Introduction to Carbon Accounting and Markets

This program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in evidence-based sustainability management and climate action. Course syllabus Lecture 1: Understanding the Basics Theme: The science and logic behind carbon accounting Topics: 1. Climate Change and the Role of Carbon Accounting o Greenhouse gases and their global impact o The concept of carbon neutrality o Why organizations track emissions 2. Introduction to GHG Accounting Frameworks o GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, IPCC guidelines o Scopes 1, 2, and 3 explained with examples 3. Practical Exercise o Simple activity: estimating your own carbon footprint (individual or household) o Discussion on sources and reduction possibilities Lecture 2: Calculating and Managing Emissions Theme: Turning theory into practice Sessions: 1. GHG Inventorisation and Data Collection o Understanding activity data and emission factors o Tools and templates for Scope 1 and Scope 2 calculation o Live walkthrough of a simple Excel-based calculator 2. Scope 3 and the Value Chain o What counts as indirect emissions o Case examples from agriculture, manufacturing, or services 3. Setting Targets and Tracking Progress o Science-based targets, carbon intensity metrics o Basics of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) o Hands-on demo: sample tracking dashboard Lecture 3: From Accounting to Action Theme: Linking carbon data to climate action and markets Sessions: 1. Carbon Offsetting and Neutrality Strategies o What offsets are and how they work o Voluntary vs compliance markets o Evaluating credible carbon credits 2. Introduction to Carbon Markets (India and Global) o Indian Carbon Market overview o International trends: VCM, Article 6, CBAM in simple terms 3. Corporate Reporting and Next Steps o Basics of disclosure (BRSR, CDP, ESG frameworks) o How small and medium organizations can begin o Final group discussion: Building your carbon roadmap