X 001Methodology
How we count. And what we don't.
Trust starts with showing our working. Here's the method behind every Carbon Quanta number, written for business owners, banks and auditors alike.
X 002Standard & factors
Standard
Carbon Quanta follows the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, the most widely used framework for business carbon footprints.
activity data × emission factor = kg CO₂e
e.g. kWh of electricity × kg CO₂e per kWh
Emission factors
Each input is multiplied by an emission factor to convert activity (kWh, litres, kilograms, kilometres) into CO₂e.
- Electricity
- [Source, e.g. national grid emission factor]
- Fuels
- [Source]
- Travel & freight
- [Source]
- Waste
- [Source]
- Update cadence
- [e.g. reviewed annually]
X 003The three scopes
Three scopes, one footprint.
Scope 1
Direct
Fuel you burn yourself: vehicles, generators, LPG, refrigerants.
Scope 2
Electricity
Emissions from generating the electricity you buy.
Scope 3
Value chain
Purchased goods, transport, travel, waste and more.
X 004Limitations
What our numbers are, and aren't.
- Results are estimates for decision-making. They are not an audit, verification or certification.
- Accuracy depends on the data you enter. Estimated inputs give estimated outputs.
- Average emission factors may not reflect your specific suppliers or equipment.
- Some Scope 3 categories are not yet covered.
X 005Glossary
Words we use.
- Carbon footprint
- The total greenhouse gases your business causes, measured in tonnes of CO₂e.
- Scope 1
- Emissions from things you burn directly (company vehicles, generators, gas).
- Scope 2
- Emissions from electricity you buy.
- Scope 3
- Everything else in your value chain (suppliers, travel, waste, products).
- CO₂e
- Carbon dioxide equivalent, a single unit to compare different greenhouse gases.
X 006Update log
Update log
- [Date][First published version of the methodology.]