On the path towards a CO₂ balance

Crack the Carbon Code

On the path towards a CO₂ balance - with solutions from Janitza

Between ecological necessity and social demands

Sustainability has already become a key objective in corporate management and will become increasingly important in the future, largely due to legal requirements. In the future, all companies will have to carry out CO₂ accounting. Such CO₂ accounting will have to take several perspectives into account:

System limits

These are in terms of time (what year is the basis of accounting), organization (locations) and operational limits (emission sources).

Scopes

Scope 1 covers emissions that directly arise from a company’s in-house activities, Scope 2 defines emissions which are not generated directly by the company but arise during generation of the energy that the company consumes, and Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that arise within the company’s value-added chain.

Consumption in Scope 1 and 2 can be directly noted with a suitable energy management system or be calculated with corresponding KPIs. Janitza provides many scalable solutions for recording and analyzing consumption of energy and process media. Through measurement devices, all energy sources such as electricity, gas and compressed air, as well as other process media such as water, nitrogen, etc. can be recorded. This data is collected, prepared and analyzed in the GridVis® software.

Diagram illustrating CO2 emission categories according to Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3, including upstream and downstream activities

The path to CO₂ accounting starts with clear data

Effective CO₂ accounting starts with accurate CO₂ accounting based on clear data. A detailed record of emissions is required. It is therefore necessary to monitor energy consumption when using electricity, gas, heat and water as a first step. Such data can generally be recorded via suitable measurement technology and be evaluated automatically. As a company can have an impact on such consumption then they can directly initiate measures to reduce it. Janitza supports your company on their path towards decarbonization.

Janitza’s hardware and software solutions enable you to generate accurate, up-to-date measurement data which acts as the basis for determining your CO₂ footprint. Based on these you can set specific reduction targets in accordance with the requirements of the GHG Protocol, then derive and implement measures to that effect. Annual CO₂ accounting helps you check to see if these steps have been successful. Any remaining emissions can be compensated for via certified projects. It is also important that clear communication is provided about all measures.

Would you like to know what Janitza is doing to actively reduce its own CO₂ footprint in order to reach its objective of being CO₂ neutral by 2030?

The ideal measurement device for every application

Janitza provides comprehensive solutions within the field of energy measurement technology. These cover suitable hardware and software, as well as services such as planning, installation and commissioning as well as training and customer support. Measurement devices measure electricity and voltage; they also record reactive power and power quality as well as monitor residual current.

In addition to data acquisition, Janitza provides fully integrated solutions for managing, monitoring and actively controlling load flows (active load management). This ensures the highest levels of security in the supply whilst also improving cost-effectiveness at the same time.

Clear data for CO₂ accounting with GridVis®

Both hardware and software solutions are required for CO₂ accounting, such as

Janitza measurement devices and data loggers for storing consumption data

Flow meters for liquids and gases (optional)

GridVis® software for energy and CO₂ monitoring as well as connectivity to higher-order systems

GridVis® simplifies the complicated processes behind evaluating CO₂ emissions. Data imports and inclusion of meters via Modbus enable integration of all energy sources and auxiliary materials into the software. Virtual devices mean that all consumption data can be converted directly into CO₂ emissions and KPIs can be created for simple analysis of consumption, costs and CO₂.

Our demo project enables you to get to grips with the features that GridVis® provides. This can be found under: https://www.gridvis-energy.de (Registration with user: demo, Password: demo). When in the CO₂ Monitoring section you gain an insight into the dashboards for recording CO₂ emissions, an overview of the different energy media and CO₂ reductions.

Dashboard for CO2 savings with energy charts, performance trends, and weather data

Dashboard displaying an overview of energetic CO2 emissions with charts and key figures

From practical experience: Recording all company CO₂ emissions worldwide

Data plays a key role in CO₂ accounting. For this reason, generation of measured values on site and integration of such into a central database is the basis for further processing and analysis of such data. This demands not just precise coordination, but also needs standardized yet adaptable solutions that can handle such specific requirements. Janitza’s expertise in data acquisition for CO₂ accounting as well as its hardware and software solutions provide everything you need to master such challenges.

A standardized system worldwide for locally storing energy consumption for production locations and development centers in various countries was developed and installed as part of a customer order for a company active worldwide with many different locations. In addition, Janitza provides services such as planning support, training and technical support.

Schematic representation of an energy management system with three levels: input, distribution, and consumption

Energy media: Electricity, Water, Gas, Heating, Compressed Air

System solution consisting of:

Janitza measurement devices and data loggers
Flow meters for gases and liquids
GridVis® software for monitoring and data evaluation, networking is via  OPC UA

Applied technology for measurement on three levels: Measurement technology is customized to the measuring ranges in question - from the infeed to the consumer - enables measurements at all levels.

Dashboards with GridVis®

Potential energy savings are shown with GridVis® software.

In addition, the measured parameters can be analyzed in order to detect potential production interruptions in good time and also to optimize the time for which operating equipment is used. This makes the scalable, user-friendly software perfectly suited for developing ISO 50001-compliant energy, RCM and power quality monitoring systems.

Website CO2-Lösungen Bild7 Dashboard Energie english

Website CO2-Lösungen Bild6 Dashboard Start english

Legal regulations regarding sustainability

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

The EU officially replaced the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) with the more stringent Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in January 2024. The result is that German companies are obliged to issue an annual sustainability report. This covers:  

From 2025 (for the 2024 fiscal year)

Companies which are already subject to the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD)

From 2026

Companies that satisfy at least two of the following criteria: > 250 employees, > €40m in turnover, > €20m balance sheet total  

From 2027

Small and medium-sized listed enterprises (SMEs) except for micro-enterprises

From 2029

Companies with parent companies from third-party states, which have achieved a total group turnover > €150 million in 2 consecutive years

The new CSR Directive follows a double materiality principle: On the one hand, companies must state the effects of sustainability-related aspects on their financial situation (outside-in view) but also state the company’s effects on both people and the environment (inside-out view). It requires information regarding sustainability targets, sustainable corporate management, the most important sustainability-related impacts of the business model, strategy, risk and opportunity management.

All companies subject to this reporting obligation must report, using accurately calculated KPIs, the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the company. As recording data requires a great deal of time and resources, it is of the utmost importance that CSRD is implemented as quickly as possible.

The CSRD requires detailed information about energy consumption and greenhouse gas accounting. To prepare these, a company has to put the necessary framework in place, such as installing energy measurement devices and linking energy management software to record consumption and the accounting of emissions. As an experienced specialist in this field, Janitza can support companies on their path towards a CO₂ balance with suitable measurement technology and software, and can also provide support with implementation of projects from planning to commissioning.

FAQ

What is CO₂ accounting? What is the CO₂ footprint?

CO₂ accounting or greenhouse gas accounting establishes clarity regarding company emissions and is therefore the basis for measures in preparing and improving a climate strategy. It is the systematic accounting of greenhouse gas emissions. All greenhouse gases with such climatic effects are taken into account, these are noted as part of the Kyoto Protocol.

The following greenhouse gases are taken into account:

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) (GWP=1)
Methane (CH4) (GWP=25)
Nitrous oxide/laughing gas (N2O) (GWP=298)
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) (GWP=23.500)
Fluorinated hydrocarbons (HFCs) (GWP between 140 and 7,000)
Perfluorinated hydrocarbons (CnF2n+2 − PFCs) (GWP between 6,000 and 9,000)
Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) (since 2015) (GWP=17,200)

Although all greenhouse gases responsible for global warming are taken into account, the term CO₂ accounting is used as carbon dioxide is used as a reference for all greenhouse gases. The values in brackets (GWP) represent the global warming potential of the gas in question, where CO₂ is used with a reference value of 1, meaning that a GWP of 25 means that the gas has a global warming potential which is 25 times that of CO₂. Other greenhouse gases are calculated in terms of CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) so that they can be compared.

The CO₂ footprint is the result of CO₂ accounting. This provides information on the quantity of greenhouse gases which are emitted by a company, a product, a process, a project, or an event. The CO₂ footprint is stated in what are known as CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).

Janitza provides support in determining the KPIs for your CO₂ accounting.

What is the difference between a corporate carbon footprint and a product carbon footprint?

Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)

In the Corporate Carbon Footprint all greenhouse gas emissions from a company over the course of a year are recorded and summarized as part of CO₂ accounting. The individual CO₂ footprint is an important, useful instrument for evaluating the company’s impact on climate. The CO₂ footprint means suitable reduction targets and measures can be derived, then shown in the sustainability report.

In addition, the CO₂ footprint means it is possible to quickly see which company areas release the most greenhouse gases and therefore where there is most potential for measures to reduce it. This is also of great importance in economic terms as the biggest drivers of emissions are also often the biggest cost drivers within a company.

The Corporate Carbon Footprint, which is recorded regularly, is therefore a key indicator in determining the progress and success of a company’s commitment to sustainability.

Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), which is the CO₂ footprint of products covers the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions along the entire service life of a specific product.

The Product Carbon Footprint takes a holistic perspective that applies from procurement of raw materials to delivery (“cradle-to-gate) and may also even take the service life and disposal of the product (“cradle-to-grave”) into account.

The CO₂ footprint of your products can also be determined from your company’s CO₂ accounting. This makes it possible for CO₂ emissions to be quantified based on products or orders and also to itemize customer orders or services in terms of their CO₂ emissions. As a company, you then provide your customers with the capability to contribute to climate protection in a targeted manner.

What do Scope 1, 2 & 3 mean?

Greenhouse gas accounting is the heart of corporate climate management, and it provides clarity regarding the key sources of emissions in a company as well as helping determine where potential reductions can be found. Around 75% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are the result of turning fuels such as coal, oil or natural gas into electricity, heat or fuels, meaning the biggest savings can also be found in this field.

Climate-based reporting for companies divides greenhouse gas emissions into 3 scopes:

Scope 1: Emissions that arise directly from the company’s in-house activities (e.g. combustion of natural gas in stationary plants or the combustion of diesel in company vehicles)
Scope 2: Emissions that are not directly generated by company activities but arise from the generation of energy consumed by the company (e.g. electricity and heating)
Scope 3: Emissions that are caused by the company’s value-added chain such as those that arise due to the steel processed and manufactured within the company or from employees on their commute to work. Determining Scope 3 emissions is optional in some reporting standards.

Determining emissions is often a complex challenge requiring external support. However, the required KPIs can be determined with suitable measurement devices and software solutions. If energy management is well-established within the company then the additional work required for climate management is nominal, such as the parametrization of measurement devices in GridVis® software and extension of the CO₂ dashboard.

Accounting can take place either at a corporate level (Corporate Carbon Footprint, CCF) or at a product level (Product Carbon Footprint, PCF). The GHG Protocol acts as a basis for such standards, as do ISO 14001, ISO 14064 and ISO 14067.

The CSRD requires comprehensive KPIs regarding energy consumption and greenhouse gas accounting from all companies that are subject to it. Janitza supports companies in determining these KPIs.

Which standards are relevant for effective climate management?

Climate management focuses on matters such as resources, waste water, and waste and is part of environmental management, which in turn is also part of sustainability management. Unlike other sectors such as energy management, there are currently no explicit standards set out for a structured climate management system.

However, the contents of an environment management system as per ISO 14001 can be included here. There are several different standards for calculating the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), such as the GHG Protocol, ISO 14067 and ISO 14064. They are used as the most common fundamentals for CO₂ accounting or for preparing a report or certificate.

The EMAS Directive (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is often the foundation of environmental management systems. It is a voluntary standard in environmental management and was developed by the European Union.

In addition, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from the EU monitors the publication of non-financial information, including climate data, for certain companies within the European Union.

Different standards within the fields of energy, climate and environmental management overlap in some areas. For example, the EMAS Directive also covers the basic contents of climate management. Requirements and standards can also vary depending on the region and industry in question.

How does my company benefit from recording and reducing CO₂ consumption?

Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced dramatically and climate protection measures must be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change as far as possible. Although sustainability has many different facets, climate protection along with energy consumption and greenhouse gas accounting has come to the forefront of public perception as well as the future CSRD Directive. Reducing CO₂ emissions is one of the key factors in enhancing sustainability within the economy. Other benefits also become apparent:

You gain clarity about emissions within the company
You reduce energy costs and also lower consumption of resources - emission drivers are often cost drivers as well.
You lower costs by reducing the proportion of emissions which ultimately have to be offset.
You position yourself on the market as a sustainable company, increasing your appeal to customers, investors and the public at large. This safeguards your future viability.
You safeguard a competitive advantage through long-term planning and integrating a climate strategy into your business model.
Various funding models are linked to the sustainability of the company.

We already work with Janitza as part of energy management, can we also carry out climate management?

An existing energy management system is the foundation for developing a climate management system, as a major proportion of CO₂ emissions is generated by generating energy for the company so that Scope 1 and Scope 2 are almost always fully present or can be determined relatively easily.

The additional expense for adding climate management to the mix is minimal, such as through parametrization of the measurement devices in GridVis® software and adding the CO₂ dashboard.

Do you have any questions? Get in touch with us, here are your contacts.

How can we support you?

Use of Janitza measurement devices means recording any emissions is much easier. GridVis® software helps record all relevant energy consumption, from electricity generated by steam, gas and oil to district heating.
GridVis® software increasingly automates your work processes. That saves energy and money.
You have a variety of functions for analysis, evaluation, creating KPIs as well as visualization of the data you have stored. Generate data and link it to a relevant concept.
Reduce the workload needed to satisfy statutory requirements for providing evidence whilst increasing the sustainability of your company.
You have complete flexibility: If you already use our software for energy management then you can also use it for climate-relevant tasks.

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