Tap Full Potential of Your Carbon Reduction Plan with Better Data

Developing an actionable carbon reduction plan (CRB) hinges on the quality and accuracy of your data. Governments, industries, and multinational corporations are setting higher expectations for companies to quantify, report, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For instance, under the UK’s Procurement Policy Notice (PPN) 06/21, companies selling to the UK government, including medical device manufacturers like Stryker Medical, must provide detailed carbon data for scopes 1, 2, and 3, report progress annually, and publicly share carbon reduction plans. ?

These requirements are not isolated; similar regulations are emerging globally, including the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). A well-structured data collection process ensures compliance, builds credibility, and positions your company as a sustainability leader.?

This blog outlines 10 critical data elements you need to develop a carbon reduction plan that meets these stringent requirements while driving impactful results.?

1. Company GHG Emissions Data: Scope 1-2 (Required)?

Scope 1 and 2 emissions form the backbone of any carbon reduction plan.?

• Scope 1 includes direct emissions from company-owned facilities and vehicles.?
• Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, or cooling.?

High-quality, third party verified data is essential to establish an accurate emissions baseline. Use standard protocols such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) to ensure your data is consistent and comparable across reporting frameworks.?

2. Scope 3 Emissions Data?

Scope 3 emissions, which arise from your supply chain, product use, and end-of-life, often account for the majority of a company’s carbon footprint for hardware product industries like medical devices. Collecting data from suppliers and logistics partners can be challenging, but the effort is crucial for achieving a comprehensive inventory.?

Pro tip: Start with high-impact categories, such as transportation or raw materials, to prioritize your reduction efforts.?

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3. Reduction Target Commitments (Required)?

Clear, science-based reduction targets provide the direction and accountability needed for success. Commit to goals aligned with global frameworks like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). For example:?

• Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030.
• Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.?

These targets should be documented and approved by senior leadership to demonstrate organizational commitment.?

4. Reduction Projects?

Catalog current and planned projects aimed at reducing emissions, such as:?

• Energy efficiency upgrades.?
• Transitioning to renewable energy sources.?
• Sustainable supply chain initiatives.?

Each project should include metrics for measuring impact, timelines, and responsible teams. This ensures transparency and measurable progress.?

5. Signed Declaration (Required)?

A signed declaration from company leadership formalizes your carbon reduction commitment. This document serves as a pledge to stakeholders and regulators, underscoring the seriousness of your goals. Ensure the declaration includes:?

• Emission reduction targets.?
• An acknowledgment of the company’s responsibility to act.?
• A commitment to reporting progress publicly.?

6. Company Vision, Mission, Values, and Team Photos?

Integrate your company’s identity into the carbon reduction plan. Include:?

• A clear vision for sustainability.?
• Mission statements that align with carbon reduction goals.?
• Team photos to humanize your efforts and show the people behind the work.?

A strong narrative builds stakeholder trust and fosters alignment across teams. Companies that excel in customer trust and impact, such as Patagonia, effectively communicate their "why." They present their authentic selves by sharing both successes (the good) and challenges (the bad), creating transparency that resonates with their audience.??

7. Products, Categories, and Images?

Document the products and categories your business offers, including:?

• Descriptions of product lifecycles and their environmental impact.?
• High-quality images that can be used in sustainability communications.?

Providing this context helps stakeholders understand how your carbon reduction plan integrates with your operations. Moreover, it positions your CRP as a compelling tool to showcase your company’s sustainable business value. Clear and concise messaging can significantly enhance talent recruitment efforts and foster stronger collaboration with customers.?

8. Locations, Facility Types, and Addresses?

Include a detailed list of your facilities, their functions, and locations. Knowing the energy profiles of each facility type (e.g., manufacturing, distribution centers, offices) helps identify emission hotspots and prioritize interventions.?

9. Brand Guidelines, Imagery, and Messaging?

Ensure your carbon reduction plan aligns with your overall brand messaging. Consistency in tone, imagery, and messaging across sustainability reports and marketing materials reinforces credibility.?

For instance, if your brand emphasizes innovation, showcase the cutting-edge technologies driving your carbon reduction projects. Strive for concise and consistent messaging across financial, sustainability, and regulatory reports. This clarity makes your company easier for stakeholders to understand and partner with, strengthening trust and collaboration.?

10. General and Sustainability Lead Contact Information?

Provide clear contact details for your sustainability team, including a designated point of contact. This fosters transparency and facilitates communication with regulators, customers, and partners.?

Shift from generic contact information to spotlighting individual team members in your report. This approach makes your company more approachable and relatable. Ultimately, it’s real people who carry out the day-to-day sustainability work. Highlighting your sustainability team not only gives them well-deserved recognition but also makes it easier for suppliers and partners to connect with the right individuals.?

Why These Data Elements Are Essential?

As seen with PPN 06/21 and similar regulations, robust data collection and reporting systems are not just compliance requirements—they’re competitive differentiators. Looking ahead to 2025, companies that fail to provide credible carbon reduction plans risk losing customer contracts and customer trust.?

Additionally, industries like healthcare and automotive are using carbon reduction as a procurement criterion. For example:?

• Medical device manufacturers must comply with the UK’s National Health Services (NHS) government purchasing requirements like PPN 06/21.?
• Automotive OEMs like General Motors and major tier I suppliers such as ZF are increasingly requiring detailed Scope 3 reporting and carbon reduction progress from their suppliers.?

By aligning your data practices with these requirements, you secure your place as a trusted partner in sustainable supply chains.?

Final Thoughts: Take Action Today?

Building a carbon reduction plan is a strategic imperative in today’s regulatory and competitive environment. By focusing on these 10 data elements, you can develop a plan that complies with global standards, drives measurable progress, and strengthens your market position.?

For more insights and tools to support your sustainability journey, download OrbAid’s Carbon Reduction Plan Example and Data Input Checklist. These resources will help you create an effective carbon reduction plan. Together, we can lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.?