Carbon Footprint Analysis: Complete Guide to Measuring Corporate Emissions

Understanding and measuring your organization's carbon footprint is the essential first step toward meaningful climate action. This guide covers the GHG Protocol methodology and practical steps for comprehensive emissions measurement.

The Three Scopes of Emissions

Scope 1: Direct Emissions

Emissions from sources owned or controlled by your company

Examples:

Company-owned vehicles and fleet
On-site fuel combustion (boilers, furnaces)
Manufacturing processes
Fugitive emissions (refrigerants, leaks)

Scope 2: Indirect Energy Emissions

Emissions from purchased electricity, heat, steam, and cooling

Examples:

Purchased electricity for facilities
Purchased heating and cooling
Purchased steam

Reporting: Location-based and/or market-based methods

Scope 3: Value Chain Emissions

All other indirect emissions in your value chain (typically 70-90% of total footprint). Learn more about measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions.

15 Categories including:

Upstream:

Purchased goods/services
Business travel
Employee commuting
Transportation

Downstream:

Use of sold products
End-of-life treatment
Investments
Franchises

5-Step Calculation Process

Define Organizational Boundaries

Choose operational control, financial control, or equity share approach. Determine which entities to include.

Identify Emission Sources

Map all relevant emission sources across Scope 1, 2, and 3. Conduct site surveys and stakeholder interviews.

Collect Activity Data

Gather consumption data: fuel usage (liters/kWh), electricity bills, travel distances, supplier spend, etc.

Apply Emission Factors

Use recognized databases (DEFRA, EPA, IEA) to convert activity data to CO2e. Formula: Activity Data × Emission Factor = CO2e

Calculate and Report

Sum all emissions, report in tonnes CO2e, document methodology, and verify through third-party assurance.

Tools and Resources

GHG Protocol Tools

The GHG Protocol provides free calculation tools for various sectors and emission sources:

Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Evaluator
Mobile Combustion Tool
Stationary Combustion Tool
Cross-Sector Tools for various industries

For automated carbon accounting and reporting, explore our guide on AI-powered ESG software platforms.

Best Practices

✓ Use most recent 12-month period with complete data
✓ Document all data sources, assumptions, and calculation methods
✓ Prioritize primary data over estimates where possible
✓ Recalculate baseline when significant changes occur
✓ Seek third-party verification for credibility
✓ Track data quality and improve over time
✓ Use your carbon footprint as the baseline for developing a Net Zero strategy

Carbon Footprint Analysis: Measuring Your Corporate Emissions