BIFAlink March 2023

Policy & Compliance

BIFAlink

www.bifa.org

Understanding the different classifications of emission, known as ‘scopes’, is a good starting point when planning carbon measurement. This breakdown allows businesses to categorise the sources of their emissions and develop appropriate strategies

internal team to manually collect, analyse and act on the results, or alternatively, implement software to automate the process. For example, sustainability consultancies use analysts to collate and measure various data sources associated with emission production. These figures can then be cross-referenced against various frameworks and emission factors to deliver a snapshot of emissions. This report will be used to formulate a strategic roadmap of reduction and offsetting activities. The software approach to carbon measurement offers a more efficient and scalable approach. Rather than manually compiling and reviewing data sources, multiple sources of data can be instantly imported into a platform, quickly providing an overview without extensive time needed to review and analyse data manually. Why you should use technology to measure your business’s carbon footprint The technology approach to carbon measurement offers several benefits when compared with traditional methods. As a manual process, consultation is error-prone, time-intensive (and as a result expensive), and only delivers a final footprint for a date that is already in the past. In contrast, the efficiency of sustainability software platforms allows organisations to get a figure in (almost) real-time which can be immediately actioned. This also leads to cost savings, greater accuracy and the ability to integrate with additional systems and data sources throughout the entire value chain, in turn leading to more accurate emission reporting. It is worth noting that as a business scales, introduces new services, partnerships and customers, its carbon footprint

inevitably evolves with it. Due to its agility and flexibility, the software approach to measurement makes it easier to adapt to changes within the business, and provide a more accurate and dynamic view as the business grows. Carbon footprint measurement is the first step on a journey to net-zero. It allows businesses to formulate strategies on reducing emissions and subsequently offsetting any residual emissions. Maintaining a consistent, accurate measurement benchmark will help to ensure activities remain aligned with company targets and that true progress can be made across the entire supply chain. Begin your sustainability journey You can access the carbon calculator by scanning the QR code or at https://bifa.org/information/sustainable-logistics to begin measuring your carbon emissions today.

March 2023

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