CARBON MANAGEMENT 101

I am in the process of writing a book about Carbon Management for organizations – whether private sector, NGO, or Government Departments.

This Guide adopts a practical approach, taking companies through the steps that are necessary for them to understand their GHG emissions in terms of:

• where they are now (the current carbon footprint)

• where they want to get to (achievable emissions targets); and

• how to get there (strategic options)

by utilizing the following work process: 1. Set the context and get alignment from stakeholders

• Every organization has different economics, geography, budgets, priorities, etc. Ask yourself: why bother – “What’s in it for me?”.

• Remember, effective Carbon Management takes time, and resources - it is a long-term commitment

2. Set a baseline:

• Step 1. Define organizational boundary

• Step 2. Define operational boundary

• Step 3. Select a base year

• Step 4. Identify emission sources

• Step 5. Determine a quantification approach

• Step 6. Collect activity data and emission factors

• Step 7. Establish baseline GHG emissions

3. Measure or calculate your carbon footprint 3.1 Organizational carbon footprint

• Define methodology and approach

• Define the control approach and organizational boundary

• Collect and collate the data

• Apply emissions factors

• Verify and certify the results (optional)

• Plan for emissions reductions (optional)

• communicate your organizational carbon footprint

  • internal

  • external
    

• 3.2 Product carbon footprint

  1. Use a standard method

  2. Define the scope and objectives

  3. Build a process map

  4. Determine the boundary and prioritize data collection in key areas

  5. Collect data

  6. Calculate your footprint

  7. Verify your footprint

  8. Communicate your product carbon footprint

  • Internal communications

  • Business-to-business

  • Business-to-consumer 4. Set Targets a. Long term b. Short-term

• 5. Develop strategic options using the following hierarchy:

  • Avoidance

  • Reduction

  • Substitution

  • Sequestration

  • Offsetting
    

6. Reporting and Communicating 7. Review results and plan for the next period (usually annual)

By the end of this set of posts over the next 2-3 weeks, readers will have a thorough understanding of carbon management and hopefully will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement effective carbon management strategies in their organizations.