The threats of climate change to the environment and to our economy are well understood across the world. We are also becoming increasingly aware of the limited availability of natural resources and fossil fuels. In the decades ahead, with growing demand and diminishing supply, fossil fuels are going to become an unaffordable means of producing electricity.

In order to move to a low carbon, climate resilient future, a range of actions on the local, national and global level is required. South Africa had committed itself to a 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - relative to a "business as usual" scenario - by 2020, and 42% by 2025.

For an organisation, the term carbon inventory, carbon footprint or greenhouse gas inventory includes the carbon emissions and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated directly from the organisation’s activities or use of fuels, and also indirectly from the use of electricity and from the use and disposal of materials, products and services.

In the transition to a low carbon economy, carbon management represents a new and fundamental challenge for business, and how companies respond to this challenge is fast becoming a strategic issue. Carbon management is now becoming a permanent fixture on the business and regulatory landscape. As a result, companies must be able to understand and manage their GHG risks if they are to ensure long-term success in a competitive business environment, and to be prepared for future national or regional climate policies.

By adapting quickly to these new operating conditions, organisations will reap the benefits – not just by complying with future regulations, but by embracing innovative business practices that reduce costs and increase profit and efficiency.

It is normal practice for businesses to account for profitability, productivity and revenue before making decisions about their financial and human capital. Accounting for GHG emissions should be no different. An inventory allows a business to identify the largest emission sources (i.e., the problem areas) and create a strategy for reducing these emissions.

By calculating the quantity and source of emissions, you can make informed decisions regarding emissions reductions. Carbon management is about understanding how and where an organisation’s activities generate greenhouse gas emissions, and to then minimise these emissions in an on-going and financially sustainable way by:

• Setting emissions reduction targets
• Identifying opportunities for energy efficiency and reduction of emissions
• Taking action to implement emissions reduction projects
• Monitoring the performance of the projects and to improve accordingly

Isis Sustainability’s secure web based corporate carbon calculator, based on the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Corporate Protocol, reduces the complexity of reporting green house gasses by allowing for a consistent consolidation approach within all organisations, from SME”s to large or complex holding companies. This ensures that all scopes and activities are correctly reported, including leased assets, to prevent double counting. Our emission factors are updated regularly, ensuring relevance and accuracy.