ON THE WAY TO CARBON NEUTRALITY - WITH JANITZA SOLUTIONS

Balancing ecological urgency and social responsibility: Sustainability is already established in many companies as an important goal of corporate management and will become even more important in the future, not least due to legal requirements. In future, all companies will have to present a carbon footprint.  

This carbon accounting must consider several key perspectives:

  • System Boundaries: Temporal (which base year to use for calculations), organizational (locations), and operational boundaries (emission sources).
  • Scopes: Scope 1 covers emissions directly resulting from the company’s own activities,
    Scope 2 includes emissions from the production of energy that the company consumes, even though these emissions occur outside the company,
    Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions throughout the company’s value chain.

Consumption in Scope 1 and 2 can be recorded directly with a suitable energy management system or calculated with corresponding key figures. Janitza offers numerous scalable solutions for recording and analyzing energy and process media consumption. All energy sources such as electricity, gas and compressed air as well as other process media such as water, nitrogen, etc. can be recorded using the measuring devices. This data is collected, processed and analyzed in the GridVis® software. 

Fig.: Emissions according to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

  • The path to a carbon footprint starts with transparent data
  • The right measuring device for every application
    • The journey towards carbon reduction starts with solid carbon balancing and with transparent data. It requires a detailed capture and accounting of emissions. Thus, the first step involves monitoring one’s own energy consumption, including electricity, gas, heat, and water. These data can generally be easily collected and automatically analyzed using appropriate measurement technology. Due to the direct impact, reduction measures can be effectively implemented in these areas.

      Janitza accompanies your company on your journey toward decarbonization. With hardware and software solutions from Janitza, you can generate precise and up-to-date measurement data, forming the basis for determing your carbon footprint. This data allows you to set specific reduction targets in accordance with the GHG protocol and derive and implement appropriate measures. You can use the annual carbon balance sheet to check whether these steps have been successful. Any remaining emissions should be offset through certified projects. It is also important that you communicate transparently about all measures.

       

      Would you like to know how Janitza is actively working to reduce its own carbon footprint to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030?

    • Janitza offers complete solutions in energy measurement technology. These include the appropriate hardware and software as well as services ranging from planning, installation and commissioning to training and customer support. The performance of the measuring devices ranges from measuring current and voltage, recording reactive power and power quality to residual current monitoring.

      In addition to data acquisition, Janitza offers fully integrated solutions for the management, monitoring and active control of load flows (active load management). This offering ensures maximum security of supply and improved economic efficiency from a single source.

      Would you like to find out how you too can crack the carbon code? Our experts will be happy to advise you on the right solution for you, from the product and software to the corresponding services.

      Find out more about our products:

Transparent data for your carbon footprint with GridVis®

Hardware and software solutions are required to determine the carbon footprint, e.g:

  • Janitza measuring devices and data loggers for recording consumption data
  • Flow meters for liquids and gases (optional)
  • GridVis® software for energy and CO₂ monitoring and connection to higher-level systems 

GridVis® simplifies complicated processes for evaluating carbon emissions. Data imports and the integration of meters via Modbus allow energy sources and auxiliary materials to be integrated into the software. Using virtual devices, all consumption values can be converted directly into carbon emissions and key figures can be generated - for simple consumption, cost and CO₂ analysis.

In our demo project, you have the opportunity to explore the functionalities of GridVis®. You can find it at: https://www.gridvis-energy.de (login with user: demo, password: demo). In the CO₂ monitoring section, you can gain an insight into the dashboards for CO₂ emissions, an overview of various media and the display of CO₂ reductions. 

CRACK THE CARBON CODE!   With solutions provided by Janitza.

  • Fig.: Carbon emissions (Demo project)  

  • Fig.: Carbon reductions (Demo project)

From the field: Recording company-wide carbon emissions worldwide

Data plays a decisive role in carbon balancing. Therefore, the generation of measured values directly on site and their integration into a central database forms the basis for the further processing and analysis of the data. This requires not only precise coordination, but also standardized yet flexible solutions that can be tailored to specific needs. With its expertise in data collection for CO₂ balancing as well as its hardware and software solutions, Janitza offers the right answer to the challenge.

For example, Janitza developed and installed a worldwide standardized system for the local recording of energy consumption for production sites and development centers in various countries on behalf of a global company with numerous locations. Janitza also offers services such as planning support, training and technical support.

  • Energy Media: Electricity, water, gas, district heating, compressed air

    System Solution consisting of:

    • Janitza measuring devices and data loggers
    • Flow meters for gases and liquids
    • GridVis® software for monitoring and data evaluation, with network connection via OPC UA  

    Dedicated metering on three levels: The measurement technology, tailored to each measurement range from infeed to consumption, enables measurement at all levels.

Dashboards with GridVis®

The GridVis® software helps identifying potential energy savings. In addition, the measured parameters can be analyzed in order to detect possible production failures at an early stage and to optimize equipment usage times. The scalable, user-friendly software is ideal for setting up energy, RCM, and power quality monitoring systems that comply with ISO 50001 standards.

  • Fig.: GridVis® dashboard with consumption by media  

  • Fig.: GridVis® dashboard with electrical energy consumption  

Legal regulations in the area of sustainability

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 

In January 2024, the EU officially replaced the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) with the stricter Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). As a result, companies will be obliged to submit an annual sustainability report. This concerns:  

  • From 2025 (for the 2024 financial year): Companies that are already subject to the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD)  
  • From 2026: Companies that meet at least two of the following criteria: > 250 employees, > €40 million turnover, > €20 million balance sheet total.   
  • From 2027: Listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the exception of micro-enterprises  
  • From 2029: Companies with parent companies from third countries that achieve a total group turnover > of €150 million in the EU in 2 consecutive years  

The new CSR Directive follows a dual materiality perspective: On the one hand, companies must record the impact of sustainability aspects on the economic situation of the company (outside-in view), and on the other hand, the impact of the company on people and the environment (inside-out view). It requires information on sustainability goals, sustainable corporate governance, the main adverse effects of the business model, strategy, risk and opportunity management.   

All companies affected by the reporting obligation must report how much greenhouse gas emissions their company causes with the help of precisely defined key figures. As collecting the data takes up a lot of time and resources, it is therefore crucial to start implementing the CSRD as quickly as possible.   

The CSRD therefore requires detailed information on energy consumption and the greenhouse gas balance. In order to collect this data, a company must create the necessary framework conditions - such as the installation of energy measuring devices and the integration of energy management software to record consumption and balance emissions. As a long-standing specialist in this field, Janitza can support you on your path to CO₂ neutrality with suitable measurement technology and software and, if desired, also with the holistic implementation of a project from planning to commissioning.

FAQ

  • The carbon footprint or greenhouse gas balance sheet provides transparency about the emissions within the company and is therefore the foundation for initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing a climate strategy. It constitutes a systematic account of greenhouse gas emissions, encompassing all greenhouse gases with significant climate impact, as outlined in the Kyoto Protocol. 

    The following greenhouse gases are accounted for: 

    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) (GWP=1) 
    • Methane (CH4) (GWP=25) 
    • Nitrous oxide (N2O) (GWP=298) 
    • Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) (GWP=23.500) 
    • Hydrofluoroarbons (FKW/HFCs) (GWP ranging from 140 to 7.000) 
    • Perfluorocarbons (CnF2n+2 − PFCs, FKWs) (GWP ranging from 6.000 to 9.000) 
    • Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) (since 2015) (GWP=17.200) 

    Although all greenhouse gases responsible for global warming are considered, the term "carbon footprint" is used because carbon dioxide serves as the reference for all included greenhouse gases. The values in brackets represent the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of each gas, with CO₂ assigned a GWP of 1 as the reference value. A GWP of 25, for example, means 25 times the greenhouse potential of CO₂. Other greenhouse gases are converted into carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) to establish comparability. 

    In summary, the carbon footprint provides information on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by a company, a product, a process, a project or an event. The carbon footprint is expressed in so-called CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).  

    Janitza will be happy to support you in determining the key figures for your carbon footprint. 

  • Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) 

    The corporate carbon footprint involves the identification and consolidation of all greenhouse gas emissions produced by a company over the course of a year, resulting in a comprehensive carbon footprint. The individual carbon footprint is an important and useful tool for assessing the company's specific climate impact. With the help of the carbon footprint, suitable reduction targets and measures can be derived and presented in the sustainability report. 

    Furthermore, the carbon footprint allows for a rapid identification of the areas within the company that contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions and where the greatest potential for reduction measures exists. This is also of great economic importance, as the biggest emission drivers are often also the biggest cost drivers in the company.  

    The regularly determined corporate carbon footprint serves as a vital indicator of the progress and success of a company's commitment to sustainability. 

    Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) 

    The product carbon footprint (PCF) refers to the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of a specific product. 

    The product carbon footprint takes a holistic perspective, ranging from the procurement of raw materials to delivery ("cradle-to-gate") and possibly even taking into account the useful life and disposal ("cradle-to-grave").  

    The carbon footprint of your products can also be derived from your company's carbon footprint. This enables you to quantify carbon emissions on a product or order basis and to individually identify customer orders or services in terms of their carbon emissions. In doing so, your company empowers customers to make targeted contributions to environmental conservation. 

  • At the core of corporate climate management is greenhouse gas balancing, which provides transparency about the largest sources of emissions within the company and can derive reduction potential. Approximately 75 % of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are caused by the conversion of energy sources such as coal, oil or natural gas into electricity, heat or fuels. Therefore, the greatest potential for emissions reduction lies in this sector. 

    The climate-related reporting of companies categorizes greenhouse gas emissions into three scopes: 

    • Scope 1: Emissions directly resulting from the activities of the company itself (e.g., emissions from the combustion of natural gas in stationary equipment or diesel in company-owned vehicles). 
    • Scope 2: Emissions not originating directly within the company but associated with the production of energy consumed by the company (e.g., electricity and district heating). 
    • Scope 3: Emissions caused by the company along its value chain, such as emissions from the production of steel used by the company or emissions from employees' commuting. In some reporting standards, the calculation of Scope 3 emissions is optional. 

    Calculating emissions can often be a complex challenge that requires the support of external partners. However, the necessary metrics can be determined with appropriate measuring devices and software solutions. Moreover, if the company already has a mature energy management system in place, the additional effort for expanding into climate management is minimal. This can be achieved, for example, by configuring the measuring devices within the GridVis® software and adding the carbon footprint dashboard functionality. 

    The accounting process can be conducted either at the corporate level (Corporate Carbon Footprint, CCF) or at the product level (Product Carbon Footprint, PCF). The normative frameworks for this include the GHG Protocol, as well as ISO 14001, ISO 14064, and ISO 14067. 

    The CSRD mandates comprehensive metrics on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for obligated companies. Janitza can assist you in determining these key metrics. 

  • Climate management, including topics like resources, wastewater, and waste, is a part of environmental management, which in turn is integrated into sustainability management. Currently, unlike other areas such as energy management, there is no explicit standard for a structured climate management system. 

    However, content elements of an environmental management system according to ISO 14001 can be utilized for this purpose. Several standards exist for determining the corporate carbon footprint (CCF) and product carbon footprint (PCF), primarily the GHG Protocol, ISO 14067, and ISO 14064, which are considered the most common principles for carbon accounting or the creation of a reporting certificate or certificate. 

    The EMAS regulation (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) often forms the basis for environmental management systems. It is regarded as a voluntary standard for environmental management and was developed by the European Union. 

    Furthermore, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) of the EU regulates the disclosure of non-financial information, including climate data, for certain companies within the European Union. 

    Different standards in the fields of energy, climate, and environmental management overlap in some parts. For example, the EMAS regulation also includes the fundamental contents of climate management. Requirements and norms can also vary depending on the region and industry.

  • In order to minimize the effects of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly reduced, and measures for climate resilience need to be taken. While sustainability encompasses many aspects, both public perception and the forthcoming CSRD directive emphasize climate protection, with a focus on energy consumption and greenhouse gas accounting. The reduction of carbon emissions is recognized as one of the most crucial levers in the business community's sustainability efforts. Additionally, other benefits are identified: 

    • You gain transparency regarding emissions within your company. 
    • You save on energy costs and reduce resource consumption – emission drivers often overlap with cost drivers. 
    • You cut costs by reducing the portion of emissions that ultimately need to be offset. 
    • You position your company in the market as a sustainable one, increasing your appeal to customers, investors, and the public. This ensures long-term viability. 
    • You secure your competitiveness by planning for the long term and incorporating a climate strategy into your business model. 
    • Various funding models are linked to the sustainability of the company.
  • An existing energy management system forms a significant foundation for expanding a climate management system, as a large portion of carbon emissions originates from energy generation for the company. Consequently, data on scope 1 and scope 2 emissions are often already available or relatively easy to determine. 

    The additional effort required for expanding into climate management is minimal, such as configuring measuring devices within the GridVis® software and adding the carbon footprint dashboard functionality. 

    Do you have any questions about this? Please feel free to reach out to us. 

    • The use of Janitza measuring devices simplifies the process of collecting emissions data for you. With GridVis® software, you can capture all relevant energy consumption data, including electrical energy, steam, gas, oil, and district heating.
    • GridVis® software enhances the level of automation in your workflow, saving you time and money.
    • You gain access to a multitude of features for analysis, evaluation, key performance indicator generation, and data visualization. Identify data trends and establish meaningful correlations.
    • Reduce the effort required to comply with legal reporting obligations and increase the sustainability of your company.
    • You have complete flexibility: If you are already using our software for your energy management, you can also use it for climate-related tasks.