Carbon Footprint Calculation Tool

In the context of a changing climate, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become critically important for businesses and organizations. Calculating your carbon footprint, also known as a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, is an effective way to map and measure both direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2 and Scope 3) emissions, helping identify the largest emission sources and finding effective ways to reduce them.

We believe that consistent measurement of greenhouse gases (GHG) is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of your business now and in the future. To support this, we offer companies a specially developed carbon footprint calculation tool that enables you to independently measure, track, and, if necessary, report your carbon footprint. The tool helps to analyze changes over the years and identify key trends, giving you a clear overview of your company’s climate impact.

How is the Carbon Footprint Calculation Tool Structured? 

Our carbon footprint calculation tool is based on the GHG Protocol methodology, where emissions are categorized into three scopes (read more about them here):

The first step in developing and using the CO2 calculation tool is together with the company to define the scopes and map out relevant activities. Based on that we customize the CO2 tool according to your company’s needs, after what the data collection can begin.

Next, our sustainability experts identify appropriate emission factors for each scope’s activities, which quantify the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of input or output, expressed in CO2 equivalents. Then, the company enters the quantities for each activity, input, or output (e.g., the annual amount of waste in tons or cubic meters), and the carbon footprint tool calculates the CO2-equivalent emissions. Simplified, the formula is:

Finally, the tool sums up the emissions from all included activities and scopes to calculate your company’s annual carbon footprint.

Which Scopes and Activities Should Be Included in Carbon Footprint Calculations? 

Currently, there are no strict rules on which scopes and activities must be included in a carbon footprint report. However, if you’re reporting under framework like the CSRD directive, you must include Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, while Scope 3 is voluntary. Other reporting frameworks may also be used. It is generally recommended to focus on activities central to your business model and those that contribute the most to emissions. For example, for manufacturing companies, Scope 3 often has the most significant impact, encompassing purchased goods and materials. If your goal is to identify the largest sources of GHG emissions, special attention should be given to calculating emissions from these activities.

Naturally, the scopes and activities included in your company’s GHG inventory depend on the goals of your GHG inventory. Are you aiming to compare yourself with competitors, apply for funding, or identify the most impactful categories? We discuss this in more detail in article “Why Companies Should Measure Their Carbon Footprint: Benefits of a GHG Inventory”.

While calculating the impact of Scope 1 (e.g., company vehicles, on-site energy production) and Scope 2 (e.g., purchased electricity) activities is relatively straightforward, Scope 3 calculations are generally more complex. However, we happily support companies willing to take on this challenge. Mapping and gathering data for Scope 3 emissions can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. We discuss this in more detail here and share tips and tricks on how to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible. Our carbon footprint calculation tool is designed to facilitate the entire CO2 calculation process, as it is logically structured, allowing for a step-by-step approach and systematic operation.

Where Do the Emission Factors in the CO2 Calculation Tool Come From? 

A specific emission factor is a coefficient that quantifies the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted per unit of activity, output, or input. It is generally expressed in CO2-equivalent kilograms, such as per unit of fuel consumed, energy produced, or distance traveled (kg CO2e/kg, kg CO2e/MWh, kg CO2e/km).

There are various sources and databases for emission factors, but to ensure the most accurate GHG inventory, it is essential to use emission factors that are temporally and geographically relevant. The GHG calculation tool we develop specifically for your company includes emission factors tailored to your sector and company’s needs.

For Scope 1 and Scope 2 activities, we primarily use the Ministry of Climate’s “Organizational GHG Footprint Model“. For Scope 3 activities, we gather information from your company regarding raw materials’ EPD-s (Environmental Product Declaration); we also use various data bases, including the Ecoinvent database, as well as scientific articles.

It is important to note that emission factors can change over time – they may be updated or added for different activities, materials, and products. Similarly, your company’s activities and inputs/outputs may change from year to year. Therefore, we recommend regularly reviewing emission factors. If needed, we offer consultation services where we review your existing emission factors (and update or add them if necessary) and work with your company to assess any new activities or inputs/outputs that might contribute to GHG emissions.

Benefits of Owning a Carbon Footprint Calculation Tool 

Here are the main reasons why owning a carbon footprint calculation tool is a significant advantage for your company:

• Tailored to Your Needs: The tool is designed to consider the specific characteristics of your company’s sector and activities; it uses company-specific data and processes, ensuring the most accurate results.
• Efficiency: The automated tool simplifies the GHG inventory process, reducing the likelihood of human error and saving time.
• Ownership: The company retains full control over its data, ensuring confidentiality and data security.
• Cost Savings: Owning your carbon footprint calculation tool reduces long-term costs associated with purchasing related services.
• Strategic Decisions: The tool allows you to run different greenhouse gas emission scenarios and choose the most suitable emission reduction targets.
• Corporate Reputation and Communication: Owning and implementing your carbon footprint calculation tool can be used in corporate communication to demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability, thereby enhancing its reputation among stakeholders.

Other Benefits of Measuring the CO2 Footprint

In addition to the main benefits, there are several other, less obvious, but still important aspects that carbon footprint measurement can offer organizations:

• Attracting investments – interest in “green” financing and environmentally conscious investors is growing, with increased attention given to companies committed to sustainability;
• Participating in carbon markets – calculating the carbon footprint allows companies to participate in global carbon markets and trade carbon credits;
• Preparing for future regulations – early CO2 footprint assessment enables a company to anticipate future stricter environmental regulations, ensuring long-term competitiveness;
• Mitigating supply chain risks – gaining an understanding of climate impacts across the supply chain helps reduce potential disruptions and improve relationships with suppliers:
• Energy savings and cost reduction – measuring the carbon footprint can identify energy efficiency opportunities, leading to cost savings.

The carbon footprint calculation tool is designed for independent use by the company, meaning that the tool includes all necessary emission factors, calculation formulas, and detailed instructions. If you feel your company is ready to take a significant step in understanding and reducing its climate impact, don’t hesitate to contact us!

If you want more information or help with the calculation of your organization’s GHG, leave us your contact via the form below!