In brief
- The report sets out GHG emissions in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, normally for one year.
- Your company decides which scopes to include: direct emissions, electricity and other indirect emissions.
- It is calculated using internationally recognised methodologies such as ISO 14064, PAS 2050 or the GHG Protocol.
- The result is a carbon footprint report and an improvement plan with reduction and offsetting measures.
What is a carbon footprint report?
It is the outcome of studying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by a company's activity. Emissions are grouped into three scopes, and it is the company itself that decides which ones to include in the study.
- Scope 1: direct emissions from fuel consumption in activities under the organisation's operational control.
- Scope 2: indirect emissions from electricity consumption (lighting, heating and cooling, etc.).
- Scope 3: all other indirect emissions: water consumption, purchases, waste generation, employee commuting, business travel, suppliers and subcontractors.
Who is it for?
Companies that want to start controlling their emissions in order to identify the main sources and reduce them progressively, whether to meet a legal requirement or as part of their own environmental commitment.
What does the study include?
An inventory of the emissions for which the company as a whole, a service or a product is responsible, with options to mitigate them through reduction or offsetting. The report is based on:
- Data collection and assessment of the information sources.
- Selection of an internationally recognised calculation methodology (ISO 14064, PAS 2050, GHG Protocol or others).
- Definition of boundaries, exclusions and uncertainty.
- Alignment of the organisation's objectives with the 2030 Agenda and identification of the applicable SDGs.
- Assessment of the footprint to define reduction and offsetting strategies.
How we do it
- Scope of the study
We assess which sources in scopes 1 and 2, and which in scope 3, are essential given your company's needs. - Consumption inventory
We collect gas, water and electricity consumption, travel and other data for the period studied, generally one year. - Calculation
We apply the relevant emission factors to obtain the tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emitted. - Report and improvement plan
We deliver the carbon footprint report and an improvement plan that serves as a baseline for tracking progress year on year.
What does it bring to your company?
- Understanding the direct and indirect impact of your activity on the environment and society.
- Steering your strategy towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral business model.
- Improving how your stakeholders perceive your company.
Frequently asked questions
What period does the calculation cover?
Normally one year. This provides a baseline against which to compare the results of subsequent years.
Do all scope 3 emissions have to be included?
Not necessarily. The company determines the scope of the study; we tell you which scope 3 sources are essential given the purpose of the calculation.
Which methodology is used?
An internationally recognised methodology such as ISO 14064, PAS 2050 or the GHG Protocol, chosen according to whether the footprint of the organisation, a service or a product is being calculated.