From 27 September 2026, the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EU) 2024/825 (“EmpCo”) will apply across the European Union. The Directive strengthens consumer protection against misleading environmental claims and introduces requirements for voluntary sustainability labels used in consumer-facing commercial communications.
Under the Directive, private sustainability labels must be based on a certification scheme or established by a public authority. A certification scheme must include independent third-party verification, publicly available requirements, transparent and non-discriminatory access, stakeholder involvement, objective monitoring, and procedures to address non-compliance.
CSC considers that its certification system is designed to meet the key characteristics of a certification scheme under the EmpCo framework. CSC certification is based on publicly available requirements and independent third-party assessments undertaken by CSC-approved certification bodies. The system also includes transparent certification procedures, stakeholder engagement, public information on certified companies, and processes for complaints, suspension and withdrawal.
CSC certification therefore provides a credible and independently verified basis for communicating on responsible sourcing performance in the concrete, cement and aggregates sector.
However, certification does not automatically substantiate every environmental claim a certified company may make. Any reference to CSC certification should accurately reflect the applicable certificate, its scope, the certification level achieved and the performance verified.
Read CSC’s full Position Statement on the EmpCo Directive here– which can be found under our ressources section.