Setting up a carbon ledger involves several critical initial steps. First, an organization should conduct a comprehensive audit of its current greenhouse gas emissions across all operations, categorizing them into Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Next, it’s crucial to engage cross-functional teams to ensure data accuracy and consistency, as data sources will vary across departments such as production, logistics, and facilities management. Organizations should then select a carbon accounting software that aligns with their specific needs and complies with recognized standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or ISO 14064. Furthermore, establishing governance structures and assigning roles and responsibilities is vital for maintaining the ledger’s integrity and ensuring accountability. Finally, it’s important to set clear goals and targets for emissions reductions to guide the carbon ledger’s integration into the wider sustainability strategy of the organization.
Key Takeaway: Initial steps for setting up a carbon ledger include audits, cross-functional teamwork, and choosing compliant software.