Carbon accounting is the process of measuring and recording an organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
It helps businesses understand their environmental impact, meet legal obligations, and work toward sustainability goals.
It supports regulatory compliance, identifies opportunities to reduce emissions, and enhances transparency with customers and stakeholders.
The main elements include identifying emission sources, categorising them into Scopes 1, 2, and 3, calculating emissions, and reporting the results.
Key frameworks include the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
While global standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol exist, reporting requirements and regulations vary depending on local laws and industry sectors.
Organisations often use specialised software to automate data collection, calculate emissions, and generate reports aligned with reporting standards. Modern platforms can also use AI-supported analytics and metered energy data to improve accuracy, identify anomalies and highlight carbon reduction opportunities.
Start by identifying your emissions sources, collecting relevant data, and selecting a framework or tool to guide your reporting and analysis.
Current trends include more stringent reporting regulations, growing focus on Scope 3 emissions, preparation for ESOS Phase 4, UK SRS and CBAM, and the use of AI-supported insights to improve carbon data quality and emissions reduction planning.
Yes, it provides the data and insights needed to set reduction targets, track progress, and align with net-zero or climate action commitments.
