A simple guide to some carbon terms that may impact your business - from reporting basics to procurement buzzwords. No jargon. Just the basics to help you take action.
The total amount of greenhouse gases your business produces — usually measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e). It includes things like energy use, transport, and supply chain emissions.
A way to categorise emissions:
Scope 1 = direct emissions (your vehicles, boilers)
Scope 2 = indirect emissions from energy you buy (electricity, heat)
Scope 3 = everything else in your value chain (deliveries, suppliers, business travel)
A target where your business reduces emissions as much as possible and offsets the rest. To be credible, it must include Scope 3 and have a plan for long-term reductions.
A simple document that outlines your carbon commitment, goals, and who's responsible. Often requested in tenders or by corporate clients.
The process of measuring and disclosing your emissions — either voluntarily or to meet client, investor, or regulatory requirements.
The most widely used global framework for measuring and managing emissions. It underpins most carbon calculators and reporting tools.
Paying for projects (like tree planting or renewable energy) that reduce emissions elsewhere, to balance out your own. Often seen as a last step, not a first.
Reduction goals that align your business with global climate limits (like 1.5°C warming). Often used by larger companies — but trickling down to many businesses via supply chains.