The Critical Role of Data Quality in Achieving Net Zero

In the race to achieve net-zero emissions, data quality has emerged as the keystone for success. During a recent webinar hosted by CarbonOne, leading carbon experts emphasized the significance of high-quality carbon data in steering organizations toward their climate goals. As businesses face mounting pressure to disclose their carbon footprints across all 3 scopes, the accuracy and reliability of this data become increasingly vital. This article delves into the core insights from the webinar and explores why data quality is indispensable in the journey toward net-zero emissions.

The Data Imperative in a Net Zero World

The global movement toward carbon disclosure is gaining momentum, driven by regulatory changes, investor requirements, and stakeholder expectations. In Canada, the regulatory landscape is heating up with impending mandated reporting of Carbon Emissions (including Scope 3) for listed companies plus the recently passed “Greenwashing” legislation under Bill C-59. Further there is pressure from retailers to measure emissions and set Science Based Targets by 2027. For companies striving to meet these requirements, the challenge lies not just in measuring and reporting emissions but in ensuring the data supporting these is robust and defensible.

During the webinar, CarbonOne’s CEO, Brett Wills, highlighted the critical nature of data quality in meeting these regulatory requirements. Wills emphasized that "it’s all about the data"—a mantra that underscores the need for accurate, timely, and geographically representative data.

Understanding Carbon Data Quality

Carbon data is typically categorized into three types: primary, secondary, and proxy data. Primary data is collected directly from sources such as internal records, supplier invoices or direct supplier emissions, offering the highest level of accuracy. Secondary data, derived from existing studies and databases, provides a broader but less precise picture. Proxy data, used when specific information is unavailable, involves modeling or extrapolating from similar activities or regions.

The webinar introduced a hierarchy of data quality, emphasizing that the Primary data is best followed by Secondary and then Proxy. However, not all Secondary and Proxy data is created equal. The quality of Secondary and Proxy carbon data can vary significantly, affecting the accuracy of carbon footprint calculations. For example, using supplier specific secondary data for emissions calculations provides a much clearer picture of a company’s carbon impact than relying on spend based secondary data.

The Impact of Data Quality on Carbon Reporting

Poor-quality data can lead to inaccurate carbon footprints and fail to show real progress over time, undermining the credibility and potentially exposing companies to various risks such as added costs and accusations of greenwashing. For instance, spend-based emissions calculations, which use financial data to estimate carbon footprints, can be misleading if they do not reflect actual activities or changes over time. In contrast, supplier-specific data, when accurately sourced and regularly updated, provides a true reflection of a company’s carbon reduction efforts.

The webinar illustrated this point with a comparison between spend-based and supplier-specific emissions. The discrepancies highlighted the importance of high-quality data in accurately tracking progress toward net-zero targets. Companies relying on spend-based data might believe they are making progress, only to find that their actual emissions are much higher than reported.

Best Practices for Carbon Data Management

To navigate the complexities of carbon data, CarbonOne recommends 4 best practices:

Timely Data Collection: Use the most current data available, as carbon emissions factors can change rapidly due to advancements in technology or shifts in practices.
Reputable Data Sources: Rely on peer-reviewed studies and recognized databases to ensure data integrity.
Geographical Relevance: Select data that is geographically representative of the activity being measured, as environmental factors can vary widely between regions.
Regular Updates: Continuously update data to reflect the latest information, ensuring that carbon footprints remain accurate over time.

Preparing for a Net Zero Future

As the push for carbon accountability intensifies, companies must invest in high-quality data collection and management processes. By adhering to best practices and leveraging advanced tools like CarbonOne’s Carbon Intelligence Platform, organizations can ensure their carbon data is not only accurate but also actionable. This will be crucial not just for compliance with emerging regulations but for demonstrating genuine progress toward a sustainable, net-zero future.

In conclusion, achieving net zero is a data-driven journey. As highlighted in the CarbonOne webinar, the quality of your carbon data can make or break your sustainability efforts. Companies that prioritize data accuracy will be better positioned to meet regulatory requirements, avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing, and ultimately, lead in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

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By CarbonOne team

Are you ready to elevate your carbon data quality? Contact CarbonOne to learn how our Carbon Intelligence Platform can help you achieve accurate, auditable, and actionable carbon footprints.

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