FAQ - G2Z Carbon Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I measure my organization’s carbon footprint?

Measuring your organization’s carbon footprint is crucial for understanding its environmental impact. It helps identify areas where emissions can be reduced, which can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced corporate reputation. Additionally, it ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and meets the growing demand from stakeholders for transparent and responsible environmental practices.

What is scope 1-2-3?

Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions are categories used to measure a company’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol:

Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): These are emissions from sources that a company directly controls or owns, such as fuel combustion in company vehicles or heating systems. For example, if a company has a fleet of diesel-powered delivery vans, the emissions from the fuel burned would be classified as Scope 1.

Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions from Energy): Scope 2 covers emissions generated from the electricity, heat, or cooling that a company purchases and consumes. Although the company doesn’t produce these emissions directly, they result from the production of the energy it uses. For instance, if a company buys electricity from the grid, the emissions produced at the power plant fall under Scope 2.

Scope 3 (Indirect Emissions from the Value Chain): These are all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. Scope 3 can include emissions from the production of goods and services that a company buys, employee commuting, business travel, and even the end use of the company’s products by customers. For example, the emissions from a supplier’s manufacturing process or a customer driving to pick up a product would be considered Scope 3.

These scopes help businesses understand the full impact of their operations and guide them in setting meaningful carbon reduction goals.

How does G2Z measure your carbon footprint?

G2Z measures your carbon footprint by utilizing a combination of software and climate expert consulting power. Depending on the level of involvement the client wants to have, we tailor the approach to fit the requirements. Our software calculates the emissions associated with these activities using internationally recognized emissions factors and methodologies (mentioned below).

What Methodology does G2Z use?

G2Z conforms to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (corporate and value chain standard), the most widely used international standards used to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. Our methodology ensures accurate and consistent reporting across all sectors and geographies, adhering to best practices and standards.

What certifications does the software have?

The software tool is certified by Vincotte for the validation of a carbon accounting software platform following the ISO 14064-1 standard as well as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard.

What emissions factors does G2Z use?

G2Z uses emissions factors from reputable sources such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Department for Environmental, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition, Ecoinvent and IEA databases are also used for more specific emissions factors. These factors are regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific research and ensure precise calculation of emissions across various sectors and activities.

How does G2Z ensure transparency?

G2Z ensures transparency by providing a clear, detailed audit trail that outlines the emission factors used, sources of data, the methodologies used for calculations, and the assumptions made. The platform allows users to invite auditors to have direct access for ease of auditability. The verifier can trace each data point back to its source, ensuring complete accountability and trust in the reported results.

How does G2Z secure company data?

G2Z takes data security seriously, implementing robust measures such as end-to-end encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR. The platform uses secure servers and access controls to ensure that your company’s data is protected against unauthorized access and breaches.

Can data be extracted from the G2Z platform?

Yes, data can be easily extracted from the G2Z platform. The software provides various export options, including CSV, Excel, and PDF formats, allowing you to integrate the data with other systems or generate custom reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Who is required by law to measure their carbon footprint?

Regulations requiring carbon footprint measurement vary by country and region and include the following; CSRD in the EU, SEC in the US, SECR in the UK, and many more surfacing in recent years. Additionally, organizations participating in carbon trading schemes or seeking certain environmental certifications may also be obligated to measure their carbon footprint.

What is the ultimate goal for global carbon mitigation?

The ultimate goal for global carbon mitigation, as outlined by Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, is to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This involves achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, requiring significant reductions in carbon emissions from all sectors of the economy.