low-carbon fuels specified in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2359 in force since November 2025.
In practice, the CertifHy Low-Carbon Voluntary Scheme aims to provide a robust, auditable way to demonstrate “low-carbon” claims across the value chain, supporting international market transactions, procurement requirements, and regulatory reporting where applicable.
The CertifHy Low-Carbon Voluntary Scheme is built on core principles that reflect EU requirements and market expectations:
- Lifecycle GHG accounting using the EU-approved methodology for low-carbon fuels, covering supply of inputs, processing, transport/distribution, and end use.
- GHG emissions savings assessment against an EU fossil-fuel comparator, as required by the applicable EU methodology.
- Traceability and chain of custody, supporting credible low-carbon claims across the entire value chain.
- Independent verification and robust controls to ensure consistent, high-integrity certification outcomes.
Applicability
The CertifHy Low-Carbon Voluntary Scheme is relevant for organisations that need proof of low-carbon hydrogen and fuels for:
Regulatory compliance and reporting in EU contexts where low-carbon fuel definitions and GHG methodologies apply.
Commercial contracting and procurement, where buyers require a verified emissions intensity / savings claim as a condition of purchase, offtake, tender participation, or financing (e.g., industrial buyers requesting certified low-carbon attributes for internal decarbonisation targets).
Complementary with other certification schemes, by providing a dedicated pathway for low-carbon claims alongside renewable pathways (e.g., RFNBO), while keeping GHG accounting rules consistent with EU approaches.
Scheme Implementation
CertifHy delivers the Low-Carbon Voluntary Scheme through a clear, auditable architecture, consisting of:
A comprehensive set of Scheme documents translating EU methodological requirements into operational certification rules and procedures.
A verification framework, including procedures, controls, and third-party audits, designed to be implementable at scale.
Technical support and guidance to help Economic Operators and Certification Bodies apply the Scheme rules consistently as implementation matures.
BENEFITS
The CertifHy Low-Carbon Voluntary Scheme provides a robust, auditable route to low-carbon hydrogen and fuels certification under the established EU framework. It helps Economic Operators demonstrate lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions performance with a recognised certificate that can be used for compliance and reporting needs, contracting and procurement, and financing discussions.
- Broader market access – Expand sales opportunities beyond a single regulatory pathway: RFNBO certification enables access to EU compliance-driven segments, such as transport and industry under the RED and other sectoral regulations. Low-carbon certification widens access to non-EU jurisdictions and to market segments where RFNBO certification is not required, not recognised, or not the right fit for a given buyer, providing flexibility to Economic Operators.
- Customer diversification – Serve different buyer requirements with clear, verified product attributes: Some buyers, including obligated parties and certain fuel suppliers, require RFNBO certification for EU regulatory compliance. Others, such as voluntary purchasers, international offtakers, and sectors with more flexible provenance requirements, may accept or prefer low-carbon certification, especially in regions where renewable electricity sourcing is constrained.
- Risk mitigation and bankability – Reduce offtake and regulatory risk through credible, auditable evidence: As policy and market definitions evolve across different jurisdictions, dual certification under both the CertifHy EU RFNBO and Low-Carbon Voluntary Schemes provides operational flexibility, allowing Economic Operators to manage regulatory changes and adapt to demand variability. Access to a broader pool of potential buyers supports project financing and enhances revenue resilience.
- Price realisation – Monetise verified emissions performance in different segments: RFNBO-certified molecules can achieve price premiums in compliance-driven EU markets, while low-carbon certification can deliver value in segments where measurable carbon intensity reductions and sector-specific incentives drive purchasing decisions (e.g., voluntary and CSR-oriented markets). Economic Operators can segment production hours to allocate RFNBO-eligible volumes to compliance markets while monetizing remaining low-carbon volumes through according channels.
LOW-CARBON SCHEME DOCUMENTS
Document in consultation stage. Restricted access for CertifHy Stakeholder Platform Members.
