Can the carbon footprint be calculated when there is incomplete data

The use of appropriate alternative estimates or data can be studied, clarifying the assumptions, the level of data quality and the impact of the lack of accuracy of the results.

Climate and Sustainability Services

Carbon footprint calculation For installations and projects

At environmental dimension company, we provide a service to calculate the carbon footprint of facilitiesand projects in order to limit greenhouse gas emissions resulting fromoperational activities, energy, transport and the value chain, and convert them intocarbon dioxide equivalent within a clear period and limits.

The results help to identify the highest contributing sources to emissions,improve the quality of climate reports, identify opportunities to reduce energy, fuel and resource consumption, and build a practical plan for reduction and follow-up to support the company's trendsin sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Request a preliminary assessment Talk to the sustainability team

✓ Systematic inventory of emission sources ✓ Results per unit ton of CO2 equivalent ✓ A follow-up reduction plan

Analyze facility data to prepare carbon footprint calculation — **An inventory based on actual activity data**
The reporting period, facility limits, emission sourcesand appropriate conversion coefficients are determined before the calculation is started and the final results are issued.

Direct answer

What is a carbon footprint calculation service?

Carbon footprint calculation is the processof accounting and measuring greenhouse gas emissions resulting directly or indirectly from the activityof an enterprise or project during a specified period. It collects data on fuel and electricity, operations, transportation, procurement, Waste, Etc., and then converts tocarbon dioxide equivalent to determine the total emissions, their main sources and opportunities for reducing them.

Limitation limits

What emission sources does it include Calculating the carbon footprint

Emissions are classified according to their relationship to the facility into direct emissions,indirect emissions from purchased energy, and other emissions withinthe value chain, with the scope covered being determined before the calculation begins.

01 The first range

Direct emissions

Emissions from sources owned or directly controlled by the enterprise.

Combustion of fuel in boilers, generators, furnaces.
Fuel for vehicles and equipment belonging to the facility.
Emissions from industrial processes.
Refrigerant leakage and fire fighting.

02 The second range

Indirect emissions from energy

Emissions associated with the production of electricity, heat, cooling or steamthat the facility buys and consumes.

Electricity purchased from the network.
Cooling, Steam or purchased heat.
Consumption in factories, offices, warehouses.
The ability to display results in more than one approach when data is available.

03 The third range

Value chain emissions

Indirect emissions that are outside the direct sources of the enterprise butare related to its activities, purchases and products.

Purchased raw materials, goods and services.
Personnel transportation, travel, logistics business.
Waste resulting from Operation.
Use and end-of-life of products when applicable.

Calculation method

How activity data is transformed into Tons of carbon dioxide equivalent

The calculation is usually based on correlating activity data with an appropriate emission coefficient,and then converting various greenhouse gases into a unified unit calledcarbon dioxide equivalent.

Activity data Emission coefficient Warming coefficient when needed CO2e unit emissions

This is a simplified explanatory formula; some sources may require additional equations, compound coefficients, or special processing of units, gases, and data.

Use cases

When does the facility need to Calculating the carbon footprint

The calculation can be performed for the first time to build a baseline, or periodically to trackperformance and measure the results of emission reduction initiatives.

Preparing sustainability reports

When structured climate data is needed it can be included ininternal reports or sustainability reports and corporate disclosures.

Setting emission reduction targets

To establish a base year, identify the highest contributing sources and formulatemeasurable and follow-up goals.

Customer and investor requests

When financiers, customers or large companies requestinformation on emissions and Climate performance.

Improve energy efficiency

To identify the highest energy-consuming processes and facilities and link consumption reductionto the expected carbon footprint.

Supply chain management

To understand the emissions associated with procurement, transportation, suppliers, raw materials and products as they relate to the scope of the report.

Carbon neutrality plan

Measurement is considered as a first step before setting a reduction path and identifyingthe remaining emissions and options for dealing with them.

Service Goals

What does the facility achieve from Emissions accounting

The inventory turns sporadic consumption and operating data into indicators that helpmanagement to prioritize and track improvement over time.

Measuring emissions with a clear methodology

Determine the limits, period, sources, coefficients and assumptions used in the calculation.

Identification of the main emission foci

Find out which activities, locations and sources account for the largest percentageof the carbon footprint.

Improve data quality

Detect gaps in invoices, records, meters, operating data and develop a plan to improve them.

Developing a path to reducing emissions

Arrange initiatives according to the expected impact, ease of implementation, cost, duration and responsibility.

Annual performance monitoring

Compare the results with the base year, analyze the reasons for the increase ordecrease and measure the impact of initiatives.

Implementation methodology

Calculation steps The carbon footprint of the facility

The process begins with setting a goal and limits, then collecting and verifying data, performing calculation and analysis, up to the report and the reduction plan.

Goal setting and reporting period

Determine the reason for drawing up the inventory, the year or period covered, the levelof detail required, and who will use the results.

Defining organizational boundaries

Identify the companies, branches, locations, assets and activities that fallwithin the inventory of the establishment according to a clear approach.

Identification of emission sources

Preparation of a register of direct sources, purchased energyand value chain categories related to the activity.

Activity data collection

Collect electricity and fuel bills, operating and cooling records, transportation, purchases, waste and others.

Data quality review

Examine completeness, units, periods, repetitions, unusual valuesand identify estimated or incomplete data.

Selection of emission coefficients

Selection of appropriate and up-to-date coefficients for the source, region and year, withdocumentation of the reference, method and assumptions.

Calculation and analysis

Convert the data to carbon dioxide equivalent and group the resultsby Scope, location, activity and source.

Preparation of the report and reduction plan

Presentation of results, their sources and limitations, identification of proposed actions, Goals, Indicators and responsibilities.

Entries of the inventory

Data required for preparation A reliable account

The data varies depending on the activity of the enterprise and the scope of the report,a customized data request list is sent after the induction meeting.

Electricity and energy data

Bills, meters and consumption by location, month and power source.

Fuel data

Quantities and types of fuels used in equipment, vehicles and generators.

Refrigerant gases

Types of gases, quantities of charging, addition, leakage and maintenance.

Operational data

Production, materials, reactions and processes that may generate emissions.

Transport and travel

Distances, means of transportation, shipping, travel and staff mobility when included.

Procurement and materials

Quantities of carbon-significant raw materials, products and services.

Waste products

Types, quantities, methods of transportation, processing, recycling and disposal.

Structure of the facility

Locations, branches, ownership, operational control, structure changes.

Service Outputs

What does the facility receive after The account is completed

The outputs are allocated according to the purpose of the inventory, the ranges covered and the levelof data and reports required.

Carbon footprint report

A report clarifying the methodology, limits, period, sources, results, assumptions and technical observations.

Analytical tables and graphs

Distribution of emissions by Scope, location, activity, source and period.

Identification of the main sources

Ranking the emission sources according to their contribution to the footprint to prioritizethe intervention.

Record data and transactions

Documentation of data sources, emission coefficients, units and conversionsused.

Emissions reduction plan

A list of initiatives sorted by priority, expected impact, durationand ease of implementation.

Executive summary of management

A brief presentation of the most important results, risks, opportunities and required decisions.

Indications for follow-up

Absolute or relative indicators for comparing emissions with production, revenue, area, etc.

Record data gaps

Clarify the missing or estimated data and plan to improve the collectionand documentation system in the future.

Post-measurement

Build a practical plan To reduce emissions

The reduction plan starts with the highest impact sources, taking into account the technical, operational and financial feasibility, and defining a clear indicator to measure the result of each initiative.

Prevent waste and improve operation

Adjust schedules, actions, leaks and unnecessary loads.

Raising energy efficiency

Improvement of equipment, lighting, cooling, engines and control systems.

Switching to lower emission sources

Study appropriate fuel, electricity and renewable energy alternatives.

Improve transportation and logistics

Optimization of routes, loads, vehicles, trip and cargo management.

Reduce waste and materials

Reduce waste, reuse, recycle and improve purchasing decisions.

Involve suppliers

Demand better data and encourage lower emission options and materials.

Setting goals and indicators

Identify responsibilities, timelines, performance indicators and a baseline for comparison.

Monitoring and continuous improvement

Update the inventory and review the results and procedures periodically.

Quality and reliability

How to maintain quality Emissions accounting

The reliability of the carbon footprint depends on the completeness of the limits and data,the consistency of calculation methods, the transparency of estimates, the traceability of the results.

Clear boundaries of exclusivity

Identify the locations, activities, companies and sources included in the report.

A consistent and reproducible methodology

Use a method that can be applied in the following years for comparison.

Data authentication series

Correlate each result with the invoice, record or source on which it is built.

Suitable emission coefficients

Documentation of the source of the coefficient, its year, unit and the reason for its use.

Management of estimates

Distinguish the actual data from the estimated and explain the assumptions used.

Review of consistency and units

Examine periods, repetitions, conversions, unusual units and values.

Base year policy

Clarify when the base year is recalculated when material changes occur.

Pre-release technical review

Systematically examine data, calculations, results and conclusions.

Service benefits

How the facility benefits from Calculating the carbon footprint

The inventory helps to link climate performance to operational decisions, energy efficiency, risk management and corporate sustainability.

Understand the climatic impact of the facility and the main emission sources.

Identify opportunities to reduce energy and fuel consumption and associated costs.

Provide a baseline for comparing performance and measuring annual improvement.

Support climate reports, sustainability reports and environmental responsibility.

Raise the quality of data provided to management, investors and customers.

Improve preparedness for future climate and trade requirements.

Prioritizing sustainability initiatives with measurable impact.

Improve communication with suppliers and customers about carbon performance.

Beneficiary sectors

Carbon footprint calculation For multiple sectors

Factory and industrial facility owners. Contracting and construction companies Transportation and logistics Warehouses and distribution centers Real estate and commercial complexes Hotels and tourist projects Health sector and hospitals Food and restaurant sector Farms and animal production Oil, gas and power Waste management and treatment Government and municipal entities

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Carbon footprint calculation

What is the difference between carbon footprint and carbon dioxide emissions

The carbon footprint may include several greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide. The effect of different gases is converted intoa unified unit called the carbon dioxide equivalent.

What is the difference between the first, second and third band

The first range includes direct emissions from sources ownedor controlled by the enterprise. The second range includes emissions associatedwith purchased energy. The third range includes other emissions associatedwith the value chain.

Should the third Range be fully calculated

It depends on the purpose of the inventory, the requirements of the report, the nature of the activity and the availabilityof data. Categories can first be examined, determine the most relevant and important, and thenagree on the final range.

What period is suitable for calculating the carbon footprint

The inventory is often prepared for an integrated annual period to facilitate comparisonwith invoices, records, financial and operational reports.

What information is needed to get an art show

It is preferable to provide the type of activity, the number of sites, the number of employees,the reporting period, available data on electricity, fuel, operations, transportation, procurement, waste, the purpose of drawing up the inventory.

Is it possible to calculate when there is incomplete data

The use of appropriate alternative estimates or data can be studied whensome information is not available, clarifying the assumptions, the level of data qualityand the impact of the lack of accuracy of the results.

Can the report be used within the sustainability report

The results, methodology and indicators can be used within the sustainability reportif the scope of the inventory is consistent with the requirements of the report, clarifyingthe boundaries, period, approach and data used.

Does the calculation of the footprint mean that the facility is carbon neutral

No.no. The calculation of the footprint determines the volume of emissions and their sources, whilethe claim to carbon neutrality requires a separate framework that includes reduction, dealingwith residual emissions and the required documentation or verification.

Can the results of the inventory be verified by an independent body

Yes, the inventory can be prepared in a way that supports an independent review or verification,but the verification itself is carried out by an independent and qualified entity withinan agreed scope, standard and level of confirmation.

How long does it take to calculate the carbon footprint

The duration varies depending on the number of sites, domains and categories covered, the availabilityof data, their quality and the volume of required reviews. The schedule is determinedafter reviewing the scope of the facility and the available data.

Professional references

Frameworks and technical sources related to emission accounting

The final reference, emission parameters and requirements of the reportare determined according to the mission objective, the scope of the facility, the year and the program or the entity to whichthe report will be submitted.

Greenhouse gas protocol-Institutional Standard Greenhouse gas protocol-scope II guidelines Greenhouse gas protocol-the third band standard ISO 14064-1-accounting and reporting of plant emissions ISO/TS 14064-4-corporate inventory guidelines Saudi Green initiative - reducing emissions

Content preparation and review: environmental dimension team Last Content Review: July 2026

Start by building a baseline

Do you want to know the size of your facility's emissions and the most important opportunities to reduce them

Submit the type of activity, the number of sites, the calculation period and the available data,we will help you determine the limitation limits, the required rangesand the appropriate output for your facility.

📞 966535733690 ✉️ info@albuad.sa الري Riyadh-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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The content was reviewed by a team of environmental experts.

Environmental content at Al-Ba’ad Al-Bia’i Environmental Consulting Company is prepared and reviewed by a team of specialists in environmental studies, environmental impact assessment, environmental compliance, and environmental monitoring.

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