Do you use an economic intensity metric to demonstrate carbon improvements?

One effective way to show improvement, even when absolute emissions increase, is by using an 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰—such as CO₂ emissions per unit of revenue (see simple example in the image attached).

This approach highlights efficiency gains and provides meaningful insights into sustainability progress.

Here’s why it’s useful:

✅ 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 – If a company expands operations while improving efficiency, absolute emissions might rise, but emissions per pound of revenue can decrease, showing sustainability improvements alongside growth.

✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 – A business investing in energy-efficient technologies may not see an immediate drop in total emissions, but a lower emissions intensity per pound earned demonstrates progress.

✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 – Different sectors have varying emissions profiles. Measuring intensity allows businesses to benchmark sustainability efforts against industry peers more effectively.

While absolute emissions remain a critical metric, economic intensity provides additional context, especially for growing businesses. By tracking and communicating efficiency improvements, companies can showcase their sustainability progress while scaling operations.