If you want to manage it, you need to measure it.

Very basically, GHG inventories (or carbon footprints) are developed by adding up all the sources of emissions and then multiplying by an emissions factor. Activities like electricity use, fuel consumption, and waste generation all have GHG implications, either direct or indirect. 

An organization may be required to complete a GHG inventory via industry regulations, or an inventory can be completed voluntarily. The structure of the inventory and the format of the final report deliverable is based on the rationale for completing the inventory: it can be legislational or strategic.   We work together with our clients to ensure that whatever we produce as a team fits exactly with what’s required – no report just for the sake of having a report.

We complete GHG Inventories in accordance with the following standards: ISO 14064-1, World Resources Institute Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), Federation for Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection (FCM PCP), IPCC Guidelines, and any other program or regulatory requirement as needed.

Fundamental Inc. has completed inventories for municipalities (corporate and community), individuals, private companies, and not-for-profits.

Often, a GHG inventory is paired with an analysis of strategic emissions-reducing and cost-saving initiatives. As a more in-depth exercise, a GHG inventory can form the basis of a community Climate Action Plan, a corporate pathway toward carbon neutrality, or can be used to receive national or international recognition for climate action through voluntary reporting programs. Investing in these initiatives is a simple way to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and contribute to provincial, national and global climate targets

See our Climate Science page for the foundational science that guides our services.

See our Climate Action Plan service page for more information on developing your own climate action plan.