Frequently Asked Questions
We have collected answers to the questions our clients ask most often
Carbon footprint
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by an organization, product or person. It includes emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases. It is one of the methods of calculating the impact of a given enterprise on the climate.
Why is it worth calculating the carbon footprint?
It brings benefits on many levels:
- Environmental - you know exactly where the carbon footprint is highest and where to reduce it.
- Business and strategic - the ability to optimize processes, which translates into real cost reduction.
- Image and Employer Branding - benefits in PR, marketing and attracting clients and talent.
Annual calculation and reporting of the carbon footprint simply pays off.
How to calculate a carbon footprint?
We calculate the carbon footprint in accordance with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1 standards. You can use consulting or a ready-made tool (e.g. Plan Be Eco), into which companies enter the necessary data.
What are the scopes of the carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint is calculated in 3 Scopes:
- Scope 1 - direct emissions: fuel combustion, gas emissions from technological processes, company transport.
- Scope 2 - energy supplied from outside: electricity, heat, cooling.
- Scope 3 - indirect emissions in the value chain, divided into Upstream (purchased raw materials, transport, business travel, employee commuting) and Downstream (product transport, use, disposal).
Companies are required to report all three scopes.
How to reduce an organization’s carbon footprint?
Companies must change many things in their daily operations - change machines, processes, transport or suppliers to environmentally friendly ones. Care should be taken for employee education and habits. What cannot be reduced should be offset.
What is a carbon offset?
Offsetting is compensating the planet for the damage caused by emissions. Solutions include: afforestation, wetland rewetting, river renaturalization, greenhouse gas capture, and the purchase of carbon credits.
What is the digital carbon footprint?
The digital carbon footprint is the amount of CO₂e emitted by using the internet through electronic devices - watching videos, streaming, sending emails, transferring data. It is generated by powering routers, server rooms, and data transmission.
What is carbon neutrality (net zero)?
Carbon neutrality is a state in which emitted carbon dioxide is fully offset. To achieve it, emissions must be thoroughly analyzed, reduced where possible, and the rest offset.
Regulations & reporting
Who has to report their carbon footprint?
ESG reporting obligations under CSRD were revised in 2025 as part of the Omnibus I package (the "stop-the-clock" directive):
- Wave 1 (2025 - for 2024) - large public-interest entities (>500 employees) previously subject to non-financial reporting. First reports have already been filed.
- Wave 2 (2028 - for 2027) - other large companies. Originally to report from 2026, the deadline was postponed by 2 years.
- Wave 3 (2029 - for 2028) - listed SMEs. Originally from 2027, postponed by 2 years.
- Wave 4 (2029) - non-EU enterprises with turnover >150M EUR in the EU.
In addition, Omnibus I proposed raising the scope threshold from 250 to 1000 employees - legislative work is ongoing.
Regardless of formal obligation, many companies will be asked for ESG data by contractors, banks and investors - it is worth starting to measure your carbon footprint early.
What is True Cost?
True Cost is more than just a carbon footprint. It is a broader view of the planet’s resources needed to produce a given product. It takes into account not only CO₂ emissions but also shows the impact of production on the natural environment and local community.
Plan Be Eco - the tool
What is the Plan Be Eco software?
It is a comprehensive and standards-compliant tool created by Plan Be Eco that enables organizations to calculate and reduce their carbon footprint. ISAE 3000 certified, compliant with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1.
How does Plan Be Eco software help businesses?
It provides valuable data and insight into emission sources, helps identify reduction areas, supports ESG reporting in accordance with CSRD and ESRS. Reducing CO₂ emissions often goes hand in hand with saving money!
Is the software difficult to use?
We have designed our software to be as user-friendly and intuitive as possible. Reporting does not require specialized technical knowledge.
Can I customize the software to my needs?
Yes, customization options are available. Book a demo with our expert and let’s discuss the details!
What support does Plan Be Eco offer?
We have a built-in chat with experts where you can always send a message. According to the subscription plan, you may have dedicated support from our ESG expert.
Are discounts or promotions available?
Yes! Every year you will receive a discount on the annual subscription equal to the percentage of actual carbon footprint reduction (year over year). Offset reductions do not count toward the discount - only real reductions in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The maximum discount is 30%.
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