Carbon accounting

Carbon accounting refers to the systematic measurement and monitoring of emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases. It is used to prepare a CO₂ balance sheet that enables companies and other organizations to understand their impact on the climate. In contrast to sustainability accounting, carbon accounting only takes into account environmental effects, while sustainability accounting also takes social and government aspects into account.

The CO₂ accounting, also known as carbon or greenhouse gas accounting, is a methodological approach to capturing, quantifying, and analyzing the greenhouse gas emissions that arise directly and indirectly from the activities of companies, organizations, products, or individuals. The aim of CO₂ accounting is to make the corresponding climate impacts transparent and to identify starting points for emission reductions. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO₂), other relevant greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases are also considered; these are converted into CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) to ensure comparability of climate impact.Creating a CO₂ balance is done in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which provides guidelines for measurement and reporting. The accounting can take place at various levels, including corporate, product, and project perspectives. An important element of CO₂ accounting is the differentiation of emissions into three scopes: Scope 1 includes direct emissions, Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 covers further indirect emissions in the value chain.For companies, CO₂ accounting is an essential tool to identify key emission sources and develop sustainable climate protection strategies. Furthermore, a concise balance creates transparency for stakeholders and supports the fulfillment of legal requirements as well as voluntary climate goals. Given the increasing regulatory requirements, CO₂ accounting is increasingly carried out using specialized software solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy. Overall, CO₂ accounting plays a crucial role in modern climate protection strategies and is indispensable for companies on their path to decarbonization.