KarbonZ, spreadsheets or a consultant?
For employee-related Scope 3 data, there are three common routes: a spreadsheet survey you run yourself, a consultant-led inventory, or KarbonZ. KarbonZ suits companies that want measured employee data every month. It does not replace a full Scope 1, 2 and 3 inventory, and many companies use it alongside a consultant.
How do the three approaches compare?
| KarbonZ | Spreadsheet survey | Consultant-led | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the data comes from | Employees answer in the app and add bills; footprints update monthly | An annual survey sent by email | Consultant-designed survey plus estimates |
| Effort for the ESG team | Share a Corporate ID; the report is generated | Build, chase and clean the survey yourself | Brief the consultant and review drafts |
| Verification | Bills and ID-card checks; evidence level shown per employee | Self-reported only | Depends on the engagement |
| What employees get | Their own footprint, score and rewards | Nothing back | Usually nothing back |
| Scope covered | Employee-related Scope 3 only | Whatever you design | Full Scope 1, 2 and 3 if contracted |
| Best when | You want measured employee data every month | You have a small team and a simple footprint | You need a full inventory and assurance support |
When is KarbonZ not the right fit?
- You need Scope 1 and 2 accounting for your own sites and fleet. KarbonZ does not cover these.
- You need supplier (purchased goods) emissions. KarbonZ covers employee-related emissions only.
- Your employees cannot use a smartphone app or will not be asked to.
If that is you, a consultant-led inventory is the better start. You can add KarbonZ later for the employee share.