Find the hotspots
Rank emission sources by size and start with the largest. For many organisations these include purchased electricity, fuel for vehicles and equipment, and key purchased goods.
REDUCE
Reducing emissions and energy use
Reductions start with a reliable inventory: it shows where emissions come from and which actions will make the most difference.
Common efficiency measures
- Lighting: efficient fittings, sensors and timers.
- Air-conditioning: correct set-points, regular maintenance and efficient chillers.
- Motors, pumps and fans: right-sized equipment and variable-speed drives.
- Compressed air: find and fix leaks and lower the pressure where possible.
- Process heat: insulation and heat recovery.
- Vehicles: maintenance, route planning and lower-emission vehicles.
Energy sources
On-site solar and renewable electricity purchases can reduce Scope 2 emissions. Under the GHG Protocol, report Scope 2 using both the location-based and the market-based methods, and keep the evidence for any renewable electricity claim.
Managing energy systematically
ISO 50001 provides a framework for an energy management system: set an energy policy, measure a baseline, act on significant energy uses and review progress (plan, do, check, act).
Reporting reductions honestly
- Measure reductions against a documented base year using consistent methods.
- Report carbon credits or offsets separately: they do not reduce the emissions in your inventory.
- Avoid broad claims such as 'carbon neutral' unless they follow a recognised standard and are supported by evidence.