South SFV Today

Carbon Reporting: A Vital Tool for Emission Reduction

Accurate measurement is the first step toward reducing emissions. For companies intent on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, carbon reporting is key. This video explains what it is and why accurate measurement is the first step toward reaching emissions targets.

"There’s a saying: 'You can’t manage what you can’t measure.'"

Let’s say I’m planning to buy my first home. To save up, I’ll need to track my spending on everything from my daily coffee habit to my weekly commute. With those numbers in hand, I can identify where to cut costs so I can stash away money for a down payment.

"This is the same idea behind carbon reporting. A company that wants to cut its greenhouse gas emissions first has to measure its carbon footprint."

This can get complicated. For example, a manufacturer’s carbon footprint would include emissions from manufacturing, selling, and shipping its product. But it might also include the emissions from the raw materials it buys, or the electricity that powers its factories.

"By accurately measuring their carbon footprints, companies can better manage their environmental impacts. And as more pledged to reach net-zero emissions targets, publicly reporting those numbers can provide a powerful incentive to keep taking steps to cutting emissions."

In this ongoing video series, we define and break down key concepts in under two minutes.

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