Climate Assessments and Carbon Footprint Calculation
Our Service Areas
Corporate Sustainability & ESG
When Are Climate Assessments Needed?
The revised Building Act requires a climate assessment and a list of construction products for certain new buildings in Finland. Similar concrete climate assessment requirements have also been set in several other European Union countries. A climate assessment ensures that construction considers not only technical solutions but also environmental impacts.
However, legislative requirements are not the only reasons for compiling climate assessments. These evaluations are also essential when, for example, seeking financing or loans, pursuing certifications, or selling products and services as part of a production chain to other companies. Climate assessments help evaluate the full carbon footprint of organizations, projects, operations, or buildings, identify the key emission sources, and find ways to reduce emissions. If necessary, these assessments can also include climate risk assessments and adaptation plans.
The GHG Protocol and Our Expertise
The most well-known and widely used international methodology is the GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol). A calculation based on the GHG Protocol is also required for companies subject to the EU’s sustainability reporting requirements.
- Scope 1: direct emissions from owned or sources controlled by the project / company / organization. For example, if the entity creates its own energy for its process or parts of it, these are included in scope 1. Vehicles controlled and / or owned by the entity are also included in scope 1.
- Scope 2: emissions arising from purchased energy, such as heat, gas or electricity.
- Scope 3: the 3rd scope is the widest and emissions that are connected to the entity often in indirect ways. These might include the emissions arising from raw materials used for the companies products and end-of-life product treatment etc.
The Protocol is a crucial tool in the fight against climate change, as it provides a standardized framework for measuring, tracking, and reporting GHG emissions across various sectors. Its scope offers a comprehensive approach to classifying and quantifying emissions for organizations, projects, governments, cities, and the finance sector. It is an invaluable aid for organizations seeking to understand and reduce their environmental impact. We have conducted various climate assessments for large international companies, including those manufacturing consumer products and those operating in the energy sector. We utilize Simapro software, which is backed by a scientifically validated, global emissions database.
Areas We Cover
- GHG Protocol
- Climate Risk Assessment
- Climate Assessment for Buildings
- EPDs and LCAs
