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Setting your CCF reporting period

Learn how to set your reporting period and align it with your business needs.

Lydia Straszim avatar
Written by Lydia Straszim
Updated over 8 months ago

Summary

Choose a reporting period that aligns with your financial year, covers a full year for accurate and comprehensive emissions tracking, and ensures consistency for year-on-year comparisons.

Consider data availability, and regulatory or customer requirements. Your reporting period, once set, cannot be changed.

Why Is Your Reporting Period Important?


Your reporting period defines the timeframe for which you’ll calculate your Company Carbon Footprint (CCF). Choosing the right period ensures your carbon data aligns with your business needs, external reporting obligations, and industry best practices. It also allows for consistent year-on-year comparisons to track your progress in reducing emissions.

What to Consider When Setting Your Reporting Period

To make the most of your CCF, consider these factors when setting your reporting period:

  1. Align With Your Financial Year
    We recommend syncing your reporting period with your company’s financial year. This makes it easier to integrate carbon data into financial reports, which may be required by regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

  2. Consistency With Past Reporting
    If you’ve previously calculated a carbon footprint, stick to the same start and end dates. This ensures continuity and allows you to compare emissions over time.

  3. Regulatory and Customer Requirements
    If you’re reporting emissions to meet external regulations or customer requirements, ensure your reporting period aligns with their timelines and expectations.

  4. Comprehensive Coverage
    Your reporting period must cover a full year (e.g., 1st January to 31st December). This provides a complete picture of your emissions and is in line with most industry standards.

Best Practices

  • Plan Ahead: If this is your first time reporting, ensure you understand data collection requirements before setting your dates.

  • Check With Internal Teams: Consult finance and sustainability teams to confirm alignment with business reporting timelines.

  • Review Data Availability: Ensure all data points, such as purchasing records and operational data, can be captured within your chosen timeframe.

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