How to Calculate Company GHG Emissions: Scope 1, 2, 3

A Simple Guide to Measuring and Managing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions for Companies

Environmental risks are escalating rapidly, urging companies to take decisive steps to safeguard their long-term resilience. Today, governments, consumers, and investors expect greater accountability, especially in how businesses manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Measuring and managing GHG is no longer just a compliance checkbox, but also a strategic move to boost efficiency, cut unnecessary costs, and build a credible, future-ready sustainability reputation.

This article provides a practical, step-by-step guide on how your company can measure its GHG emissions, based on international standards. It also explores how platforms like CarbonIQ by Jejakin can simplify and strengthen your emissions strategy.

Why Measuring GHG Emissions Matters

• Identify the biggest emission sources in your operations and supply chain.
• Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and global sustainability standards.
• Lay the groundwork for setting realistic emission reduction targets.
• Appeal to ESG-conscious investors and stakeholders.
• Strengthen your market position and brand trust through credible sustainability action.

The 6 Essential Steps to Measure GHG Emissions

1. Define Your Organizational Boundaries

Start by defining which parts of your company are included in the emissions inventory. According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, there are two main approaches^[Ref]:

• Equity Share: Report GHG emissions proportional to your ownership in an operation. ‍
• Control Approach: Report 100% of emissions from operations under your financial or operational control, regardless of ownership.

Choosing the right method depends on how your organization is structured and what it aims to achieve with its emissions reporting. Strategic alignment between your reporting goals and governance setup is essential.

2. Define Your Operational Boundaries

GHG emissions are categorized into three scopes:

• Scope 1: Scope 1 emissions refer to all direct GHG outputs resulting from assets or processes that are both owned and operated by the company (e.g., emissions from fuel combustion in corporate fleets, on-site machinery, or industrial boilers). ‍
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. ‍
• Scope 3: Other indirect emissions from upstream and downstream activities in the value chain (e.g., shipping, product use, business travel).

CarbonIQ can help map out and monitor emissions across all scopes with clarity and accuracy.

3. Set a Base Year

Choose a base year for which you have complete and reliable emissions data. This helps to:

• Track reductions over time.
• Set either absolute or intensity-based emissions targets.
• Align with public GHG or ESG reporting expectations.

4. Identify GHG Emission Sources

Once boundaries are set, identify your primary emission sources. These typically fall into four categories:

• Stationary combustion (e.g., boilers, generators) ‍
• Mobile combustion (e.g., company vehicles) ‍
• Process emissions (e.g., chemical reactions during manufacturing) ‍
• Fugitive emissions (e.g., gas leaks, refrigerants)

CarbonIQ offers visual tools to help prioritize key sources and track emission hotspots.

5. Choose a Calculation Method

You’ll need both activity data and emission factors to calculate your company’s emissions.

Simple Formula = Your Activity × Emission Factor (EF)

Emission factors come from credible databases such as IPCC, DEFRA, or local sources. CarbonIQ gives you access to sector-specific premium databases and allows customization based on your industry’s needs.

6. Collect Data and Report

Data collection can span across departments:

• Operations teams (fuel and energy use)
• Logistics (transportation data)
• Suppliers (for Scope 3 inputs)

CarbonIQ streamlines this process with features such as:

• Collaborative access for all stakeholders
• Bulk data import from spreadsheets or internal systems
• Industry-specific data forms
• Automated calculations and dashboards for real-time visualization

Why CarbonIQ by Jejakin Stands Out

CarbonIQ isn’t just a carbon accounting tool.—Iit’s a strategic platform that helps you:

• Measure Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with precision
• Analyze trends and benchmark year-over-year performance
• Deliver emissions reports that align with global benchmarks like the GHG Protocol and SBTi, ensuring credibility and climate accountability.
• Monitor emission reductions in real time
• Ensure data traceability and access optional third-party expert validation

CarbonIQ also integrates seamlessly with other sustainability systems, such as responsible sourcing, circular economy initiatives, and product traceability solutions.

Ready to Measure and Manage Your Emissions?

The first step toward a low-carbon business starts with transparency. With Jejakin and CarbonIQ, you’ll go beyond compliance—positioning your company as a sustainability leader.