Yes, there are guided workflows designed for first-timers. We also have an extensively curated knowledge base on fundamentals of GHG accounting and best practices for using the Terrascope platform. 

GHG accounting involves quantifying and tracking greenhouse gas emissions produced or mitigated by a specific entity or activity. It helps organizations to measure their carbon footprint, identify emission sources, and assess environmental impacts.

In general, emissions are calculated by matching business activity data (such as the amount of goods purchased) by an “emissions factor” or a proxy for the average emissions generated by that activity given. Methods for creating the proxy can vary widely in their accuracy, granularity, and boundaries, so it is important to understand why one emission factor is a better match than another, given the nature of the business activity you are trying to measure.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions are usually the minimum mandatory climate metrics for most reporting frameworks, exchange rules, and national regulations.  These two scopes cover emissions that are directly and indirectly (through purchase of energy) induced by a company's operations and where companies usually have the most direct control on. 

Scope 3 emissions are emissions induced indirectly by companies in their value chains. They represent the largest portion of a company's carbon footprint, contributing to about 80% of a typical company’s overall emissions. Scope 3.1 Purchased goods and services are often the most material emission category in Scope 3 for most companies.

Scope 3 emissions refer to indirect emissions generated by an enterprise’s value chain. The GHG Protocol has identified 15 categories of upstream and downstream activities that are included in Scope 3 emissions. This category of emissions contributes to about 80% of a typical company’s overall emissions and close to 100% for financial services firms. Cutting emissions across all scopes, especially Scope 3, has significant benefits as regulators, investors, and consumers push towards a net zero economy.

1. Identify all relevant emission categories and measure your comprehensive GHG emissions.

2. Improve the quality and granularity of data over time to obtain insights into emission hotspots and decarbonization opportunities. 

3. Reports GHG emissions for transparency and accountability and set reduction targets in alignment with international frameworks/standards.

4. Plan emission reduction based on targets, mitigation potential, and cost of various strategies.

5. Execute decarbonization plans, track progress, improve accounting and reporting processes, and iterate decarbonization strategies as required. 

With increasing awareness of climate change, there will be a growing demand for more accurate and comprehensive GHG accounting. A comprehensive CCF inventory is recommended for subsequent years of measurements and reporting and is a requirement to set ambitious climate targets through standards such as the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).