Carbon Emissions Log

Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.

What a carbon emissions log is

A carbon emissions log gathers the activity data — fuel use, electricity, gas, travel and similar — that an organisation uses to estimate its greenhouse gas emissions, so the figures can be tracked, reported and reduced over time.

This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — what must be measured and reported, and the methods used, vary by country, scheme and organisation.

Purpose

• Record the activity data behind emissions estimates.
• Track emissions over time and against targets.
• Support voluntary or required reporting.
• Identify where reductions can be made.

Who maintains it

• A sustainability, environmental or finance lead keeps it current.
• Data comes from energy bills, fuel records and travel.
• Figures are reviewed against the chosen method and targets.
• The employer decides the method, scope and ownership.

When it is used

• When activity data is collected on the reporting cycle.
• When preparing emissions reports or disclosures.
• When setting or reviewing reduction targets.
• When assessing the impact of a change.

Typical fields

• Period, source and activity data (for example fuel or energy used).
• Unit and the data source.
• The category or scope it falls under.
• Any estimate method or factor reference.
• Owner and notes on data quality.
• Example columns only — adapt to your method and reporting.

Common mistakes

• Mixing units or double-counting the same activity.
• Using inconsistent boundaries from period to period.
• Estimating with no clear, documented method.
• Treating the figures as exact rather than estimates.

Document workflow

A carbon emissions log works with the environmental management chain: activity data is gathered here, the environmental aspects register puts it in context, and reports and reduction plans are produced afterwards. It draws on the energy consumption and emissions records.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a carbon emissions entry.

Retention (high level)

Emissions data is generally kept for a period set by any reporting scheme, the applicable law and the organisation’s needs, so figures can be compared over time. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

The log is often held in a spreadsheet or tool and exported to PDF for reports. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the figures official or prove compliance.

Employer checklist

• Use a clear, documented method and consistent boundaries.
• Gather activity data from reliable sources.
• Treat figures as estimates and note their quality.
• Use the log to set and track reduction targets.

Worker notes

• Provide accurate data — meter readings, mileage or fuel — where asked.
• Follow energy and travel reduction practices.
• Understand that these figures are estimates, not exact measurements.

Country considerations

What must be measured and reported, and the methods and schemes used, vary by country and organisation, and the official authority differs where one applies. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not legal advice.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for any emissions reporting it is subject to and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make an organisation compliant and does not transfer responsibility.