Common Challenges Faced by Hazardous Waste Companies
Many companies already possess environmental permits, operational systems, and waste management documentation. However, not all of them have traceable carbon emission data.
When clients, investors, or buyers request carbon footprint data, companies often have to start gathering the information from scratch. This process can be time-consuming because the data is scattered across various departments.
Another issue is a lack of clarity regarding calculation boundaries; companies often do not know which activities fall under Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3.
When data is disorganized, it becomes difficult for companies to assess opportunities for emission reduction. Yet, identifying these opportunities could serve as a foundation for cost efficiency, improved environmental performance, and preliminary carbon credit assessments.
What Are the Emission Sources for Hazardous Waste Companies?
Every company has unique operational characteristics. However, for hazardous waste companies, emission sources generally stem from several key activities.
First, emissions from vehicle fuel. Waste transportation, fleet mobilization, and the use of heavy machinery can generate direct emissions.
Second, emissions from electricity consumption. Waste treatment facilities typically rely on electricity to power treatment machinery, pumps, blowers, laboratory equipment, lighting systems, and other supporting apparatus.
Third, emissions from operational processes. Specific activities—such as treatment, incineration, heating, or other supporting processes—can generate emissions that need to be accounted for.
Fourth, emissions from the supply chain. If required, companies can also calculate indirect emissions associated with third parties, vendors, transportation, or other activities linked to company operations.
How to Calculate Carbon Emissions for Hazardous Waste Companies
Calculating carbon emissions begins with defining the calculation boundaries. These boundaries encompass the facilities, timeframes, operational activities, and emission scopes to be included in the calculation.
Next, the company must gather activity data. The data typically required includes consumption of electricity, fuel, gas, and refrigerants, as well as vehicle mileage, equipment operating hours, waste volumes, and other supporting information.
This data is then calculated using appropriate emission factors. The result indicates the total emissions in tonnes of CO₂e.
However, calculating emissions is not merely about the final figure; companies must also interpret the results.
Actia helps companies answer that question through an approach that is well-structured, easy to understand, and aligned with business needs.
What Is a GHG Inventory and Why Is It Important?
A GHG Inventory is an accounting of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a company’s activities. For companies handling hazardous and toxic waste (B3), a GHG Inventory helps identify emission sources and quantify the emissions generated by operational activities.
This data is crucial as it serves as the foundation for various requirements—ranging from ESG and sustainability reports, PROPER assessments, and carbon footprint calculations to data requests from buyers or business partners.
When compiling a GHG Inventory, companies can utilize international standards—such as the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard—as a reference for calculating corporate emissions.
Without a GHG Inventory, a company relies merely on assumptions. With one, the company possesses data that is clearer, easier to explain, and ready for use in decision-making.
Can Hazardous Waste Management Generate Carbon Credits?
While the potential can be assessed, not all hazardous waste management activities automatically qualify for carbon credits.
Companies need to consider emission baselines, methodologies, operational data, reduction potential, and MRV readiness. Furthermore, any activity claimed as an emission reduction must be technically verifiable.
In the Indonesian context, information regarding carbon credits and SPE-GRK (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Certificates) can be found via IDXCarbon and the National Registry System for Climate Change Control.
Therefore, the appropriate first step is not to immediately sell carbon credits. Instead, the initial phase involves calculating emissions, establishing a baseline, and identifying realistic reduction opportunities.
Actia assists companies in conducting preliminary carbon credit assessments to determine whether their operational activities have the potential to be developed into carbon projects.
Data Required for Corporate Carbon Emission Calculation Services
To calculate a company’s carbon emissions, the necessary data is typically derived from daily business activities.
This data may include electricity bills; consumption of diesel, gasoline, LPG, and other gases; refrigerant usage; vehicle counts; travel distances; equipment operating hours; waste volumes; facility capacities; and processing records.
If the data is incomplete, there is no need for immediate concern. Actia can assist in mapping out the data already available versus the data that still needs to be gathered.
Through this process, the company can identify data gaps. Consequently, the calculation process becomes more focused and avoids confusion for the internal team.
Corporate Carbon Emission Calculation Service Outputs from Actia