Want to measure your company's carbon emissions? Here's what you need to know:
4 main ways to track carbon emissions:
| Method | Best For | Key Feature | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHG Protocol | Any size business | 3-scope framework | Free tools |
| ISO 14064 | Large companies | Step-by-step process | Higher costs |
| PAS 2050 | Product-focused | Tracks single items | Medium range |
| EcoHedge | Small-medium business | Automatic tracking | £999/year |
Quick comparison of tracking methods:
| Feature | GHG Protocol | ISO 14064 | PAS 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 3 scopes | 6 categories | Product lifecycle |
| Data Needed | Basic records | Detailed logs | Full product data |
| Verification | Optional | Required | Required |
| Complexity | Low | High | Medium |
Here's the thing: 75% of most companies' emissions come from their supply chain (Scope 3).
The numbers don't lie:
- 81% of S&P 500 companies report emissions
- 22,000+ companies worldwide track carbon
- Carbon tracking market growing 28.66% yearly
Bottom line: Pick GHG Protocol if you're starting out. Use ISO 14064 if you need detailed verification. Choose PAS 2050 for product-specific tracking. Go with EcoHedge if you want automation.
A YouTube Video Explaining the Concept of Scopes:
GHG Protocol: The Global Standard
The GHG Protocol splits emissions into three categories that every company needs to track:
| Scope | What It Measures | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions you control | Company vehicles, on-site fuel burning |
| Scope 2 | Indirect energy emissions | Purchased electricity, heating, cooling |
| Scope 3 | All other indirect emissions | Supply chain, business travel, waste |
Here's how companies use the Protocol to measure their carbon footprint:
1. Map Your Emissions
Key Steps to Mapping Emissions
Start by listing EVERY source of emissions across all scopes. For a factory, this means:
- Equipment emissions
- Building energy use
- Staff commutes
- Material shipping
2. Get Your Numbers