What to Do When Your Clients Ask for Your Emissions Report

As businesses around the world move towards more sustainable practices, corporate responsibility is no longer a buzzword but an expectation. One of the ways this shift is being seen is through a growing demand from clients for emissions reports. If you haven’t yet faced this request, it's likely only a matter of time before you do. So, how should you respond when your clients ask for your emissions report?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this important aspect of modern business relationships.

1. Understand the Scope of the Request

The first step when your client requests an emissions report is to clarify exactly what they are looking for. Emissions reports can vary in scope, covering everything from direct emissions (Scope 1) to indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2) and even emissions across your entire value chain (Scope 3).

It’s important to understand:

• What types of emissions do they want to see?
  • Some clients might only need information on energy-related emissions, while others may want a full account of your supply chain emissions.
• Are there specific standards or frameworks they expect?
  • Many organisations follow the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) standards. Others may look for alignment with frameworks such as ISO 14064 or the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Clarifying these details will help you tailor your response to meet their expectations.

2. Collect Data from Your Operations

Once you understand the scope of the report, it’s time to gather the necessary data. Here are the common types of data you might need:

• Energy Usage: This includes electricity, heating, and cooling consumption across all your facilities.
• Fuel Consumption: Record any fuel used in company vehicles, machinery, or production processes.
• Supply Chain Data: If your client requests Scope 3 emissions, you will need to collect data from your suppliers and partners to account for their carbon footprint.
• Travel and Commuting: Emissions from business travel (flights, car hire) and employee commuting may also be relevant.

Make sure to break down this information over time (monthly, quarterly, or yearly) to provide a clear picture of your emissions trends.

3. Calculate Your Emissions

If your company doesn’t already have a carbon accounting system in place, this step may seem daunting. However, there are numerous tools and software solutions available to help businesses calculate their carbon footprint.

Consider using tools such as:

• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Calculation Tool
• Carbon Trust's Footprint Calculator
• Sustainability software platforms such as Envizi or Carbon Analytics

These tools will convert your energy and fuel consumption into CO2-equivalent emissions, enabling you to produce an accurate and comprehensive emissions report.

4. Align with Industry Standards

Clients often want to know how your emissions reporting aligns with global standards. Reporting against frameworks such as the GHG Protocol or using a third-party verification can enhance credibility. Certification bodies can validate your emissions data, giving clients confidence that your report is accurate and meets international expectations.

Additionally, if your company has set carbon reduction targets or initiatives (such as becoming carbon-neutral or achieving net-zero), make sure these are highlighted in your report.

5. Communicate Your Reduction Strategy

Most clients will want to see more than just a raw emissions figure; they are likely interested in your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint over time. Whether you're switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, or offsetting emissions, make sure to communicate your sustainability strategy clearly.

In your report, include:

• Emission reduction targets: Short-term and long-term goals, such as reducing emissions by a certain percentage over a set timeframe.
• Actions taken: Outline the steps your company has already taken (e.g., energy-efficient equipment, green procurement practices, waste reduction).
• Future plans: Share what steps are planned to further reduce your carbon footprint, and any timelines associated with these initiatives.

6. Ensure Transparency

One of the most important aspects of emissions reporting is transparency. Even if your emissions are higher than expected, clients appreciate honesty and a clear commitment to improvement. Disclose any limitations in your data, challenges faced, or areas where emissions might be underreported.

Remember, emissions reporting is not just about showcasing your current footprint but demonstrating a willingness to address and improve it.

7. Automate the Process for Future Requests

If your clients are starting to request emissions reports, it’s likely that others will too. Rather than treating this as a one-time task, consider establishing an internal system for regular emissions reporting. This could involve:

• Designating a team or assigning a sustainability officer to oversee data collection and reporting.
• Automating data tracking through energy management systems, IoT devices, or specialised software that monitors emissions in real-time.
• Integrating sustainability into your broader business strategy so that it becomes a routine part of your annual reporting.

By streamlining the process, you’ll be ready to respond to future client requests with ease, strengthening your business relationships in the process.

Conclusion

When clients ask for your emissions report, it’s an opportunity to showcase your company’s commitment to sustainability. By following these steps—understanding the request, gathering and calculating your data, aligning with standards, and communicating your reduction strategy—you can provide a thorough and transparent report that builds trust with your clients.

Embracing emissions reporting not only satisfies client needs but positions your company as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible partner. As sustainability continues to shape the future of business, having a solid emissions reporting system in place will be key to staying competitive.