Carbon Accounting Training for businesses | Tunley Environmental

Understanding and managing a company’s carbon footprint is a critical component of modern sustainability strategies. Carbon footprinting involves measuring the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced directly and indirectly by a business. For most businesses, scope 3 emissions alone contribute nearly 92% of their carbon footprint. Many organisations now recognise they need complete carbon accounting training to properly handle the complexities of carbon management. Through carbon accounting training for businesses, these companies can accurately assess their emissions, identify key areas for reduction and develop effective sustainability plans.

What is Carbon Accounting?

Carbon accounting is the process of measuring, tracking and reporting GHG emissions associated with business activities. It helps companies to determine their carbon footprint, create targets for decrease and apply successful sustainability practices.

How Does Carbon Accounting Work?

Carbon accounting involves the systematic collection and analysis of emissions data. The process typically follows these steps:

Data Collection: Gathering information on energy consumption, transportation, production processes and supply chain emissions.

Emission Calculation: Using standard methodologies such as the GHG Protocol or ISO 14064-1 to quantify carbon emissions.

Classification: Categorising emissions into the three scopes:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling.
• Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, including supply chain, business travel and waste disposal.

Read More: What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions?

Reporting and Verification: Documenting emissions in line with regulatory requirements and sustainability frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Reduction Strategies: Implementing measures such as energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption and carbon offsetting.

Why is Carbon Accounting Training for Businesses Important?

Businesses must ensure accurate emissions tracking to comply with environmental laws and meet corporate sustainability commitments. Carbon accounting training provides the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Understand regulatory frameworks such as the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
• Identify key emission sources within business operations and supply chains to improve efficiency.
• Strengthens investor relations and ESG ratings.
• Mitigates risks associated with environmental regulations.
• Improve transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting; this will in turn enhance marketability.

Enrol in a Carbon Accounting Course

Businesses looking to strengthen their sustainability strategies should consider enrolling in a carbon accounting course. Tunley Environmental has teamed up with leading provider of health, safety and environmental training solutions Astutis to offer comprehensive carbon accounting training for businesses. This training is designed to equip participants with the expertise to measure, manage and reduce emissions effectively. The course is made up of six lessons and is suitable for professionals in sustainability, environmental management and corporate responsibility roles.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Measure, report and reduce carbon emissions.
• Align with global frameworks like the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1.
• Understand Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
• Contribute to corporate sustainability goals and meet regulatory requirements.
  
  

The Bottom Line

Carbon accounting training for businesses is an essential part of an effective corporate sustainability strategy. Becoming skilled at carbon accounting takes commitment and well-laid-out learning. Organisations should focus on building their team's expertise through professional training with expert sustainability scientists.