Corporate Carbon Footprint for all
The demands on businesses in Switzerland are increasing: with the Climate and Innovation Act (KlG), the target of net zero by 2050 has become legally binding. At the same time, investors, customers and public authorities expect increasingly detailed climate data, particularly for Scope 3 emissions, which often account for the largest share.
A key tool for this is the federal government’s Corporate Footprint Calculator (CCF). But how can this tool be used efficiently, and what are its limitations? This is precisely where ESU-services‘ consultancy services come in.
The Government’s CCF Calculator: An entry point to greenhouse gas accounting
With the Corporate Footprint Calculator, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) are providing a free tool. It serves as a basis for drawing up greenhouse gas inventories and net-zero roadmaps.
The Excel tool enables companies to:
- Record direct emissions (Scope 1)
- Calculate indirect energy emissions (Scope 2)
- Take into account upstream and downstream processes (Scope 3)
The tool is based on recognised methodologies such as the GHG Protocol and is adapted to Swiss legislation. The tool’s functionality and structure are fully documented and open-source. This means that functions and data scope can be adapted to company-specific needs, provided the terms of use are complied with.
The aim is to make it easier for companies to get started with a standardised, eligible carbon footprint assessment, as a basis for a net-zero roadmap, e.g. in accordance with the ITINERO programme.
Challenge Scope 3: Blind spot of many organizations
Whilst Scope 1 and 2 data is usually relatively readily available, experience shows that:
Scope 3 emissions account for the majority of emissions at many companies, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors.
This is precisely where many companies encounter limitations when using the CCF:
- limited background data for complex supply chains
- generic emission factors
- uncertainties regarding specific materials or services
- lack of differentiation for country-specific conditions
The result:
The CCF-tool is an excellent starting point, but sound strategic decisions often require greater depth.
Solution: Consultancy, model enhancement and support from ESU-services
ESU-services is one of the leading providers in the field of life cycle assessments and has actively contributed to the development of the BAFU:2025 database with several hundred data sets.
Building on this, ESU-services offers a targeted extension of the CCF calculation:
- Support with the application of the CCF tool
- Structuring of data collection
- Definition of relevant system boundaries
- Quality assurance of input data
- Interpretation of results
- Extended Scope 3 modelling
- Integration of specific life cycle assessment data instead of generic factors
- Detailing of supply chains
- Modelling of materials, products and services
- Derivation of measures
- Identification of the key emission drivers
- Prioritisation of reduction measures
- Support with net-zero roadmaps and funding applications
Added value for businesses
Combining the CCF tool with ESU’s expertise delivers clear added value:
- Greater accuracy in Scope 3 emissions
- Better decision-making foundations for procurement and design
- Transparent and auditable results
- Compatibility with net-zero roadmaps and funding schemes
- Time savings through standardised and automated processes
Conclusion: From tool to strategy
The Corporate Footprint Calculator is an important first step towards a climate strategy. However, sustainable transformation requires more than just standard values:
The future lies in the combination of tools, high-quality data and sound analysis.
With ESU-services, companies can:
- use the CCF efficiently
- substantially improve Scope 3 emissions
- and build their climate strategy on a robust data foundation
Your next step
Would you like to not only calculate your Corporate Carbon Footprint, but truly understand and optimise it?
Contact ESU-services for:
- an introduction to the CCF tool
- the expansion of your Scope 3 analysis
- or comprehensive support for your net-zero roadmap
Together, we turn data into tangible climate impact
