carbon accounting
The practice of quantifying an organisation's GHG emissions using a recognised methodology.
Related guide
Carbon Accounting for SMEs: A Practical Starter GuideYou don't need a sustainability team to run credible carbon accounting. You need the right data and a methodology that scales.
Related terms
- Scope 1Direct GHG emissions from sources you own or control — fuel combustion, company vehicles, fugitive emissions.
- Scope 2Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling consumed by your organisation.
- Scope 3All other indirect emissions across your value chain — purchased goods, travel, transport, use of sold products.
- SBTiInitiative validating corporate emissions targets against a 1.5°C-aligned pathway.
- net zeroReducing GHG emissions as close to zero as possible and neutralising residual emissions with permanent removals.
- carbon footprintTotal GHG emissions caused by an organisation, product or activity, in tonnes of CO₂-equivalent.