Carbon accounting firms launch alliance to increase standardisation and address data gaps

Carbon accounting firms collectively measuring emissions for 23,000 global organisations have launched the Carbon Accounting Alliance to encourage the standardisation and regulation of this growing sector.

In the context of an increasing number of standards and regulations governing how companies should calculate and report carbon emissions, the alliance will aim to “accelerate the effectiveness of the carbon accounting industry” through formal qualifications and government engagement.

Members of the Carbon Accounting Alliance (CAA), which include more than 35 software companies, consultancies, auditors and certifying bodies, recognise that despite harmonisation efforts, many of the existing carbon accounting standards (such as the GHG Protocol, ISO and the science-based targets) “still leave room for interpretation when it comes to certain methodologies, rules and emission factor database choices”.

They aim to create consistency by engaging with industry, policymakers, regulators and other international bodies, as well as by sharing learnings between the alliance’s member companies and with others operating in the carbon accounting sector.

Lack of reliable data currently plagues the sector and prevents an effective move to more granular methodologies for calculating emissions, so the alliance will also work to remedy data gaps. As an example, it recently asked the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to set a deadline for businesses to report at least Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and is calling for mandatory data sharing around energy, water and waste between commercial landlords and tenants, “the lack of which is a common barrier to measurement”.

“I believe that it’s collaboration, not competition, that will solve this climate crisis. After continuously advising clients to collaborate in their industry, it only seemed right that I walk the talk,” said Emilien Hoet, Managing Director at ClimatePartner and Co-Founder of the Carbon Accounting Alliance. “My hope is that the CAA will provide the forum to share challenges and learnings, and positively influence policy, to move faster with collective impact.”

Carbon Accounting Alliance and green jobs

Another mandate of the alliance will be to campaign for carbon accounting to be “a key feature of governments’ green skills and jobs policies,” in order to ensure that there is enough skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for such services.

Demand for sustainability skills, including carbon accounting, is fast outpacing supply, with Linkedin warning that a green skills shortage is emerging. To combat this issue, the CAA plans to push for education and training to focus on carbon accounting skills.

The alliance was founded by Planet Mark and ClimatePartner, and represents more than 35 software companies, consultancies, auditors and certifying bodies that together have measured more than 587 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and facilitated 6 million tonnes of CO2e reductions. 

Membership remains open, with the CAA welcoming carbon accounting bodies of any size or geography “that are passionate about positive impact”.