Standards › Standard 2C › Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Standard operating procedure (SOP) · ENV-SOP-007 · Version 1.1 · Approved by the ASF Expert Committee
Supports: 2C.6
At a glance
- Calculate a baseline carbon footprint from energy and travel data, even a minimal one.
- Write the method, the data sources and the emission factors used.
- Date the baseline and repeat it when data allow.
- Plan to extend the scope as resources allow.
- Stop and get help straight away if: the baseline has no method, no date and no data source.
1. Purpose
To establish a dated carbon footprint baseline, using a documented method, so change can be measured over time [EC].
2. Scope
| Applies to | Facilities manager, energy lead, the person preparing the baseline |
| Locations | The whole facility |
| When | Baseline within 12 months; repeat when data allow |
| Does not apply to | Full life-cycle assessment of products |
3. Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Carbon footprint | Greenhouse gas emissions caused by the facility, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent |
| Emission factor | A standard value converting energy or travel into emissions |
| Scope | Categories of emission, such as direct fuel use, purchased electricity and travel |
4. Background
A basic carbon footprint is enough to start measuring change. Criterion 2C.6 asks for a baseline with method and sources, not a perfect calculation.
5. Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility | Competence |
|---|---|---|
| Energy lead | Prepares the calculation | Energy management (EC) |
| Facilities manager | Checks the data and signs the baseline | Facilities management |
| Chief executive | Accepts the baseline | Executive |
6. Materials and equipment
| Item | Requirement | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Energy records (ENV-FRM-008) | Latest 12 months | Available |
| Travel records (staff and transport) | Latest 12 months where available | Available |
| Emission factor table | From an agreed national or international source (EC) | Dated |
7. Safety
- None specific.
8. Before you start
- Agree the scope and the emission factor source.
9. Procedure
Step 1. Define the scope and the source.
- Define which emission sources are included: fuel, purchased electricity, and travel where data exist.
- Record the emission factor source and version.
Key point: A stated scope lets the next baseline be compared.
Step 2. Collect the data.
- Collect 12 months of energy and travel data.
- Record the data source for each item.
Key point: Data sources are what make the figure checkable.
Step 3. Calculate and date.
- Calculate the emissions by source.
- Record the date, the method, the total and the scope on ENV-FRM-009.
Key point: A figure without a date and method cannot be repeated.
Step 4. Repeat and extend.
- Repeat the calculation each year or when data allow.
- Each repeat extends the scope if resources allow, and records the change in scope.
Key point: Repeat calculations show the trend.
10. Decision points
- If data are missing for a source, record it as excluded and say why.
11. Special situations
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| No travel data | Record the gap, estimate by a stated method, and mark it as an estimate. |
12. Escalation
- Any major gap in data is reported to the facilities manager.
13. Monitoring
| Measure | Target | Frequency | Owner | If not met |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline dated, with method and sources | Yes | Yearly | Facilities manager | Correct within 30 days |
| Repeat calculated when data allow | Yes | Yearly | Energy lead | Escalate |
14. Records
| Record | Kept in | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| ENV-FRM-009 Carbon Footprint Baseline Record | Governance file | the period set by the facility’s records policy years |
15. Training
- Energy lead is trained in the method (EC).
16. Related documents
| ID | Title | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ENV-FRM-009 | Carbon Footprint Baseline Record | Used in step 3 |
| ENV-SOP-006 | Energy Use Monitoring and Reduction | Data source |
17. Evidence
| Reference | Note |
|---|---|
| E-006 | ASF Policy Framework v1.2. Adapted. |
| E-009 | ASF Expert Committee consensus. Emission factor sources set by the ASF Expert Committee by the committee. |
18. Change history
| Version | Date | What changed | Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | the date of approval | First version | Approved by the ASF Expert Committee |
| 1.1 | the date of approval | Internal quality review: corrected cross-references, status wording and document control | Approved by the ASF Expert Committee |
E-learning for this document
No e-learning course is linked to this document yet.
Planned course: Carbon footprint baseline. New course planned.
References
- Accréditation Sans Frontières (2026). ASF Expert Committee consensus on Standard 1. (E-009)
- Accréditation Sans Frontières (2026). ASF Policy Framework v1.2. (E-006)