How the SME Climate Hub's Carbon Calculator Tracks Scope 3
A pioneering carbon measurement tool is now available to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in effectively tracking their emissions, focusing on sustainable supply chain reductions and accessing invaluable support on their journey towards net zero.
The SME Climate Hub has introduced its latest innovative solution for SMEs: the Small Business Carbon Calculator.
Developed in collaboration with sustainability consultancy Equipoise and emissions platform Emitwise, this free and user-friendly tool is specifically designed for businesses with up to 50 employees operating from a single location.
The tool enables these enterprises to start measuring their greenhouse gas emissions systematically.
This calculator forms part of a broader initiative to enhance the accessibility and accuracy of emissions measurement for smaller companies, especially those with limited resources.
It comprehensively covers emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 categories, which are internationally recognised for accounting for greenhouse gas emissions.
Scope 1 includes direct emissions from owned sources, Scope 2 involves indirect emissions from purchased electricity and Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions, including those from supply chains.
How technology can help to demystify supply chains
This launch signifies more than just the introduction of another calculator.
For SMEs integrated into global supply chains, it marks a transformative approach to how carbon data can influence procurement and strategic decisions.
Emitwise's contribution makes enterprise-grade emissions tracking attainable for smaller entities.
Emitwise, a platform specialising in carbon accounting, is frequently utilised by procurement teams facing supply chain complexities.
Its system leverages primary emissions data — sourced directly from suppliers or measured activities — to facilitate informed decision-making aimed at reducing Scope 3 emissions.
This category is particularly challenging as it includes aspects from raw materials to transportation and distribution.
"By enabling SMEs to access such tools, we are fostering real supply chain decarbonisation," says Ian Hind, Head of Partnerships at Emitwise.
"Through our partnership with the SME Climate Hub, small businesses are now empowered to manage their carbon footprint more effectively.
"The expansion of the Hub’s free suite of tools ensures that even more SMEs can begin decarbonising, thus accelerating meaningful climate action across supply chains."
The significance of this initiative lies in the fact that SMEs account for approximately 40% of global business-related emissions and contribute to half of the global GDP.
While larger corporations often have dedicated sustainability teams, SMEs typically lack such in-house resources.
Providing these businesses with access to high-quality, free tools opens pathways to improved data, greater transparency and, ultimately, reduced emissions across various industries.
Supporting new users
The Small Business Carbon Calculator is specifically tailored for SMEs that are just beginning their sustainability journey.
The design of the tool eliminates complex jargon, prioritises ease of use, and delivers clear outputs.
The main objective is to pinpoint 'hotspots' — areas with the highest emissions — so that businesses can target their efforts where they will be most effective.
"By powering the SME Climate Hub’s Small Business Carbon Calculator, we’re providing SMEs embarking on their sustainability journey with a comprehensive, easy-to-use tool to measure emissions, identify hotspots, meet customer and regulatory reporting requirements and focus on implementing emissions reduction initiatives," says Luke Abbott, Co-Founder and CEO of Equipoise.
Equipoise, which offers support throughout the value chain, combines consultancy experience with practical implementation.
The goal is not just to provide a figure but to equip users with actionable insights.
"With the introduction of the Small Business Carbon Calculator, the SME Climate Hub now offers free carbon measurement tools to meet the diverse needs of SMEs of all sizes at every stage of their sustainability journey," explains Pamela Jouven, Director of the SME Climate Hub.
"Accurate emissions data lays the foundation for effective climate action, and empowering small businesses to measure and reduce their emissions is crucial for them to contribute to tackling climate change."
A comprehensive toolkit for growing demands
This newly released calculator is the third addition to the SME Climate Hub’s expanded measurement suite.
Earlier, the Hub had launched two other tools: the Advanced Business Carbon Calculator for SMEs with multiple sites and complex operations, as well as the Scope 3 Specific Calculator, which delves into supply chain emissions using procurement data.
Collectively, these tools create a complete, scalable offering that evolves with a company’s needs.
Whether a business is just beginning to measure carbon or is working to minimize emissions across a more extensive network of suppliers, these tools cover the necessary spectrum.
They also help SMEs align with increasing customer and regulatory demands for clear emissions reporting.
The SME Climate Hub is part of the We Mean Business Coalition, a non-profit alliance working alongside companies and governments to halve emissions by 2030.
Through connections with the UN Climate Change High Level Champion’s Race to Zero campaign and the Exponential Roadmap Initiative, the Hub links its users with global climate efforts.
With precise data in hand, the aim is to empower businesses, not overwhelm them.
The key message is straightforward: measuring emissions is now a necessity, but it doesn't have to be costly or complex.
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