Carbon Accounting:
From Numbers to Meaningful Action

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Carbon Accounting gives you numbers, but real impact begins when you act on them.

For many organizations, carbon accounting is seen as a compliance exercise to satisfy frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) or the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). While meeting these requirements is important, it’s only the starting point. True sustainability is not about ticking boxes, it’s about driving continuous improvement and innovation. Data alone doesn’t create change - decisions do. When insights guide investments, operations, and behaviors, carbon accounting becomes a powerful tool for transformation rather than mere documentation.

We can help your organization turn data into action by:

  • Identify and collect the right data to inform strategic decisions.
  • Structure and analyse information to uncover opportunities for improvement.
  • Support your journey, whether you’re just starting or refining your approach.

Accurate, relevant data is the foundation for meaningful climate action. Let’s work together to make your sustainability goals a reality.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today

What is carbon accounting?

Carbon accounting is the process of quantifying the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organization's activities. These emissions are typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which accounts for the varying global warming potentials of different GHGs, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The goal is to create a comprehensive inventory of all GHG emissions, providing a baseline for reduction efforts and a framework for transparent reporting.

 

The core of effective carbon accounting lies in accurate data collection and rigorous methodology. This involves categorizing emissions into different scopes, a practice commonly guided by frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol:

 

  • Scope 1: Direct Emissions - These are emissions that come directly from sources owned or controlled by the organization. Examples include emissions from company vehicles, manufacturing processes, and on-site fuel combustion.
  • Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy - These are emissions generated from the production of electricity, heat, or steam purchased and consumed by the organization.
  • Scope 3: Other Indirect Emissions - This category covers all other indirect emissions that occur in an organization's value chain, both upstream and downstream. This can include emissions from purchased goods and services, business travel, employee commuting, waste disposal, and the use of sold products. Scope 3 often represents the largest portion of an organization's carbon footprint and can be the most challenging to measure accurately.

 

At 2.-0 LCA, we utilise our deep expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and data development to help organizations navigate the complexities of carbon accounting. Our scientific approach ensures that your carbon footprint calculations are robust, transparent, and actionable.

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Take control of your carbon footprint.

Climate change is already reshaping our world. Now is the time to set bold targets and take action. We help you measure your full carbon footprint, identify the biggest opportunities for reduction, and make clever decisions that strengthen your strategy. To help you take control, we offer two comprehensive carbon accounting solutions:
Next step

Product carbon footprint

A product carbon footprint lets you know the total GHG emissions generated throughout the product life cycle, from cradle to grave.

Product Footprint

Corporate carbon footprint

The total emissions of your organisation, including all inputs and outputs of your value chain. We combine your data with our hybrid LCA approach, which ensures no impact is left out.

Corporate footprint

Why strategic carbon accounting matters

Meeting the bare minimum requirements may keep you compliant, but it rarely delivers meaningful climate impact or strategic value. Minimum effort typically leads to:

  • Partial coverage of emissions, especially in Scope 3
  • Generic, low-resolution data that hides real hotspots
  • Lagging indicators that describe the past rather than informing the future

Going beyond the minimum means using carbon accounting as a decision tool, not just a reporting tool. It enables you to design better products, negotiate smarter with suppliers, and anticipate regulatory and market shifts instead of reacting to them.

Carbon accounting according to the GHG Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting standard for quantifying and managing greenhouse gas emissions. It provides a framework for businesses, governments, and other organizations to measure and report their GHG emissions, promoting consistency and transparency.

Our approach to carbon accounting at 2.-0 LCA can be fully aligned with the principles and methodologies of the GHG Protocol. This includes:

  • Boundary Setting: Clearly defining organizational and operational boundaries to determine which emissions sources are included.
  • Scope Categorization: Classifying emissions into Scope 1, 2, and 3 as per GHG Protocol guidelines.
  • Data Collection and Calculation: Applying appropriate emission factors and calculation methods for different activities.
  • Reporting: Structuring emissions inventories in a way that facilitates transparent and consistent reporting.

Adhering to the GHG Protocol ensures that your carbon accounting results are credible, comparable, and recognized by stakeholders. Our expertise in LCA methodologies naturally complements the GHG Protocol framework, allowing for a more detailed and accurate understanding of environmental impacts. 

From carbon accounting to SBTi

To set an SBTi-validated target, an organization must first have a clear and accurate understanding of its current carbon footprint across all scopes. This is precisely where robust carbon accounting becomes indispensable. We support organizations in this journey by:

  • Providing Foundational Data: Ensuring the underlying data for your emissions inventory is scientifically sound and comprehensive.
  • Enhancing Methodological Rigour: Guiding the application of consistent and recognized carbon accounting methods.
  • Identifying Reduction Levers: Helping to identify the most impactful areas for emission reductions that can form the basis of your SBTi commitment.

Achieving SBTi validation demonstrates a strong commitment to climate action and can significantly enhance an organization's credibility and long-term sustainability strategy. 

How we help you take control of your carbon footprint

Whether it's the first time you measure your carbon footprint or looking to deepen your existing practices, We guide you through every step and ensure that your follow the standards and methods most appropriate for your needs, so you end up with the right data to make the most effective decisions.

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Martí Rufí Salís
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Martí Rufí Salís
Life cycle specialist
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