Corporate Carbon Footprints

Determining a company's carbon footprint correctly

n order to optimise the corporate carbon footprint and manage greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to get an overview of the status quo as well as to keep an eye on the development of emissions. To become climate neutral, companies need to know how many climate-damaging emissions they cause.

A Corporate Carbon Footprint offers a way to determine and manage a company's carbon footprint. With this knowledge, companies can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and eventually become climate neutral.

What is a Corporate Carbon Footprint?

A corporate carbon footprint (CCF) is a climate balance at the company level. It considers both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions caused by a company's activities within a business year.Therefore, CCFs are usually prepared annually.

The scope of a CCF can take into account different emission sources. These are divided into so-called scopes:

Scope 1: direct emissions from own facilities, e.g. from the combustion of natural gas.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions resulting from the production of required energy, e.g. purchased electricity or district heating.
Scope 3: other indirect emissions from operational activities, e.g. caused by purchased goods and services, commuter traffic of employees, business trips or the use of sold products.

The minimum scope of a carbon footprint should cover all relevant Scope 1 & 2 emission sources of the company. The calculation should include not only carbon dioxide emissions, but also other greenhouse gases such as, methane, nitrous oxide and nitrogen trifluoride.

Recognised standards such as ISO 14064-1 or the GHG Protocol standard can be used to prepare CCFs.

Procedure for the creation of a Corporate Carbon Footprint

The preparation of a CCF can be divided into four main steps:

Definition of objective and study framework.
The objective and scope of the study form the basic framework of the study and determine, among other things, which emission sources and locations are considered, which methodology is used for the calculation or for which activities primary data are collected.
Data collection in the company and its processing
The exact data required depends on the emission sources to be considered and the respective company context. Important data sources are, for example, electricity bills, fuel cards, purchase tables or waste balances. Data gaps can be filled with the help of estimates or general data.
Modelling and calculation of potential emissions.
At SGS, we use specialised software tools and recognised databases for this purpose. It is essential that emission factors are used consistently and are of high quality. This is the only way to obtain meaningful results.
Analysis of the results.
CCF results can help to improve energy efficiency and identify emission reduction potential. They form an important basis for defining CO2 reduction pathways as part of a climate protection strategy.

Our Services

Preparation of Corporate Carbon Footprints

We calculate carbon footprints for companies - compliant or based on specific standards such as the GHG Protocol or ISO 14064-1. We support you in choosing the appropriate standard and assessment framework.

Accompanied preparation of corporate carbon footprints

Would you prefer to prepare your carbon footprint internally, but need an independent expert opinion? We can provide you with advice and help you make the right decisions.

Verification of Corporate Carbon Footprints

You have calculated a carbon footprint and want to increase its credibility or have its correctness verified by independent experts? We verify your calculation and ensure that the quality is correct. You receive an internationally recognised verification statement that you can use in your external communication.

Development of climate protection strategies

Together with you, we define goals and develop a concept on how climate protection can be effectively anchored in your company. We also support you in developing a catalogue of measures with which you can achieve the reduction targets you have set. We use scenarios to illustrate which reduction effects are realistic.

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Greenhouse Gas Accounting (Product Datasheet)

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Verification of Greenhouse Gas Balances and Reports (Product Datasheet)

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158.29 KB

Our sustainability training offers

Would you like to familiarise yourself or your staff with the CCF methodology? We offer various training courses on the topic of climate change. Our trainings are based on specific standards and have both theoretical and practical content. In addition, you can also book in-house workshops with us that are individually tailored to your needs. In workshops, the practical part predominates.