A baseline measurement is the first, complete measurement of an organisation’s CO₂ emissions (carbon footprint) — the starting point against which all future reduction is measured. It maps how much greenhouse gas a company causes directly and indirectly, divided across scope 1, 2 and 3 following the GHG Protocol. Without a baseline measurement there is no way to know where an organisation stands, or to substantiate targets and demonstrate progress.
What does a baseline measurement actually measure?
A baseline measurement maps an organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions, classified according to the three scopes of the GHG Protocol: scope 1 (direct emissions from owned sources, such as gas use and the vehicle fleet), scope 2 (emissions from purchased energy, such as electricity) and scope 3 (all other indirect emissions in the chain, from procurement and transport to use and disposal). Scope 3 is often the largest — and the most overlooked.
Why a baseline measurement?
- Baseline — a reference year against which progress is measured.
- Substantiated targets — only with a baseline can credible reduction targets be set.
- Insight into hotspots — it shows where the largest impact sits and where reduction delivers the most.
- Reporting and compliance — a baseline measurement is the basis for CSRD reporting, among others.
Baseline measurement, footprint and LCA: the difference
A CO₂ footprint is the emissions themselves; the baseline measurement is the first footprint recorded as a baseline. A life-cycle assessment (LCA) does not look at the organisation, but at the environmental impact of a single product across its entire life cycle. The baseline measurement works at organisation level per year; the LCA at product level. They reinforce each other.
How does a baseline measurement work?
- Set scope and boundaries — which parts and which scopes are included?
- Collect data — energy use, fuel, procurement, transport, waste and more.
- Calculate following the GHG Protocol — convert emissions into CO₂ equivalents.
- Report and hotspots — the result, with insight into where impact sits.
- Targets and plan — from baseline to reduction targets and a concrete action plan.
From baseline to reduction target
A baseline measurement is not an end in itself, but a point of departure. At New Economy the baseline is used not only to reduce emissions, but to move toward regenerative and net-positive business. The measurement feeds the strategy and the action plan. See From baseline measurement to reduction target and Baseline Footprint.
Frequently asked questions about the baseline measurement
The first complete measurement of an organisation’s CO₂ emissions, which serves as the reference point for future reduction.
A CO₂ footprint is the emissions themselves; the baseline measurement is the first footprint recorded as a baseline, or reference year.
Scope 1 is direct emissions from owned sources, scope 2 the emissions from purchased energy, and scope 3 all other indirect emissions in the chain.
Without a baseline there is no way to set substantiated targets, demonstrate progress or determine where the largest impact sits.
A baseline measurement measures the emissions of an entire organisation in a year; an LCA measures the environmental impact of a single product across its entire life cycle.
The baseline measurement is recorded once as a reference year; after that, measurement is periodic, usually annual, to track progress.
To find out where an organisation stands, see Baseline Footprint or Contact to start with a baseline.