SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS
companies. Calculating your GHG emissions and introducing strategies to reduce your emissions could convince investors to work with you. However, GHG emissions calculations is not a one-size-fits-all task. The diversity of industries, business sizes, and operational complexities requires a structured approach. Standards provide a common metric and methodology, allowing businesses to quantify their greenhouse gas emissions consistently. These standards are the building blocks for transparent reporting, setting targets, and reducing GHG emissions. Companies worldwide are adopting a standardised approach to GHG emission assessment, as standards offer a structured approach, providing a common language and methodology which allow businesses to quantify their GHG emissions consistently. But what standards can be used for GHG emissions calculation? One of the most widely recognised standards to calculate GHG emissions is the GHG Protocol. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in the 1990s, it provides a comprehensive framework for measuring, managing and reporting GHG emissions. When talking about the GHG Protocol at corporate level, the standard is based on three scopes:
1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organisation, like fuel combustion.
2: Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
3: Indirect emissions from activities that are not owned or controlled by the organisation, such as business travel and supply chain activities.
The three-scope approach of the GHG Protocol at corporate level provides businesses with a comprehensive understanding of their carbon footprint, capturing both emissions within their control and those from their value chain. As the focus shifts to Scope 3 emissions, companies across the value chain will increasingly consider their environmental impact, making environmental responsibility a competitive advantage. Another essential standard for evaluating GHG emissions at the corporate level is the ISO 14064 series. This sets a benchmark for GHG assessments and offers guidelines for organisations to quantify, report, and verify their GHG emissions and removals. The ISO 14064-1 standard not only assists in measuring carbon footprints it also provides clear instructions for transparent and consistent GHG inventory reporting.
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For calculating GHG emissions of products and services, the Carbon Footprint tool, based on ISO 14067, is widely used. This measures GHG emissions and reductions expressed as CO₂ equivalents for specific products or services, covering activities such as manufacturing, energy consumption, and both upstream and downstream transportation. Selecting the appropriate carbon footprint standard depends on your business’ goals, industry, and stakeholders’ expectations. Consulting with sustainability experts can help you navigate this decision and ensure accurate measurement, reporting, and reduction strategies. Understanding the standards used for calculating a carbon footprint is crucial for businesses striving for sustainability. Standards like the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1 provide a structured framework for accurate measurement and reporting. Customised industry-specific guidelines further enhance transparency and help businesses align with sector-specific goals. By embracing these standards and tools, businesses can accurately measure their environmental impact, report transparently, and implement effective strategies for reducing their carbon footprint.
UNDERSTANDING THE ASSESSMENT STEPS
It’s common for the terms “calculation”, “validation” and “verification” to become confused. They in fact refer to distinct steps in the process of assessing and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of GHGs information. GHG emissions calculation refers to the process of determining the total amount of emissions of carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases emissions associated with a particular activity, product, organisation, or individual, in terms of CO₂ equivalents. These emissions are a result of activities such as manufacturing, energy consumption, upstream and downstream transportation, employee travel, etc. Validation is the confirmation of a claim through the provision of objective evidence, that the requirements for a specific intended future use or application have been fulfilled (confirmation of plausibility). This step involves reviewing and confirming that the data sources, methodologies, and assumptions used in calculating emissions are appropriate and reliable. It helps ensure that the calculation is based on sound and credible information.
Verification is the confirmation of a claim, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled (confirmation of truthfulness). It is an independent assessment to confirm whether the reported impacts accurately represent the actual emissions. A third-party verifier reviews the emission calculations and documentation to confirm their accuracy. This adds an additional layer of
credibility and trust to the reported figures. During a product carbon footprint verification, the main greenhouse gas emissions along the entire product life cycle are assessed and quantified. This starts with resource extraction and raw material procurement, through to the phases of production and use, and to the product’s end-of-life. The calculation is verified according to the requirements of the ISO 14067. Only once your carbon footprint has been independently verified is it considered to be reliable. So, this is an extremely important step if you want to share your data in a meaningful way. The benefits of GHG emissions verification include:
Increased integrity of your carbon footprint through compliance with international recognised standards.
Improved credibility, consistency and transparency of the quantification, monitoring and reporting of your GHG.
Creating a reliable basis for developing and improving monitoring systems for tracking GHG-emissions.
Enabling the development and implementation of emission reduction and decarbonisation strategies.
Understanding the standards used for calculating the GHG emissions is crucial for businesses striving for sustainability. Selecting the appropriate standard depends on the company’s business goals, the industrial sector and the stakeholders’ expectations.
Standards provide a structured framework for accurate measurement and reporting. Customised industry-specific standards further enhance transparency and help businesses align with sector-specific goals. By embracing the right standard, businesses can effectively measure their environmental impact, set meaningful targets, and pave the way for a greener future. Consulting with sustainability experts can help you navigate this decision and ensure accurate measurement, reporting, and reduction strategies.
By reducing your carbon footprint, you are not only contributing to a healthier planet but also enhancing your brand’s reputation. Today’s conscious consumers appreciate businesses that prioritise sustainability, giving you a competitive edge. By measuring your carbon footprint, you position your business as a forward-thinking company, capable of adapting to the changing expectations of a society where environmental consciousness is on the rise.
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