Definition
Carbon accounting is the structured process by which an organisation identifies, measures, and reports its greenhouse gas emissions in CO₂ equivalents. The GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol) is the dominant standard, dividing emissions into three categories: Scope 1 covers direct emissions from the organisation's own sources (e.g. combustion in its own vehicles or facilities); Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy (electricity, heat, cooling) - here, guarantees of origin from renewable energyEnergy from sources that renew naturally - wind, solar, hydropower and bioenergy - as opposed to fossil fuels. are relevant for reducing scope 2 emissions; and Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions in the value chain (suppliers, transport, product use, disposal). The EU TaxonomyEU's classification system for sustainable economic activities - determines which investments can be labeled 'green'. and CSRDCorporate Sustainability Reporting Directive - EU directive requiring detailed sustainability reporting from large companies starting 2024. (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) impose carbon reporting requirements on an increasing number of companies. For energy companies, carbon accounting is particularly relevant for scope 2 (where renewable electricity and guarantees of origin play a role) and scope 3 (where customers' energy consumption and production emission factors are included).