Calculate the Remaining Emissions After Project B: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sustainable Carbon Accounting

In the fight against climate change, accurate carbon accounting is essential. After launching ambitious environmental initiatives like Project B, organizations must assess their remaining emissions to track progress toward net-zero goals. This article explains how to calculate the remaining emissions after Project B—whether a renewable energy initiative, reforestation effort, or industrial decarbonization project—with clarity and precision.


Understanding the Context

What is Project B?

Project B refers to a sustainability-driven project designed to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It may involve transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, retrofitting infrastructure, or restoring natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands. The ultimate aim is to minimize an organization’s carbon footprint and align its operations with science-based targets (SBTi).

Once such a project is implemented, the next critical step is calculating the remaining emissions—those still unaddressed after the initiative’s impact.


Key Insights

Why Calculate Remaining Emissions?

Knowing remaining emissions helps organizations:

  • Set realistic decarbonization timelines
  • Identify residual emission sources
  • Report transparently under frameworks like GHG Protocol or TCFD
  • Allocate remaining emissions to offset strategies
  • Prove accountability and drive continuous improvement

Project B may reduce emissions significantly, but full elimination is often technically or economically unfeasible. Calculating what remains ensures global warming contributors are not overlooked.


Final Thoughts

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Remaining Emissions After Project B

Step 1: Establish the Baseline Emissions Before Project B

Before quantifying remaining emissions, capture the organization’s pre-project GHG baseline. This includes:

  • Scope 1: Direct emissions (e.g., company-owned fuel combustion, industrial processes)
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam
  • Scope 3: Value chain emissions (e.g., supply chain, employee commuting, end-of-life product disposal)

Data should follow ISO 14064 or GHG Protocol standards for accuracy.

> Tip: Use utility bills, process records, and third-party energy audits to validate the baseline.


Step 2: Evaluate Emission Reductions from Project B

Determine how much emission reduction Project B achieves. This depends on the project type:

  • Renewable energy adoption: Multiply renewable energy volume (kWh) by emission factor for displaced fossil fuels (e.g., kg CO₂e per kWh).
  • Energy efficiency retrofit: Calculate energy savings (kWh or MWh) from upgraded equipment.
  • Reforestation or afforestation: Estimate carbon sequestration using verified sequestration rates per hectare annually.
  • Process innovation: Assess reduction from low-emission technologies.

Example:
If Project B cuts Scope 1 emissions by 12,000 metric tons CO₂e/year:
Post-Project Emissions = Baseline Emissions – 12,000 tCO₂e