Why Carbon Reporting Matters
Carbon reporting is no longer just for large corporations. South Africa's Carbon Tax Act and increasing buyer scrutiny mean that SMEs need to understand and report their emissions. On Green Suppliers, carbon reporting is a requirement for Gold and Platinum ESG tiers.
Getting Started
Step 1: Understand Your Scope
Carbon emissions are typically measured in three scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from your operations (fuel, company vehicles)
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity
- Scope 3: All other indirect emissions (supply chain, business travel)
Start with Scope 1 and 2 — they are the easiest to measure and the most impactful.
Step 2: Collect Data
Gather data on electricity consumption, fuel usage, and other emission sources. Your utility bills are a good starting point.
Step 3: Calculate Emissions
Use emission factors published by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to convert consumption data into CO2 equivalent (CO2e) figures.
Step 4: Report and Set Targets
Document your emissions baseline and set reduction targets. Many frameworks exist, including the GHG Protocol and CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project).
Impact on Your ESG Score
On Green Suppliers, carbon reporting is a binary indicator — you either report or you do not. Reporting is required for Gold tier and above.
Learn about our verification methodology or get listed today.