For large global organizations, collecting carbon emissions data has become more than a regulatory requirement - it is a business imperative. Yet, as sustainability targets become increasingly ambitious, one critical challenge remains: identifying and consolidating the key data sources necessary for accurate carbon accounting.

Without a robust approach to data collection, even the most sophisticated sustainability strategies risk falling short. For Heads of Sustainability and corporate data teams, understanding where emissions occur - and how to track them effectively is the cornerstone of success.

So, what are the essential data sources for building a reliable emissions inventory? Let’s explore.

The Essential Data Sources for Carbon Management

To build a complete and actionable carbon emissions inventory, global organizations must integrate data from a wide range of sources. Below, we break down the ten essential categories of data that sustainability teams must prioritize.

1. Operational Data

Operational data forms the foundation of carbon accounting, offering direct insights into emissions from everyday business activities.

• Invoices and Bills: Utility bills for electricity, water, gas, and waste disposal provide critical data for Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (purchased energy) calculations.

• Procurement Records: Detailed information about goods and services purchased, essential for assessing Scope 3 emissions related to the supply chain.

• Travel Records: Corporate travel data, including flights, accommodations, and ground transport, forms a significant part of indirect emissions.

• Logistics Data: Shipment details for products and materials help calculate emissions across transportation modes.

2. Enterprise Systems

Enterprise systems centralize organizational data, making it easier to capture and analyze carbon-related information.

• ERP Systems: Platforms like SAP and Oracle provide a comprehensive view of financial transactions, procurement, and operations, tying them to carbon activities.

• HR Systems: Data on employee commuting patterns and organizational travel.

• Asset Management Systems: Equipment usage and maintenance records provide insights into direct and indirect emissions linked to organizational assets.

3. Energy and Resource Monitoring

Technology-driven tools provide real-time insights into energy use and resource consumption.

• Smart Meters and IoT Devices: Real-time data on electricity, gas, water, and other resource usage ensures accuracy and enables immediate action.

• Building Management Systems (BMS): HVAC systems, lighting, and other operational aspects of building management contribute to granular facility-level emissions tracking.

4. Supplier and Partner Data

For large organizations, the supply chain often accounts for the majority of emissions. Supplier data is critical for a full Scope 3 analysis.

• Supply Chain Information: Carbon intensity data for raw materials, goods, and services purchased.

• Vendor Portals: Emissions data shared by key partners and third-party vendors.

• Transportation and Logistics Providers: Freight emissions reports across transportation modes, from road to sea.

5. Corporate and Financial Data

Corporate-level data provides a macro view of emissions tied to business operations.

• Annual Reports: High-level business activity data connected to emissions goals.

• Budget Allocations: Insights into how resources are distributed across carbon-intensive activities, enabling better strategic decision-making.

Related content

Explore how AI can drive sustainability in your business with these insights:

• Article: Redefining the Landscape: How AI Transforms Carbon Data Collection for Effective Emissions Management
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6. External and Geographical Data

External and geographical data is essential for tailoring emissions calculations to regional and industry-specific contexts.

• Government and Regulatory Databases: Information on emission factors, energy grid intensities, and compliance benchmarks.

• Emission Factor Databases: Industry-standard sources like eGRID, DEFRA, and GHG Protocol ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Regional Grid Factors: Variations in electricity emissions depending on location.

• Compliance Data: Understanding and adhering to local regulations to meet reporting requirements and avoid penalties.

7. APIs and Integrations

Seamless data integration across multiple systems is key to efficient carbon accounting.

• Cloud Platforms: Data from providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offers insights into energy usage for cloud-based infrastructure.

• Custom APIs: Direct integrations with proprietary systems and tools streamline data collection and analysis.

8. Employee Behavior Data

Employee-related emissions form a growing focus, particularly as hybrid work becomes more common.

• Commute Surveys: Patterns in public transport use, carpooling, and personal vehicle emissions.

• Hybrid Work Models: Tracking remote work versus office attendance provides a fuller picture of emissions, including home energy use.

9. Product Lifecycle and End-Use Data

Understanding the full carbon footprint of products ensures downstream and upstream emissions are captured.

• Product Carbon Footprint Data: Emissions across manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life phases.

• Consumer Data: Usage patterns for energy-intensive or waste-generating products, essential for downstream Scope 3 calculations.

10. Technology and Infrastructure Data

Corporate IT infrastructure and technological tools contribute to emissions and require their own category for accurate reporting.

• Server and Cloud Data: Usage data for IT infrastructure, including emissions from server hosting and cloud operations.

• Technology Upgrades: Data on lifecycle emissions from equipment upgrades or replacements.

Collecting the right and comprehensive data is crucial for informed decision-making and impactful sustainability strategies. With a clear understanding of your emissions sources and the tools to streamline data collection, your organization can confidently align with global sustainability standards and goals.

AI-Powered Automation for Seamless, Real-Time Data Collection

At Net0, we automate data collection using AI-powered tools that seamlessly integrate with your existing systems. Our platform processes millions of invoices every month while simultaneously extracting data from enterprise systems, ensuring a fully automated, structured, and real-time data flow. Every data point is trackable, enabling businesses to maintain accuracy, compliance, and actionable insights for sustainability decision-making.

Book a free consultation with the Net0 team to identify the right data sources, streamline collection with AI, and optimize your sustainability strategy with automated, real-time insights.