Demystifying carbon auditing, carbon accounting, and carbon benchmarking
In this article our partner, Go Low Carbon, break down some of the jargon surrounding environmental responsibility. If you’re left scratching your head when you hear terms like carbon auditing, carbon accounting, and carbon benchmarking, then read on!
Carbon Auditing: The Environmental Check-Up
You’ve no doubt been to the GP for a check-up to ensure you’re in good health. A carbon audit is like a health check for your company’s environmental health. Essentially, it’s an assessment of the carbon emissions produced by your business’s processes and practices. An audit will identify sources of carbon emissions, quantify how much carbon is being released, and evaluate the environmental impact.
Carbon Accounting: Tracking the Environmental Spend
Carbon accounting is like managing your bank account. But instead of pounds and pence, it’s all about carbon emissions. It involves keeping a record of how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases your business emits. This process allows you to understand the flow of carbon in and out, just like tracking your income and expenses.
Carbon accounting can help you understand your environmental impact so that you can make informed decisions about how to reduce emissions. It’s like budgeting; when you track your spending, you can identify areas where you’re overspending and adjust accordingly. Similarly, carbon accounting would help you identify where your business can cut back on emissions to help you meet your environmental goals.
Carbon Benchmarking: Understanding Performance and Potential
Carbon benchmarking is like comparing your test scores to your classmates’. It’s about measuring your carbon performance against others in your industry. By doing this, you can see how you stack up against competitors in carbon emission terms.
Benchmarking provides a point of reference and helps you set realistic goals for reducing carbon emissions.
Putting It All Together
Now that we’ve demystified these environmental buzzwords, let’s bring it all together. Here’s how your company can structure your business with the above in mind. First, undergo a carbon audit to understand your environmental health – where you’re emitting carbon and how much. Then, start carbon accounting to track your emissions over time. Finally, use carbon benchmarking to compare your performance with other businesses, setting achievable goals for reducing your carbon footprint.
This process can help you take control of your business’s environmental impact allowing you to work towards a greener and more sustainable future.
For advice on getting started with any of the above tools request a call-back from Go Low Carbon by entering your details on this page.
© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce