GHG Protocol primary data collection involves gathering site-specific activity data directly from operations, suppliers, and value chain partners rather than using industry averages, enabling more accurate carbon accounting and CSRD-compliant reporting.
Primary vs Secondary Data
Primary Data Characteristics
- Site-specific measurements from actual operations
- Supplier-provided data with verification
- Metered consumption from utility bills
- Product-level LCAs from manufacturers
- Real transportation distances and modes
Secondary Data Limitations
- Industry averages with high uncertainty
- Spend-based estimates using economic factors
- Generic emission factors from databases
- Proxy data from similar activities
- Default grid factors without renewable accounting
Collection Methodologies
Direct Measurement
- Energy meters - Electricity, gas, steam consumption
- Fuel receipts - Fleet and stationary combustion
- Waste manifests - Disposal quantities and methods
- Production records - Output-based intensities
- Travel logs - Distance and mode tracking
Supplier Engagement Process
Request → Validation → Integration → Verification
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Templates QA Checks System Import Audit Trail
Data Quality Hierarchy (PCAF)
- Score 1 - Audited primary data
- Score 2 - Unaudited primary data
- Score 3 - Averaged primary data
- Score 4 - Proxy data
- Score 5 - Industry estimates
CSRD Requirements
Mandatory Primary Data
- Material Scope 3 categories require primary data
- >40% emissions threshold triggers collection
- Annual improvement targets for data quality
- Assurance readiness documentation needed
Implementation Timeline
- Year 1 - Baseline with available data
- Year 2 - Top supplier engagement
- Year 3 - Expand coverage to 80%
- Year 4 - Full primary data for material sources
Technology Solutions
Data Management Platforms
- API integrations with supplier systems
- IoT sensors for real-time monitoring
- Blockchain verification for supply chain
- AI validation for anomaly detection
- Cloud repositories for centralized storage
Automation Opportunities
- Utility data via green button APIs
- Fleet telematics for transportation
- ERP integration for production data
- Supplier portals for data submission
- Smart contracts for data sharing
Best Practices
Quality Assurance
- Completeness checks against operations
- Consistency validation year-over-year
- Accuracy verification with source documents
- Boundary documentation for each source
- Uncertainty quantification per data point
Stakeholder Benefits
- Investors - Higher confidence in disclosures
- Customers - Product carbon footprints
- Suppliers - Partnership opportunities
- Regulators - Audit-ready documentation
- Management - Targeted reduction strategies
Primary data collection transforms carbon accounting from estimation to measurement, providing the accuracy and granularity required for CSRD compliance, science-based targets, and effective decarbonization strategies.