As a small business, collecting data for emissions reporting doesn't have to be complicated. What we need is your spend data - information about what your business has purchased. Here's how to gather everything efficiently and effectively.
What Spend Data You Need
Your emissions reporting requires spend information from:
- Your purchases of goods and services
- Your utility payments (electricity, gas, etc.)
- Your fuel expenses
- Your business travel costs
- Your other operational expenses
Where to Find Your Spend Data
Most small businesses already have this information stored in their regular business systems. Look for it in:
- Your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
- Annual financial statements
- Accounts payable records
- Purchase orders and invoices
- Expense reports
Making Data Collection Manageable
Start with what you have. The goal isn't perfection – it's about building a clear picture of your business spending. Here are some practical tips:
Focus on What Matters
Begin with your largest expenses. These typically account for the majority of your emissions and are the easiest to track.
Keep it Organized
Create a simple system for collecting your spend data. This might be as straightforward as an export from your accounting system or a spreadsheet tracking major purchases.
Document Your Process
Make note of where you found different pieces of information. This will make future reporting much easier and help identify any gaps in your data collection.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Dealing with Incomplete Records
If you don't have every single purchase record, don't worry. You can:
- Use estimates based on available months
- Document any assumptions you make
- Update with actual spend data when available
Managing Multiple Locations
For businesses with several sites:
- Collect spend data separately for each location
- Note any shared expenses
- Combine information systematically
Next Steps After Collection
Once you've gathered your spend data:
- Review it for completeness
- Organize it clearly by supplier and category if possible
- Submit through the Emitwise platform
- Keep records for future reference
Need help collecting your spend data? Our support team is here to assist at support@emitwise.com or through our platform chat. We can guide you through finding and organizing the information you need.
Remember: The goal is progress, not perfection. Start with the spend data you have, and improve your collection process over time.