Climate change is on everyone's lips, and while there may be discussions and debates about specific solutions, the recognition of climate change and the need for action is widespread.
The EU and all Member States must achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.
From the 2024 financial year, companies with more than 250 employees will thus be met with new legal requirements for climate reporting.
And according to Danish Industry, there should be no doubt that even small and medium-sized enterprises can be met with ever-increasing expectations of being able to document their climate footprint if they are part of relevant value chains.
But where should you actually begin the process if you are, for example, a Bornholm SME and subcontractor?
This is where the carbon footprint comes into the picture. The carbon footprint is the most important tool in your green transition, because it shows how much greenhouse gas your business or organisation emits in its daily operations.

– It can be resource-intensive to get started with your carbon accounting, but on the other hand, you are prepared for any requirements or legal demands, and there may also be savings to be made in the longer term, states Travis Lind Thornton, senior business consultant at Business Center Bornholm.

He is also responsible for local workshops on carbon accounts, which are conducted in close collaboration with the National Centre for Green Energy project on Bornholm. The purpose is to teach local businesses to identify their main sources of greenhouse gas emissions and to use the Climate Compass – a digital tool that, based on the company's unique data, provides targeted ideas for reducing the climate footprint.
– Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and we hope to be able to hold another workshop this year after the summer holidays. But as before, there is one entry requirement: participating companies must have the resources to implement and maintain the carbon accounting process.

Could you tell me a bit more about how it all happened?

– The course consists of a mixture of physical attendance, online coaching and home assignments, where, based on data from your own business, you learn to master the carbon accounting's three focus areas in seven weeks. The three measurement areas are an international standard and are known as Scope 1, 2 and 3.

What do they cover, and why are they important?

– Scope 1 covers direct greenhouse gas emissions from own operational activities – this could be, for example, company-owned transport. Scope 2 covers indirect CO2 emissions that arise from the production of energy that a company purchases and consumes – e.g. electricity. Scope 3 refers to all other indirect emissions. Scope 3 can often make up the largest part of a company's total climate footprint, and it shows how important it
is to consider your supply chain and your purchasing habits when you
sets the company’s climate targets.
When your business actively does something for the climate, it
…whilst also offering other benefits, adds Travis Lind Thornton:
– Customers are increasingly looking for products and services from
companies that prioritise sustainability. By having a robust
carbon accounting and take steps to reduce your business's
By reducing your carbon footprint, you’re also doing something good for the business;
you can improve its reputation and meet the expectations of your stakeholders
expectations.

BY TINA TOFT MØLLER