Carbon analysis and management strategies are a key component of sustainability initiatives, particularly as the manufacturing sector comes under more rigorous scrutiny by the SEC and EPA. Regardless of your industry an analysis of your carbon emissions in aggregate can be an eye-opening experience that will help your organization uncover areas of efficiency and cost-savings from energy use to air travel and commuting. As with all projects we engage in we believe the underlying importance is that of measurement and verification. Analysis creates a baseline to benchmark your future performance. Paired with a carbon management strategy you will have a comprehensive outlook that will set future goals, help navigate legislation, assess the carbon market revenue opportunities and mitigate risk. The benefits of a carbon analysis and management strategy return in the form of cost-savings in energy, cleaner technologies, new revenue opportunities, preparation for regulation and enhancing your reputation in the industry.
We conduct our carbon footprint analysis using the following information:
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Scope 1: All direct GHG emissions (direct emissions includes things such as pollution from manufacturing, company owned vehicles and reimbursed travel, livestock and basically anything that is directly controlled by the owner)
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Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam (essentially all emissions that result from the use or purchase of a product)
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Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport-related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting entity, electricity-related activities (e.g. T&D losses) not covered in Scope 2, outsourced activities, waste disposal, etc.
Typical documents in a Carbon Footprint Analysis include:
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An initial Green House Gas Inventory
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A report presented to your team detailing the company’s direct and indirect carbon emissions by source. It will also discuss potential energy efficiency/GHG legislative proposals that could potentially affect the company.
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Reporting to relevant organizations (i.e. Carbon Disclosure Project, etc.)