Several firms, including Morrisons, B&Q and Trinity Mirror, have already signed up.
The accreditation, which will be available globally, is offered to companies that can prove they have reduced their carbon emissions year on year - either on an absolute or relative basis.
Peter Hambly, director of marketing at The Carbon Trust, said the 'Carbon Trust Standard' was designed to provide a clear sign that companies were actively reducing emissions.
The initiative follows research by the Trust, which revealed that just 5% of consumers understand the commitments made by businesses on climate change.
According to Hambly, it is not acceptable for businesses to claim they cannot afford to be green
in a severe economic climate. 'It has never been more important, or more economically sound, to reduce emissions,' he said.
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