New legal requirements, as well as the growing expectations of customers, business partners and investors, mean that companies are increasingly looking for tools that will help them measure and, consequently, properly manage their impact on the environment. Carbon footprint measurement comes to the fore here.
What is a carbon footprint and why is it worth measuring?
The carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the activities of, e.g. a company. It can also be measured partially, e.g. for the entire product life cycle. It is calculated based on globally recognized standards such as Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and ISO 14064and is expressed in tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e).
There are three emission ranges for measurement:
- Scope 1, direct emissions, e.g. from own vehicles.
- Scope 2, indirect emissions related to the production of used electricity and heat.
- Scope 3: other indirect emissions, e.g. from the supply chain.
Calculating and analyzing the carbon footprint allows you to identify key sources of emissions and then take action to reduce them or take pro-ecological initiatives. This makes it easier to implement effective management strategies and reduce operational costs.
Sustainability is becoming a standard in international markets, e.g. in tenders. Taking action in this field gives you a competitive advantage and also reduces business risk – many partners, especially foreign ones, require their contractors to report emissions. It also benefits the image – pro-ecological activities have a positive impact on the perception of the company by customers and stakeholders, and are important in marketing communication.
Emissions reporting is also important when using various financial products and services. It allows you to save on costs, and sometimes it is even a prerequisite for taking advantage of preferential offers, e.g. loans.
In addition, there are legal requirements related to reporting. The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) obliges approximately 3.5 thousand Polish enterprises for ESG reporting, including carbon footprint calculation.
Even companies that are not subject to such an obligation may be asked to present data on emissions from their contractors, domestic or foreign. Meeting such expectations becomes crucial for companies wanting to maintain their competitiveness and position in supply chains.
Emission data from all three ranges
Bank Pekao SA, as a leader in sustainable development, offers access to the Plan Be Eco carbon footprint calculator on preferential terms. It can be used by companies from any industry. The tool allows you to collect data and calculate emissions in scope 1, 2 and 3, identify emission categories and select the best calculation methodology, and prepare an emissions report with reduction recommendations, which facilitates the implementation of a decarbonization strategy.
Thanks to the calculator, the user receives support in the reporting process, as well as access to expert knowledge enabling independent use of the tool.
– The cooperation of Pekao SA with Plan Be Eco in the case of the carbon footprint calculator is a response to the needs of customers who want to act in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, save time and resources, and at the same time build a positive image – he says Agnieszka Durlej, director of the Strategy and Development Office in the Corporate Banking Division. – Pekao SA, by offering access to such a tool on preferential terms, not only supports its clients in adapting to new ESG regulations, but also helps them discover opportunities to optimize and reduce the costs of individual products and processes. The carbon footprint calculator is a tool that also inspires further actions – perfectly fitting the mission of modern financial institutions supporting the responsible development of their business partners – he adds.
Customer experiences
Bank Pekao SA tested the calculator with its clients before its market launch. This confirmed the benefits of its use, entrepreneurs appreciated the time and labor savings in calculating the carbon footprint, as well as the opportunity to consult an advisor throughout the entire process. This is important because companies need knowledge and consultation regarding calculations,advice on reducing CO2 emissions and, more broadly, on planning ESG strategies and appropriate integration of policies.
However, entrepreneurs interested in calculating carbon footprint can be divided into three groups:
- Beginner: companies introducing scope 1 and 2 only.
- Recognizing the topic: companies aware of the scale of complications related to calculating CO2, planning to supplement scope 3.
- Experts: companies with a high level of knowledge planning to automate data acquisition and audit calculations.
How to use the calculator
If the company is a client of Bank Pekao SA, it is enough to contact its banking advisor. He will receive a set of materials enabling him to take advantage of the Plan Be Eco offer on preferential terms, i.e. 30 percent. below regular annual subscription rates. Other entrepreneurs can contact the bank at PBP-ESG@pekao.com.pl, and the advisors will then arrange the entire process. More information about the service can be found at: Carbon footprint calculator for enterprises – Bank Pekao SA
The valuation of the access service, signing the contract and then configuring the tool is carried out by Plan Be Eco. The price of the annual subscription depends on the complexity of the calculations and the number of company branches they will cover. If necessary, the tool is adapted to the client’s needs and the specific nature of the enterprise. During the subscription period, the company can generate any number of current and comprehensive reports – the process is automatic. The reports include a summary of the calculations and the resulting reduction tips.
