The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is the leading global framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions, forming the foundation of standards like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Aligned with the GHG Protocol, we apply five core principles to guide data collection for a credible carbon footprint assessment. Here’s how each principle works and practical tips to apply them effectively.
1. Relevance
What It Means: collect data that reflects your organisation’s emissions profile and aligns with your carbon footprint goals.
How to Apply It: focus on the most significant emission sources for your business. Include all key categories, like Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions) and major Scope 3 sources, such as purchased goods and waste.
Example: if you’re a food company, prioritise data collection for purchased food, drinks and packaging as these are often large contributors to emissions.
Best Practice Tip: engage your suppliers early to gather accurate data, especially when certifications or documentation are required.
2. Completeness
What It Means: collect data for all emission sources within your defined boundaries to avoid missing any significant areas.
How to Apply It: cover all operational sites, Scope 1, 2, and major contributors of Scope 3.
Example: if you operate across multiple sites, include emissions data from each one. Capture data from all major suppliers to fully represent Scope 3 emissions.
Best Practice Tip: use our Data Collection Checklist to ensure you don’t miss any data categories. Regularly check your progress against the checklist to confirm you’re on track.
3. Consistency
What It Means: use consistent methods and units each reporting period to enable comparable, trackable results over time.
How to Apply It: stick to the same units, methods, and assumptions every year to maintain consistency and improve accuracy in year-on-year comparisons.
Example: if you report fuel use, use litres consistently each year. Also, gather data from the same sources, like verified bills or receipts, each time.
Best Practice Tip: set up a regular logging system with all involved team members, such as a shared folder, to track data consistently over time.
4. Transparency
What It Means: clearly document your data sources, methods, and assumptions so that stakeholders understand how your results were obtained.
How to Apply It: be open about any limitations in your data and explain assumptions.
Example: if you’re using any estimates due to missing data, document the basis for these.
Best Practice Tip: store a summary of any assumptions or estimates made during data collection. Share these notes with your team so that everyone is aware and can provide consistent responses to any queries.
5. Accuracy
What It Means: aim for precise data to ensure your emissions profile is as close to reality as possible.
How to Apply It: use primary data wherever possible, such as utility bills, and double-check entries to avoid common mistakes, like mismatched units or missing fields.
Example: Collect primary data, like monthly energy bills, and verify that data entries are accurate before submitting.
Best Practice Tip: always review and validate data for high-impact categories, like fuel use or waste, to avoid errors. Double-check units on high-impact items (e.g. your most purchased goods). Be careful to avoid human error from misplacing decimal places, commas or dots.
Learn more: for a deeper dive into these principles, read the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, Chapter 1.