What is carbon accounting, and why do companies need it?
It is the process of collecting activity data (fuel burned, electricity used, goods bought), multiplying it by emission factors, and reporting the total. Companies need it for regulation (BRSR, CSRD, India’s carbon market), for customers who ask for supplier data, and for finding cost savings in energy and materials.
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?
| Scope | What it covers | Examples | Typical data source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from owned sources | Boilers, company vehicles, process emissions, refrigerant leaks | Fuel purchase records, meter readings |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat, cooling | Grid electricity at offices and plants | Electricity bills; location-based and market-based methods |
| Scope 3 | All other value-chain emissions (15 categories) | Purchased goods, business travel, transport, use of sold products | Supplier data, spend data, estimates |
Scope 3 is usually the largest share and the hardest to measure. Start with the categories that are biggest by spend.
How do I calculate a footprint in 6 steps?
- Set the boundary (operational or financial control) and the base year.
- List the sources in each scope.
- Collect activity data for the year.
- Choose emission factors and global warming potentials (GWPs).
- Calculate: activity data × emission factor, then convert to CO2e.
- Check, document the method, and report with a recalculation policy.
Which standards apply?
The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is the base. ISO 14064-1 is the verifiable organisation-level standard. GRI 305 sets how to disclose emissions in a GRI report: see how to report GRI 305. Use GWP values from a named IPCC assessment report and say which one.
What is India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme?
CCTS is an intensity-based compliance scheme: obligated entities in notified sectors must meet emission-intensity targets, and those who beat them can receive Carbon Credit Certificates that are tradable on power exchanges. Targets were first notified in October 2025 for aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali and pulp and paper, with more sectors added in 2026. See India’s carbon market guide.
How do science-based targets work?
Companies set emission-cut targets in line with climate science and have them validated by SBTi. Accurate Scope 1, 2 and 3 data is the entry ticket. Read the SBTi guide.
Which skills does a carbon accountant need?
Spreadsheet modelling, the GHG Protocol, data validation, and enough process knowledge to ask the right question of a plant manager. Software helps, but you still need to know whether a number is plausible.
Which programme should you start with?
Start with a webinar if you want to test the material. Join a bootcamp when you want to build and defend a full inventory. Recorded bootcamp sessions are available straight away on our learning platform, so you do not have to wait for the next cohort to begin.
| Programme | Format | Schedule | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHG Accounting Webinar | Live, instructor-led intro to Scope 1, 2 and 3 | Every Saturday and Sunday, 6 to 8 PM IST | ₹99 | Register |
| GHG Accounting Bootcamp | 4 weeks, live sessions, certificate | Alternate weekdays, 7 PM IST. New cohort starts in the second week of every month. Recorded sessions available immediately on the learning platform. | ₹19,999 | See the bootcamp |
| CCMP Webinar | Live introduction to the Carbon Credit Management Program (CCMP) | Sunday, 8 PM IST | See the programme page | Programme page |
| CCMP Bootcamp (Carbon Credit Management Program) | 12-week live weekend programme | New cohort starts in the second week of every month. Recorded sessions available immediately on the learning platform. | ₹54,999 early-bird (usual ₹74,999) | See the programme |
Not sure? Begin with the GHG webinar, then move to the GHG bootcamp. Choose the CCMP bootcamp if you want a twelve-week route into carbon credits and carbon markets.
Frequently asked questions
Is carbon accounting mandatory in India?
For BRSR filers, emissions disclosure is part of the report. CCTS adds compliance duties for notified sectors.
What is the difference between carbon accounting and a carbon footprint?
The footprint is the result. Carbon accounting is the method and records behind it.
Do I need software?
Not to start. A well-built spreadsheet works for Scope 1 and 2. Software helps with Scope 3 and audits.
Sources
- GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, Scope 2 Guidance and Scope 3 Standard: ghgprotocol.org
- ISO 14064-1: iso.org
- IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, GWP values: ipcc.ch
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Ministry of Power, CCTS notifications: beeindia.gov.in
- SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard: sciencebasedtargets.org
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