9 Key Steps for Calculating the Carbon Footprint

Sustainability has become a key factor for modern businesses, influencing not only daily operations but also reputation and long-term success. It should be noted that quantifying the carbon footprint and reporting it in the sustainability report is not aimed at demonstrating the goodness of the company's situation, but rather describing the path, policies, and actions that will be taken towards the goal of carbon neutrality in line with European plans.

Reporting an organisation's carbon dioxide emissions (carbon footprint) is a fundamental element in communicating the sustainability of its activities, processes, and products, as it provides the numerical basis for setting a corporate strategy consistent with efficiency and reduction objectives.

This allows organisations to balance their profit with the impact generated on people and the planet. Only in this way can companies ensure sustainable and lasting success.

9 steps for measure your carbon footprint - ENG (2)

Together, let's discover the 9 key steps to accurately calculate your company's carbon footprint.

1. Determination of Organisational Context

The standard requires the organisation to identify its organisational context and establish the boundaries of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, i.e., which emissions (and "sources") will be considered.

2. Identification of Emission Sources

The organisation must identify all direct and indirect sources of greenhouse gas emissions within the established boundaries.

3. Data Collection

Collection of accurate and reliable data related to GHG emissions from each identified source.

4. Emission Calculation

Emission calculation involves the use of appropriate measurement developments based on specific coefficients capable of converting the consumption of a particular greenhouse gas into carbon dioxide equivalents. Therefore, for specific GHG emitters (industrial machinery, company vehicles, electricity or methane consumption, etc.), their conversion into equivalent tonnes of CO2 is foreseen.

This operation can only be carried out by qualified personnel using internationally recognised conversion tools, allowing for the certification and obtaining of the overall value of CO2 equivalent produced within the organisation's boundaries (IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an organisation operating under the auspices of the United Nations).

5. Verification and Quality Control in Carbon Footprint Calculation

It is important to verify and control the quality of the data and calculations made to ensure the accuracy of GHG emission information, proposing, if possible, an overall uncertainty assessment. Some of the data used may refer to industry estimates or proxies, given the complexity of obtaining precise specific data regarding operations and events occurring outside the company's premises but within the supply chain and the selected reporting boundary.

6. Third-party Verification

The standard encourages external verification of the GHG emissions inventory by a qualified and independent organisation to confirm its accuracy.

7. Information Management

The organisation should systematically manage information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and keep it accessible for monitoring, communication, and improvement purposes.

8. Communication of Carbon Footprint Calculation

The organisation should transparently communicate information about GHG emissions to its stakeholders, such as customers, investors, regulatory authorities, and the general public.

9. Continuous Improvement

The standard emphasises the importance of continuous improvement in managing GHG emissions, encouraging organisations to establish objectives and plans to reduce emissions over time.

Calculating carbon footprint isn't just a matter of regulatory compliance; it's a genuine opportunity for companies to reposition their brand, enhance operational efficiency, and build a strong, responsible reputation.

By following these 9 fundamental steps, every enterprise can embark on a virtuous path towards sustainability, achieving tangible long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits.

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