How to Calculate Carbon Accounting (And How Future Advisory Can Help)

 So, you’re thinking about carbon accounting. Maybe a client asked for your emissions data. Maybe you’ve got net-zero goals. Or maybe you just want to do your bit for the planet (good on ya). Whatever the reason, you're in the right place—let’s walk through what carbon accounting actually involves, and how Future Advisory makes it simple, smart, and 100% jargon-free.

How to Calculate Carbon Accounting (And How Future Advisory Can Help)

What Is Carbon Accounting?

Carbon accounting is the process of measuring how much carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) your business generates—from the fuel you burn to the products you buy. It’s how you work out your carbon footprint, track progress, and set reduction goals.

It’s kind of like bookkeeping, but for emissions instead of dollars.

How to Calculate Carbon Emissions (Step by Step)

Here’s a simple version of how the carbon accounting process works:

1. Identify Your Emissions Sources

Start by mapping out where your emissions come from. This includes:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from company-owned vehicles, machinery, or fuel use.

• Scope 2: Emissions from electricity or energy you buy.

• Scope 3: Indirect emissions from suppliers, travel, waste, and product use.

2. Collect the Right Data

Gather data like:

• Litres of fuel used

• kWh of electricity consumed

• Business travel records

• Supplier invoices

• Waste volumes

The more accurate your data, the better your results.

3. Apply Emissions Factors

Once you’ve got the numbers, you convert them to CO₂ equivalents using emissions factors. These are standard rates provided by government bodies (like the Clean Energy Regulator) that tell you how much CO₂ is released per litre, kWh, km, etc.

Example:

1,000 kWh of electricity x 0.82 kg CO₂e/kWh = 820 kg CO₂e

4. Add It All Up

Add your Scope 1, 2, and 3 figures to get your total carbon footprint. You can break it down by department, project, or time period depending on your goals.

5. Report and Plan

Once you’ve got the numbers, you can:

• Set carbon reduction goals

• Offset emissions

• Prepare for future climate disclosure requirements

• Improve supply chain sustainability

Where Future Advisory Comes In

At Future Advisory, we help you make sense of your carbon accounting—without the spreadsheet migraines. We offer:

• Carbon footprint calculations tailored to your business size and industry

• Easy-to-understand reporting that actually helps you make decisions

• Tool and software setup (like Net Zero tracking platforms or Xero integrations)

• Strategy support to reduce emissions and communicate your impact to stakeholders

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for future reporting obligations, we’ve got the tools—and the team—to make it easy.

Final Word: Start Smart, Start Now

You don’t need to be a climate expert or run a billion-dollar company to start carbon accounting. With Future Advisory, you get down-to-earth guidance, future-focused strategy, and support that grows with your business.

Ready to measure, manage, and reduce your footprint? Let’s chat. Your net-zero journey starts here.