What is Carbon Accounting?

Why is carbon accounting important?

Carbon accounting is crucial for addressing climate change because it helps organizations identify where their largest emissions are coming from. By measuring their carbon footprint, they can set goals to reduce emissions, comply with environmental regulations, and demonstrate responsibility to customers and stakeholders.

How does carbon accounting work?

Carbon accounting works by gathering data on various activities that release greenhouse gases, such as fuel consumption, electricity use, and waste. These emissions are then calculated using standard methods and tools to convert the data into carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which makes it easier to compare and report.

Who uses carbon accounting?

Companies, governments, non-profits, and even cities use carbon accounting to understand their environmental impact. It's a key tool for businesses wanting to improve sustainability, comply with laws, or attract eco-conscious customers. Governments use it to track national emissions and progress toward climate targets.

What are the different types of carbon accounting?

There are two main types: organizational and product carbon accounting. Organizational carbon accounting measures emissions from an entire company or institution, while product carbon accounting focuses on the emissions related to creating and using a specific product or service.

How does carbon accounting help reduce emissions?

By providing a clear picture of where emissions are coming from, carbon accounting helps businesses and organizations pinpoint areas where they can make changes, such as using renewable energy or improving energy efficiency. It also allows them to track progress over time and make informed decisions to cut emissions.