What services can you offer?

Here’s an example of Carbon Accounting Services on a page that outlines the key services.

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Download template here

Carbon Accounting Readiness Assessment

Many clients may not fully understand what’s involved in carbon accounting but are eager to learn more. Offering a Carbon Accounting Readiness Assessment can provide clarity on what’s required to complete a baseline emissions assessment and assess the availability of relevant data.

This assessment serves as a fact-finding mission, helping clients:

Understand the steps needed to begin carbon accounting.

Realize the process is often simpler than expected.

See how your advisory role supports this work, particularly if you already handle much of the required data.

The readiness guide includes examples to help you approach this process. Keep in mind that the specific data and questions will vary depending on your client’s industry and complexity. Conduct your own tailored assessment and, if needed, reach out to the Accounting Support team for guidance.

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We recommend setting up a pre kick off meeting with the Accounting Support team to go over the plan and any questions the team may have.

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Download the guide

Baseline Emissions Assessment

A baseline emissions assessment is often the first step in preparing a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions assessment aligned with the GHG Protocol. This process calculates an organisation’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and is key for clients starting their carbon reporting journey or expanding beyond Scope 1 and 2.

Once the baseline is established, clients can:

Track changes in emissions over time.

Assess the effectiveness of emissions reduction efforts.

Provide credible emissions data to customers and stakeholders.

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Red Flag Alert: If a client is making ambitious green claims or setting reduction targets without a baseline or ongoing carbon accounting, this is a strong indicator to prioritise this process.

⭐ Land and Expand ⭐

Start with a readiness or baseline emissions assessment to introduce clients to the process before expanding into more advanced advisory services.

Data collection and process improvement

After completing the baseline assessment, you’ll likely identify data gaps and inefficiencies. The next step is to:

Recommend and implement initiatives to improve data collection and reporting.

Embed carbon accounting as a regular part of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.

Prepare clients for carbon budgets, tracking by category, and forecasting—features Sumday supports on its roadmap.

Emission Reduction Advisory

With the baseline in place, you’ll identify high-emission areas and potential reduction strategies. Advisory work may include:

Scoping projects.

Building business cases.

Designing strategies and implementation roadmaps to help clients achieve net-zero targets.

If you prefer not to handle reduction advisory work, many consultants can assist your clients using the robust accounting data you provide. However, if you choose to lead, here are some examples:

Scope 1 (fuel): Evaluate costs and savings for switching to EVs, including grants or tax benefits.

Scope 2 (electricity): Explore renewable energy plans, power purchase agreements, or solar installations.

Scope 3 (purchased goods and services): Encourage suppliers to provide emissions data, integrate this into procurement policies, or assess financial impacts of switching to carbon-accounting suppliers.

Other advisory work

The scope of non-financial reporting extends beyond GHG emissions. Metrics such as biodiversity, diversity and inclusion, modern slavery, and social impact are increasingly important. The disciplines learned in financial accounting will support your expansion into these areas.

For the Auditors 🔍

Clients subject to mandatory climate-related disclosure rules will need assurance over their GHG emissions (starting with Scope 1 and 2). Over time, this will expand to include reasonable assurance and Scope 3, depending on jurisdictional regulations.

How You Can Help

Offer services to prepare clients for assurance requirements:

Data Quality Reviews: Ensure accurate, reliable data.

Pre-Assurance Assessments: Identify gaps before assurance begins.

Readiness Assessments: Provide recommendations for process improvements and controls.

By addressing these needs early, you’ll help clients build robust, compliant reporting functions.