How To Kickstart Your Greenhouse Gas Reporting Journey

By UK law, large businesses and quoted companies have to report their GHG emissions, with others encouraged to do so voluntarily. But with sustainability measures increasingly common, more and more companies will likely need to report their energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But where do you begin? In this blog, we break it down into actionable steps to help you start your GHG reporting journey with confidence.

What Are Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. The primary GHGs, collectively known as the Kyoto basket, include:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Emitted from activities like burning fossil fuels for energy and deforestation.
• Methane (CH₄): Released during agricultural practices, waste management and fossil fuel extraction.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): Generated from industrial processes, agriculture and waste treatment.
• Fluorinated gases (F-gases): Synthetic gases used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other industrial applications. These include hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃).

Understanding the impact of these gases is the first step toward effective reporting and mitigation.

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How to Start Your GHG Reporting Journey

Starting on your GHG reporting journey might seem daunting, but following a clear framework will simplify the process. Here are the five key steps to get started:

1. Decide Who’s Responsible
   Assign ownership of the reporting process. This could be your sustainability team, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department, finance team, operations team, or a combination of these. Clear accountability creates consistency and accuracy.
   
2. Establish Your Scope and Framework
   Define the boundaries of your reporting. Will you use an equity share or control approach to define emissions ownership? Select a reporting framework that suits your needs, such as the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) guidelines or Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.
   
3. Collect Your Data
   Gather data on energy use, emissions and relevant activities. This includes data from fuel consumption, electricity use and any other GHG-producing activities within your defined scope. Ensure the data is accurate and complete.
   
4. Complete Your Calculations
   Using your chosen framework, calculate your total GHG emissions. Many organisations use third-party software or consultants to ensure precision and compliance. Find out how Axiom can help you.
   
5. Submit Your Report
   Prepare and submit your report, ensuring it meets regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations. Transparency is key to building trust and demonstrating commitment to sustainability.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To streamline your GHG reporting journey, be aware of these common pitfalls:

• Starting Too Late: Procrastination can lead to rushed and inaccurate reporting. Begin the process well in advance of your reporting deadline.
  
• Collecting Inaccurate Data: Reliable data is the backbone of accurate reporting. Double-check data sources.
  
• Not Following a Framework: A recognised framework provides structure and credibility. Don’t attempt to reinvent the wheel.
  
• Misunderstanding Company Structure: Misinterpreting your organisation’s boundaries can result in incomplete reporting.
  
• Neglecting Key GHGs: Ensure all relevant gases are accounted for, including less obvious sources like F-gases.
  

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Why GHG Reporting Matters

Greenhouse gas reporting isn’t just a regulatory obligation for many companies – it’s a strategic opportunity. By tracking and disclosing your emissions, you can:

• Identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
• Strengthen your sustainability credentials.
• Meet investor and stakeholder expectations.

At Axiom Sustainability Software, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate the complexities of GHG reporting. We can help you at every step of the process, ensuring your reporting is accurate, compliant and impactful.

Ready to start your GHG reporting journey? 

About Axiom

AXIOM is a powerful cloud-based platform that helps your business monitor, analyse and improve sustainability performance. 

While collecting such detailed and specific data may seem overly complicated, specialist sustainable software like AXIOM exists to make steps towards logistic sustainability easier.

Using specialist technology, we equip businesses with a tool which enables them to track their environmental and social performance whilst also improving governance – identifying and mitigating risks associated with business operations and relationships.

Are you looking to transform your supply-chain sustainability? Let us help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.

Book your free demo here.