CO2 baselining

Building a complete CO₂ baseline for a client in the energy sector

Spektra Analytics assisted a large energy client in building a complete Co2 baselining of all emissions from IT. This case study outlines the process, challenges, and outcomes of this collaboration. Spektra Analytics played a key role in creating realistic calculations of all emissions from IT including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3.

As part of the clients ongoing efforts to baseline and reduce carbon emissions, IT requested assistance from Spektra Analytics in performing a Co2 baseline for all of IT to provide transparency for total emissions related to IT. This would allow the client to baseline and monitor the biggest emission sources

The lack of available and concrete data in this key area created significant challenges, which Spektra Analytics in cooperation with the client had to overcome.

Bridging data gaps and ensuring validation of especially scope 3 was vital for a detailed baseline of emissions

A full baseline for CO₂ emissions consists of several major contributors from both scope 1, 2 and 3. The major direct sources will be the datacentre operations including all of the infrastructure operated by the client. The datacentre emissions includes both direct usage from the servers, storage etc. but also the indirect usage from cooling of the datacentres. A complete baseline includes all of these factors.

Other major direct sources are the PCs used by the clients employees, which are delivered by IT. The FTEs working within IT also has a significant footprint, including travel and other indirect effects from the FTEs. All of these emissions sources are part of the total footprint.

For indirect emissions major software vendors like Microsoft and SAP will influence total emissions. This is because products like Office 365 is delivered as a SaaS solution, but the underlying infrastructure from Microsoft contributes to the total CO₂ emissions baseline.

Our approach and solution

1. Data collection: Spektra Analytics completed the data collection for all of the sources for CO₂ emissions. This included CMDBs, data from storage arrays, inventory of PCs, mobile phones and tables and additional SaaS software where emissions sources are not directly under the clients control

2. Validation: Spektra Analytics validated emission baselines for all emissions where data was not readily available. The maturity in reporting on emissions from the vendors differs wildly, which required Spektra Analytics to provided realistic and validated numbers to create a realistic overview of total emissions. Spektra Analytics also used peer comparisons to ensure validity.

3. Complete baselining: Once all of the data was collected and validated, Spektra Analytics created the full baseline for all of ITs emissions. The baseline was split into scope 1,2 and 3 categories, and created with full transparency for the client. This allowed the client to use the baseline for reporting both internally to key stakeholders, but also to use the baselining as the foundation for reporting to external stakeholders.

4. Creating a dashboard: As a final tool for the client to keep constant overview of the ongoing emissions and changing baseline, Spektra Analytics provided a dashboard that would allow the client to follow emissions interactively and also to be used as a reporting tool towards the business.

Results and benefits

1. Full and complete baseline of emissions: A baseline for CO₂ emissions was an essential tool for long-term sustainability planning for IT. It allowed the client to set achievable emission reduction targets, track progress, and adjust strategies as needed to remain environmentally responsible and financially viable in the future.

2. Increased awareness: The project helped create awareness on all aspects of emissions, including the clients supply chain, helping it assess and reduce emissions associated with suppliers. This enhances the overall sustainability of the supply chain and ensures alignment with the clients environmental goals.

3. Foundation for decision making: The project provided a strong platform for the client to make evidence-based decisions regarding emissions from IT. Based on the complete baseline and full transparency, it was possible for the client to make informed decisions to lower emissions and improve sustainability within IT