How do I define my organisation's operational boundary?

To define your operational boundary using the Operational Control approach, follow these steps:

Identify Your Goals 

Start by clarifying the purpose of calculating your carbon footprint. Common goals include regulatory compliance, achieving sustainability targets, and meeting stakeholder expectations. Your goals will influence which emissions sources you choose to include in your inventory.

Determine Stakeholder Needs

Identify who requires your GHG emissions data, such as regulatory bodies, investors, customers, or employees. Understanding these needs helps determine which emissions to include, as different stakeholders may have specific reporting requirements.

Understand Reporting Requirements

Research and determine the reporting standards and requirements relevant to your industry and location. This includes knowing how to report on your emissions, which might involve including data in annual sustainability or impact reports. For example, Compare Your Footprint client Abel & Cole includes detailed sustainability targets and progress in their impact report.