Carbon management is the process of measuring, understanding and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organisation’s activities.
It starts by calculating a carbon footprint and identifying where emissions occur. This calculation can include direct emissions from fuel use and company vehicles, emissions associated with purchased electricity and indirect emissions from areas such as business travel, waste, purchased goods and the supply chain. These emissions are grouped into Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3.
Once the main sources have been identified, an organisation can set reduction targets and develop a carbon management plan. Actions might include improving energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, changing transport arrangements, generating renewable energy or working with suppliers to reduce emissions.
Carbon management is therefore an ongoing process rather than a one-off carbon footprint calculation. Emissions should be monitored over time so that progress can be measured and the reduction strategy adjusted where necessary.
