Role of Carbon Auditors in times of Mounting

Carbon Emissions – An Evaluation

Ms. Jyothi G. H. & Dr. Dileep Kumar S. D.

Abstract: The escalating levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pose a critical challenge to global efforts aimed at
mitigating climate change impacts. India, as one of the world’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide, faces significant pressure
to curb its emissions while maintaining economic growth. Carbon auditors play a pivotal role in assessing, quantifying,
and verifying carbon footprints of organizations, industries, and regions. In the face of increasing emissions, their role
becomes even more crucial for effective emission reduction strategies and carbon management.
This study tries to examine and show the role of carbon auditors in addressing the growing carbon emissions. For this
purpose, operational statistics of carbon emissions in different dimensions for a period of 20 years, from 2003 to 2022,
are collected and used. For evaluation of carbon emissions and also its impact on environment, descriptive statistics,
Independent samples ‘t’ test, Correlation and One-way ANOVA are used.
Besides, the findings of this study provide insights into the evolving landscape of carbon auditing in India and its
broader implications for climate change mitigation strategies. By understanding the role of carbon auditors amidst
mounting carbon emissions, this study enables policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental practitioners to
develop effective strategies to address the climate crisis while fostering sustainable development.

Keywords: ESG, GHG, CRI, Carbon Footprint, Per Capita Emission, Carbon Auditors, etc.

Introduction This is true, even in the case of India’s commitments

Global climate change refers to the long-term alteration to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions encompass a
of Earth’s climate patterns, primarily driven by human multifaceted approach aimed at balancing economic
activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, development with environmental sustainability. As one
and industrial processes. The emission of greenhouse of the world’s largest emitters, India recognizes the
urgent need to address climate change while fostering
gases, particularly carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
inclusive growth and poverty alleviation. The country’s
oxide, traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising
commitments include targets outlined in its Nationally
temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, sea
Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris
level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events.
Agreement, which entail reducing the emissions
These changes have profound impacts on ecosystems,
intensity of its GDP, increasing the share of non-fossil
biodiversity, agriculture, water resources, and human fuel-based energy mix, and enhancing carbon sinks
societies worldwide. Mitigating climate change through afforestation and reforestation efforts. India has
requires urgent and coordinated efforts to reduce also embarked on ambitious renewable energy initiatives,
greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable such as the National Solar Mission and the promotion
energy sources, enhance efficiency, conserve natural of wind power, to transition towards a cleaner and more
resources, and adapt to the unavoidable impacts of sustainable energy future. Additionally, the government
climate change. International cooperation and policy is implementing policies and measures to improve
actions are essential to limit global warming to well energy effiency, promote sustainable transportation, and
below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-idustrial levels, as enhance resilience to climate impacts. Through these
outlined in the Paris Agreement, and strive for even commitments and actions, India seeks to play a proactive
more ambitious targets to avoid the most severe role in the global fight against climate change while
consequences of climate change. advancing its development objectives.

Ms. Jyothi G.H, Dr. Dileep Kumar S. D.,

Assistant Professor, PESITM, Shivamogga PES Institute of Advanced Management Studies, Shivamogga,
Karnataka
Factors Influencing/Responsible for alarming Moving forward, outdated and inefficient energy
level of GHG Emissions infrastructure contributes to higher emissions. In
As already stated, Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, many regions, energy production and consumption
primarily from carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), practices lack the technological advancements needed
and nitrous oxide (N2O), are at alarming levels due to for higher efficiency and lower emissions. Insufficient
a complex interplay of various factors. The reasons are or poorly enforced environmental regulations allow for
diverse such as human activities, industrial processes, unchecked emissions. Lack of global coordination and
agricultural practices, deforestation, and socio- commitment to climate agreements hampers efforts to
economic factors etc. reduce GHG emissions at the necessary scale.
The human activities causing increase in the emissions Besides, high consumption of energy-intensive
due to the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural goods and services, particularly in developed nations,
gas) for energy production are the largest single source of drives up emissions. Consumer demand for fast
GHG emissions. Power plants, industrial processes, and
fashion, processed foods, and electronic devices
residential heating all contribute significantly to CO2
adds significantly to the carbon footprint. Similarly,
emissions.Transportation, relying heavily on gasoline and
inefficient waste management practices, including
diesel, also adds a substantial amount of CO2 and other
pollutants to the atmosphere. As is known, industries landfilling and incineration without proper controls,
such as cement, steel, and chemical manufacturing emit release CH4 and CO2.
large quantities of CO2 and other GHGs. On the lines of the above, addressing these complex
Even, the agriculture sector is a major source of CH4 issues requires comprehensive and coordinated global
emissions, particularly from enteric fermentation in efforts across all these domains.
ruminant livestock (Cows, Sheep, and Goats) and
Carbon Footprint and its Calculation
manure management. Rice paddies also emit CH4
due to anaerobic decomposition of organic material A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of
in flooded fields. The use of synthetic fertilizers in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, that
agriculture contributes to N2O emissions. N2O is are emitted directly or indirectly by human activities
released from soils and water bodies following the like transportation, energy production, and industrial
application of nitrogen-based fertilizers, especially in processes. It is a measure of the impact individuals,
poorly managed or over-fertilized fields. organizations, or products have on the environment
in terms of contributing to climate change. Reducing
In the meantime, cutting down forests for timber,
agriculture, or urban development reduces the planet’s carbon footprints is critical for combating global
capacity to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. warming and minimizing environmental degradation,
Forests act as carbon sinks, and their destruction not often through strategies like energy efficiency
only releases stored carbon but also diminishes future improvements, renewable energy adoption, and
absorption potential. Converting natural landscapes sustainable practices. Carbon footprints are different
into agricultural or urban areas releases significant from a country’s reported per capita emissions (for
amounts of CO2 stored in vegetation and soil. Peat example, those reported under the United Nations
land drainage and wetland conversion are particularly Framework Convention on Climate Change).
carbon-intensive land use changes. Calculating a carbon footprint involves assessing
the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced
Further, the rapid industrialization and economic
directly and indirectly by an individual, organization,
development increase energy consumption and
product, or activity. This typically includes measuring
GHG emissions. Emerging economies, in particular,
experience surges in emissions as they expand their emissions from activities such as energy consumption,
industrial base and infrastructure. A growing global transportation, waste generation, and manufacturing
population increases demand for energy, food, and processes. The calculation often involves using
goods, all of which contribute to higher GHG standardized emission factors and data specific to each
emissions. More people lead to greater consumption activity to estimate the total carbon dioxide equivalent
of resources and higher waste production. Urban (CO2e) emissions. Understanding and quantifying
areas concentrate economic activities and energy use, carbon footprints is essential for identifying
often leading to higher per capita emissions. However, opportunities to reduce emissions, setting emission
inefficient infrastructure and energy use patterns in reduction targets, and tracking progress towards
cities exacerbate the problem. sustainability goals.

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 57

Carbon Footprint Reduction and its Sources waste decomposes anaerobically. Waste incineration
Individuals and corporations can take a number of steps can also release CO2 and other pollutants. Energy use in
to reduce their carbon footprints and thus contribute buildings for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances
to global climate mitigation. They can purchase carbon contributes to CO2 emissions, particularly from the
offsets (broadly stated, an investment in a carbon- combustion of fossil fuels. Understanding these sources
reducing activity or technology) to compensate for is crucial for developing strategies to reduce GHG
part of their entire carbon footprint. If they purchase emissions and mitigate climate change. Many efforts
enough to offset their carbon footprint, they become focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources,
effectively carbon neutral. improving energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture
practices, and enhancing waste management techniques
Carbon footprints can be reduced through improving to minimize emissions across these sectors.
energy efficiency and changing lifestyles and purchasing
habits. Switching one’s energy and transportation use Carbon Emissions Audit and Carbon Auditor
can have an impact on primary carbon footprints. For A carbon emissions audit involves assessing and
example, using public transportation, such as buses and quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
trains, reduces an individual’s carbon footprint when produced by an organization, business, or individual.
compared with driving. Individuals and corporations This process typically includes analyzing energy
can reduce their respective carbon footprints by consumption, transportation activities, waste generation,
installing energy-efficient lighting, adding insulation in and other sources of emissions to identify the carbon
buildings, or using renewable energy sources to generate footprint of the entity. The audit aims to measure the
the electricity they require. For example, electricity total amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
generation from wind power produces no direct carbon emissions and identify areas where emissions can be
emissions. Additional lifestyle choices that can lower reduced or mitigated. Conducting a carbon emissions
an individual’s secondary carbon footprint include audit is essential for understanding environmental
reducing one’s consumption of meat and switching one’s impacts, setting emission reduction targets, and
purchasing habits to products that require fewer carbon implementing strategies to transition towards a more
emissions to produce and transport. sustainable and low-carbon operation. The audit results
Sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can can inform decision-making, support climate action
be categorized into several key sectors. The Energy plans, and demonstrate commitment to environmental
Sector is the largest source of GHG emissions globally, stewardship and corporate responsibility.
including emissions from burning fossil fuels for A carbon auditor is a professional who specializes in
electricity generation, heating, and transportation. conducting carbon emissions audits for organizations
Coal, oil, and natural gas combustion release carbon or businesses. Their role involves assessing and
dioxide (CO2), while methane (CH4) can be emitted analyzing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
during extraction and transportation. In transportation, produced by the entity, identifying sources of emissions,
vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel engines emit and quantifying the carbon footprint. Carbon auditors
CO2 and other pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NO x). use various methodologies and tools to collect data on
Aviation and shipping also contribute significant energy consumption, transportation activities, waste
GHG emissions. Industries in manufacturing generation, and other relevant factors contributing to
processes, such as cement production, steelmaking, emissions. Based on the audit findings, they provide
and chemical manufacturing, release CO2 and other recommendations for reducing emissions, improving
GHGs. Industrial activities can also produce methane energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable
and nitrous oxide (N2O). Agricultural activities like practices to minimize environmental impact. Carbon
livestock farming, particularly cattle and sheep, produce auditors play a crucial role in helping organizations
methane through enteric fermentation (digestion) and understand their carbon footprint, comply with
manure management. Rice cultivation and the use of regulations, and achieve sustainability goals by guiding
synthetic fertilizers in agriculture also contribute to them towards effective emission reduction strategies.
N2O emissions. Land Use and Forestry connected
with deforestation, primarily for agriculture or urban Process and Categories of Audit Certification
development, reduces the capacity of forests to absorb The GHG protocol used in audits by CRI is
CO2, leading to increased emissions. Forest degradation versatile and applicable to organizations of various
and wildfires can also release stored carbon. Waste sizes and types when creating their greenhouse gas
Management Landfills produce methane as organic (GHG) inventory. This includes large multinational

58 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

corporations, energy-intensive industries, and small employee transportation, not directly controlled
to medium enterprises (SMEs). The protocol defines by the company. Understanding these scopes
boundaries and emission scopes to prevent double- helps businesses identify emission reduction
counting at national, state, or industry levels. Emission opportunities and track where emissions occur
scopes are important for organizations because they along their supply chain.
provide consistency and clarity when assessing their
emissions responsibilities. They help organizations After conducting a carbon footprint analysis,
understand and manage their environmental impact organizations receive a detailed audit report that helps
more effectively. There are five types of audits conducted them understand their greenhouse gas inventory. This
by CRI’s expert team, depending on the level of report is crucial for planning future reductions in
certification needed: the company’s carbon footprint. By identifying each
emission source, the report enables organizations to
a) No CO2 Certification: This is the highest level develop strategies to reduce emissions, understand the
for businesses aiming to become carbon neutral. It cost-effectiveness of these strategies, and assess their
covers all emissions the business is responsible for. feasibility. Additionally, the report raises awareness
about any reporting requirements under energy and
b) Low CO2 Certification: This is a study of the
emissions legislation, ensuring compliance with
operational footprint designed for businesses that
regulations.
cannot achieve No CO2 or Carbon Neutral status
feasibly. Literature Review and Identification of Research
Gap
c) Product Life-Cycle Analysis: This audit examines
all emissions related to the production and delivery The literature review encompasses various facets
of products. of carbon emissions, climate change impacts, and
mitigation strategies, providing a comprehensive
d) Event Assessment: This audit measures all inputs understanding of the challenges and opportunities
and outputs associated with running an event. within this domain. Sunil Nautiyal et al. (2023)
e) Customized Audits: These audits are tailored emphasize the importance of transitioning to low-
to meet specific business needs. For example, a carbon options driven by concerns for family well-
customized audit for a winery would include details being, with cost and quality parity being critical
about grape cultivation, fertilizers used, packaging factors influencing adoption. S.N. Nandy (2023)
materials, and more. emphasizes the need to balance economic growth with
environmental impact assessment, highlighting the
Criteria’s and Results for Audit spatial distribution of carbon emissions in relation to
When compiling a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, economic indicators and advocating for sustainable
two types of boundaries need to be set: organizational resource planning. H. Pathak et al. (2010) suggest
boundaries and operational boundaries. Organizational dietary changes as a means to mitigate greenhouse gas
boundaries help businesses identify GHG-emitting emissions, emphasizing the importance of considering
activities that directly relate to their operations. CRI nutritional factors alongside environmental impact.
uses a control rationale, focusing on emissions from Kuldip Singh Sangwan et al. (2018) identify energy
activities under their direct control rather than based consumption, particularly from air-conditioning and
on ownership shares. They believe consumers should be commuting, as major contributors to greenhouse gas
accountable for the environmental impact of products emissions in Indian universities, stressing the need for
they purchase. Operational boundaries allow businesses carbon management plans. Himani Maheshwari and
to categorize emissions into different scopes based on Kamal Jain (2017) reveal the significant rise in fossil
control and ownership. fuel usage and carbon footprint in India, particularly
from coal and petroleum products. Rosaliya Kurian
a) Scope - 1: Direct GHG emissions from sources et al. (2021) highlight the importance of optimizing
owned or controlled by the business, like emissions carbon emissions through framework analysis, offering
from company-owned vehicles and equipment. insights into computation methods and their impact
b) Scope - 2: Indirect GHG emissions from purchased on results, with implications for green construction and
electricity consumed by the company. sustainable development efforts. T.V. Ramachandra
and Shwetmala (2012) provide a decentralized carbon
c) Scope - 3: Other indirect GHG emissions from inventory for India, identifying major contributors to
activities like waste, materials production, and CO2 emissions and highlighting regions with high

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 59

carbon sequestration potential. Ranjeet Singh et al. Research Methodology
(2018) outline the significance of carbon footprint For the purpose of examining the role of carbon
analysis in the food industry, emphasizing its role auditors in times of mounting carbon emissions,
in enhancing market potential and stakeholder especially focusing on the state of greenhouse gas
engagement. Kala Seetharam Sridhar (2010) discusses (GHG) emissions in India, relevant data was collected
the role of urban areas in climate change, focusing on and used for a period of 20 years. Hence, the period of
the carbon footprint of Indian cities and advocating study is 20 years from 2003 to 2022.
for infrastructure development to support low-carbon
growth. For obvious reasons, this study is primarily based on
secondary data. The major source of relevant data is the
On the lines of the above, many scholars have worked reports of EDGAR (Emissions Database for Global
and investigated various facets of how cultural, social, Atmospheric Research).
and economic contexts influence individuals’ and
communities’ responses to climate change mitigation This research institution has prepared many reports for
efforts. Understanding these dynamics could enhance its use and also provides independent emission estimates
the effectiveness of mitigation strategies tailored to compared to those reported by European Member States
diverse socio-geographic contexts, particularly in or by Parties under the United Framework Convention
India’s varied landscape. Hence, the present study on Climate Change (UNFCCC), using international
endeavors to address this research gap in whatever statistics and a consistent IPCC methodology. Some of
little way it can. the reports, manuals, etc., are very relevant for the present
study. These include annual reports and operational
Research Questions statistics (yearly publication). Necessary details are
1) What are the major sources of GHG emissions in collected from these reports and other publications
India? of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC), which is the nodal agency in the
2) How do carbon auditors contribute to monitoring administrative structure of the Central Government for
and reporting carbon emissions? the planning, promotion, coordination and overseeing
of the implementation of India’s environmental and
3) What strategies can carbon auditors employ to
forestry policies and programmes, as well as the Central
effectively reduce carbon emissions?
Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Further, the required
Research Objectives details and statistics are also collected from other
secondary sources such as books, journals, newspapers,
1) To examine the current state of GHG emissions in
websites, reports, etc.
India.
For the purpose of analysis of data, a few descriptive
2) To evaluate the role of carbon auditors in
statistical tools such as Range, Minimum, Maximum,
monitoring and reporting carbon emissions.
Mean (measure of central tendency), Standard
3) To assess the effectiveness of carbon audits in Deviation (SD) and Variance besides compound annual
mitigating carbon emissions. growth rate (CAGR) were used for analysis. Further,
independent samples ‘t’ test, correlation and one-way
Research Hypotheses ANOVA were carried out for testing the hypotheses.
Keeping in mind the above objectives of the study, The present study is purely descriptive research.
the following null hypotheses are formulated for
testing: Analysis and Interpretation of Data
As already stated, the present study examines the
(1) H01: There exists no significant difference between current state of GHG emissions in India and globally
the growth in the GHG emission level in India from the point of view of (i) GHG Total Emission
and globally during the study period. in India and at Global Level (ii) GHG Emission per
(2) H02: There exists no significant relationship GDP in India and at Global Level (iii) GHG Emission
between the growth of GHG emission level in per capita in India and at Global Level (vi) Sector Wise
India and the World. CO2 Emission in India (v) Sector Wise CH4 Emission
in India and (vi) Sector Wise N2O Emission in India.
(3) H03: There exists no significant difference in the Based on this analysis and the testing of hypotheses,
mean contribution of different sectors to India’s it evaluates and shows the role of carbon auditors in
GHG level. monitoring and reporting carbon emissions.

60 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

Table – 1: GHG Total Emission in India and at Global Level (in Metric tons)
% Contribution
Year India Trend (%) Global Trend (%)
by India
2003 2026.2500 100.0000 39354.8510 100.0000 5.1487
2004 2130.2324 105.1318 40981.8483 104.1342 5.1980
2005 2203.1002 108.7280 42318.4285 107.5304 5.2060
2006 2307.9237 113.9012 43539.5666 110.6333 5.3008
2007 2451.9315 121.0083 44859.8675 113.9882 5.4658
2008 2565.1068 126.5938 45168.4650 114.7723 5.6790
2009 2718.8565 134.1817 44750.3949 113.7100 6.0756
2010 2839.9431 140.1576 46991.5667 119.4048 6.0435
2011 2965.6070 146.3594 48409.2168 123.0070 6.1261
2012 3144.3553 155.1810 49068.9014 124.6832 6.4080
2013 3182.9816 157.0873 49875.6751 126.7332 6.3818
2014 3357.5312 165.7017 50242.9975 127.6666 6.6826
2015 3389.8824 167.2983 50134.3838 127.3906 6.7616
2016 3443.2935 169.9343 50343.0444 127.9208 6.8397
2017 3590.0315 177.1761 51195.4191 130.0867 7.0124
2018 3754.6233 185.2991 52398.1433 133.1428 7.1656
2019 3731.1230 184.1393 52557.3353 133.5473 7.0991
2020 3519.1215 173.6766 50632.3095 128.6558 6.9503
2021 3754.6265 185.2993 53056.6077 134.8159 7.0766
2022 3943.2646 194.6090 53786.0389 136.6694 7.3314
CAGR 3.38% 1.57%
Source: https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/report_2023#emissions_table
Table - 1.1: Descriptive Statistics
Range Minimum Maximum Mean SD Variance
India 1917.01 2026.25 3943.26 3050.9893 610.15 372292.46
Global 14431.19 39354.85 53786.04 47983.2531 4241.54 17990682.53
Sources: SPSS Output

It is clear from Table 1 and Table 1.1 that the are much higher, ranging from 14431.19 to 53786.04
Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of total metric tons, with a mean of around 47983 metric tons
GHG emission in India (3.3851%) is more than the and a standard deviation of 4241.54. This shows a wider
global growth rate of 1.5742%. The total greenhouse range and a higher average compared to India, reflecting
gas (GHG) emissions for India range from 1917.01 to the greater diversity and scale of emissions worldwide.
3943.26 metric tons, with a mean of approximately 3051 The variance in global emissions is considerably larger,
metric tons and a standard deviation of 610.15. This indicating more substantial differences between
indicates that emissions can vary significantly within countries or regions. While India’s emissions are notable,
India, but on average, they fall around the 3000-4000 they represent a smaller proportion of the global total,
metric ton range. In contrast, global GHG emissions where emissions are more extensive and variable.

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 61

Table – 2: GHG Emission per GDP in India and at Global Level (in Metric tons)
Year India Trend (%) Global Trend (%)
2003 0.6337 100.0000 0.5267 100.0000
2004 0.6173 97.4150 0.5216 99.0333
2005 0.5915 93.3514 0.5149 97.7693
2006 0.5735 90.4983 0.5039 95.6651
2007 0.5659 89.3019 0.4937 93.7342
2008 0.5743 90.6274 0.4837 91.8366
2009 0.5643 89.0571 0.4826 91.6303
2010 0.5433 85.7377 0.4826 91.6225
2011 0.5391 85.0737 0.4788 90.9011
2012 0.5420 85.5337 0.4702 89.2731
2013 0.5157 81.3867 0.4630 87.9127
2014 0.5065 79.9276 0.4513 85.6798
2015 0.4735 74.7225 0.4359 82.7688
2016 0.4443 70.1111 0.4244 80.5774
2017 0.4337 68.4481 0.4163 79.0380
2018 0.4261 67.2461 0.4114 78.1037
2019 0.4077 64.3347 0.4015 76.2261
2020 0.4083 64.4360 0.3986 75.6858
2021 0.3995 63.0427 0.3934 74.7027
2022 0.3921 61.8755 0.3857 73.2377
CAGR -2.3717% -1.5452%

Source: https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/report_2023#emissions_table
Table - 2.1: Descriptive Statistics
Range Minimum Maximum Mean SD Variance
India 0.24 0.39 0.63 0.5076 0.07815 0.006
Global 0.14 0.39 0.53 0.4570 0.04562 0.002
Source: SPSS Output
It is evident from the above tables that the Compounded metric ton per GDP unit on average. Comparatively,
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of GHG emission per at the global level, the emission intensity spans from
GDP in India (-2.3717%) is lower than the global 0.14 to 0.53 metric tons per GDP unit, with a mean
growth rate of -1.5452%. The analysis of greenhouse of about 0.4570 and a standard deviation of 0.04562.
gas (GHG) emissions per GDP unit reveals interesting This indicates slightly lower average emission intensity
findings for India and globally. In India, the emission compared to India, with less variability globally in
intensity ranges from 0.24 to 0.63 metric tons of GHG terms of emissions per unit of GDP. These metrics
per unit of GDP, with an average of approximately highlight India’s relative emissions efficiency compared
0.5076 and a standard deviation of 0.07815. This to global averages, where efforts to maintain or reduce
suggests that India’s GHG emissions relative to its this intensity are critical for sustainable development
GDP vary significantly but tend to be around half a and climate action.

62 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

Table – 3: GHG Emission per capita in India and at Global Level (in Metric tons)
Year India Trend (%) Global Trend (%)
2003 1.8287 100.0000 6.1687 100.0000
2004 1.8916 103.4411 6.3442 102.8452
2005 1.9256 105.2983 6.4702 104.8877
2006 1.9862 108.6129 6.5748 106.5828
2007 2.0785 113.6587 6.6907 108.4620
2008 2.1427 117.1697 6.6540 107.8665
2009 2.2391 122.4417 6.5118 105.5621
2010 2.3071 126.1587 6.7550 109.5036
2011 2.3777 130.0236 6.8749 111.4485
2012 2.4895 136.1328 6.8854 111.6181
2013 2.4895 136.1355 6.9160 112.1136
2014 2.5950 141.9029 6.8858 111.6250
2015 2.5896 141.6077 6.7924 110.1099
2016 2.6003 142.1965 6.7441 109.3273
2017 2.6808 146.5945 6.7828 109.9545
2018 2.7729 151.6315 6.8672 111.3233
2019 2.7260 149.0658 6.8152 110.4807
2020 2.5442 139.1261 6.4976 105.3313
2021 2.6868 146.9256 6.7375 109.2205
2022 2.7938 152.7776 6.7623 109.6224
CAGR 2.14% 0.46%
Source: https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/report_2023#emissions_table
Table – 3.1: Descriptive Statistics
Range Minimum Maximum Mean SD Variance
India 0.97 1.83 2.79 2.3873 0.31580 0.100
Global 0.75 6.17 6.92 6.6865 0.20070 0.040
Source: SPSS Output

A close observation of the above tables shows that deviation of 0.31580. This indicates a moderate level of
the per capita Compounded Annual Growth Rate emissions per person within India, with some variability
(CAGR) of GHG emission in India (2.1417%) is across the population. In contrast, at the global level,
higher than the global growth rate of 0.4604%. The per capita GHG emissions range from 0.75 to 6.92
analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita metric tons, with an average of around 6.6865 metric
reveals notable differences between India and the tons and a standard deviation of 0.20070. This shows a
global average. In India, the per capita GHG emissions higher average and wider variability globally compared
range from 0.97 to 2.79 metric tons, with an average to India, reflecting the diversity of emissions across
of approximately 2.3873 metric tons and a standard different countries and regions.

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 63

Table – 4: Sector Wise CO2 Emission in India (in Metric tons)

Fuel Industrial Power

Year Agriculture Buildings Processes Transport
Exploitation Combustion Industry
2003 17.1071 124.6502 57.0960 198.4246 501.5984 83.3598 99.5260
2004 17.9949 127.2363 69.4925 208.2556 548.3214 87.4409 108.0512
2005 19.4124 127.3947 68.2463 232.6190 561.4035 92.0327 115.4037
2006 21.1051 128.1799 74.5832 260.3072 596.7301 96.8181 120.6481
2007 22.1268 124.9524 63.8915 295.2585 658.4644 106.1713 142.9764
2008 23.2943 155.8906 57.0927 308.1789 684.6556 111.2664 163.2097
2009 23.8766 157.8079 51.9857 355.5846 758.4981 117.0696 178.7119
2010 25.2412 161.5217 56.1547 398.0158 785.4702 124.8680 192.9189
2011 25.9393 149.6887 64.1507 443.4060 818.9953 139.7809 209.2899
2012 25.8602 162.8888 75.0086 431.9004 946.1558 160.2409 221.5177
2013 25.5587 159.4733 76.2744 469.3858 962.5515 164.6485 226.2589
2014 25.6624 167.8414 80.8222 500.5302 1077.4982 155.3596 235.7472
2015 26.1607 172.1585 83.0238 503.0969 1055.3981 162.8970 257.7479
2016 25.3388 178.0846 87.6775 524.0355 1044.0480 175.1648 269.3869
2017 25.8574 183.2117 94.5967 555.4623 1098.7815 184.9824 291.2317
2018 26.9100 190.0486 97.8859 565.2894 1197.1580 190.9810 305.3334
2019 29.1932 192.3432 104.5061 549.3496 1163.7748 194.3371 307.8619
2020 30.9685 188.7373 94.3281 501.3189 1056.8512 178.9294 269.5452
2021 31.9815 198.4329 96.9319 557.7164 1165.8670 201.6828 275.5210
2022 32.6348 211.7807 100.0424 583.4082 1255.0558 210.9332 299.1790
CAGR 3.28% 2.68% 2.84% 5.54% 4.69% 4.75% 5.66%
Source: https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/report_2023#emissions_table
Table – 4.1: Descriptive Statistics

Sectors Range Minimum Maximum Mean SD Variance

Agriculture 15.53 17.11 32.63 25.1112 4.22059 17.813
Buildings 87.13 124.65 211.78 163.1162 26.73465 714.741
Fuel 52.52 51.99 104.51 77.6895 16.57410 274.701
Industry 384.98 198.42 583.41 422.0772 130.37773 16998.354
Power 753.46 501.60 1255.06 896.8638 244.35014 59706.990
Process 127.57 83.36 210.93 146.9482 41.57185 1728.219
Transport 208.34 99.53 307.86 214.5033 70.71050 4999.974

Source: SPSS Output

It is obvious from the above tables that the Compounded across various sectors. Agriculture emits between
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of sector-wise CO2 17.11 to 32.63 metric tons of CO2 on average, with
emission from transport (5.6574%) is higher than the a mean of 25.1112 metric tons. Buildings contribute
remaining sectors, and the least growth (2.6756%) is in substantially more, ranging from 124.65 to 211.78
the buildings segment. The sector-wise analysis of CO2 metric tons, with an average of 163.1162 metric tons.
emissions in India highlights significant differences Fuel-related emissions range from 51.99 to 104.51

64 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

metric tons, with a mean of 77.6895 metric tons. The metric tons, while transport emissions range from
industry sector has the highest emissions, varying from 99.53 to 307.86 metric tons and average 214.5033
198.42 to 583.41 metric tons and averaging 422.0772 metric tons. This breakdown highlights the significant
metric tons. Power generation emits the most, ranging contributions of power generation and industry to
from 501.60 to 1255.06 metric tons and averaging overall CO2 emissions in India, underscoring key
896.8638 metric tons. Process emissions range from areas for emissions reduction strategies and policy
83.36 to 210.93 metric tons, averaging 146.9482 interventions to mitigate climate impact.

Table – 5: Sector Wise CH4 Emission in India (in Metric tons)

Fuel Industrial Power
Year Agriculture Buildings Processes Transport Waste
Exploitation Combustion Industry
2003 497.0320 35.2404 75.3836 1.4800 0.1985 0.1258 1.2092 159.6856
2004 502.4102 35.7170 77.6860 1.5741 0.2379 0.1282 1.2419 163.6192
2005 514.9554 35.9848 79.9824 1.6617 0.2532 0.1361 1.3677 167.0276
2006 522.7143 35.9574 81.9100 1.7673 0.2998 0.1396 1.2631 170.5994
2007 532.9687 35.8797 86.2346 1.9108 0.3454 0.1454 1.1999 174.1248
2008 536.9555 38.5747 91.5479 2.0126 0.3383 0.1697 1.2654 176.6261
2009 528.3394 38.5933 102.7104 2.1721 0.4145 0.1908 1.4218 179.1350
2010 532.4707 38.8355 104.6044 2.4052 0.4735 0.2110 1.5440 182.8905
2011 537.1560 37.8309 106.1738 2.5200 0.5013 0.2343 1.5473 186.6204
2012 534.3906 38.8245 107.1107 2.5327 0.5289 0.2410 1.5084 189.8258
2013 538.1556 38.3453 74.3711 2.7676 0.5422 0.2570 1.4779 193.1666
2014 538.5900 38.6295 77.9350 2.9130 0.6079 0.2766 1.5017 196.8901
2015 540.8118 38.4783 80.2981 3.0140 0.5940 0.2841 1.5358 200.7521
2016 544.4995 38.5255 81.4269 3.1043 0.7435 0.3124 1.7201 203.3212
2017 548.7993 38.5626 81.7100 3.3136 0.9065 0.3433 1.7664 206.2800
2018 553.0666 38.5889 87.5892 3.5192 0.9005 0.3608 1.7729 210.6941
2019 551.6456 38.5211 84.1699 3.5132 0.9033 0.3383 1.8506 213.4114
2020 555.9682 38.3940 79.3834 3.5948 0.9136 0.3220 1.6586 215.9539
2021 558.4141 38.6379 91.1565 3.6897 0.9259 0.3459 1.6995 219.2996
2022 560.8869 38.7913 98.7435 3.7363 0.9383 0.3688 1.8030 223.1473
CAGR 0.60% 0.48% 1.36% 4.74% 8.07% 5.52% 2.02% 1.69%
Source: https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/report_2023#emissions_table
Table – 5.1: Descriptive Statistics
Sectors Range Minimum Maximum Mean SD Variance
Agriculture 63.85 497.03 560.89 536.5115 17.27975 298.590
Buildings 3.60 35.24 38.84 37.8456 1.26308 1.595
Fuel 32.74 74.37 107.11 87.5064 10.78247 116.262
Industry 2.26 1.48 3.74 2.6601 0.76325 0.583
Power 0.74 0.20 0.94 0.5784 0.26269 0.069
Process 0.24 0.13 0.37 0.2466 0.08615 0.007
Transport 0.65 1.20 1.85 1.5178 0.21142 0.045
Waste 63.46 159.69 223.15 191.6535 19.59864 384.107
Source: SPSS Output

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 65

From Table 5 and Table 5.1, it is apparent that the tons and averaging 2.6601 metric tons. Power generation
Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of has the lowest methane emissions, ranging from 0.20
sector-wise CH4 emission from power industry to 0.94 metric tons and averaging 0.5784 metric tons.
(8.0746%) is higher than the remaining sectors, and the Process-related emissions are also low, ranging from 0.13
least growth (0.4812%) is in the buildings segment. The to 0.37 metric tons and averaging 0.2466 metric tons.
sector-wise analysis of methane (CH4) emissions in India Transport contributes modestly, with emissions ranging
shows varying levels across different sectors. Agriculture from 1.20 to 1.85 metric tons and averaging 1.5178
emits the highest amount, ranging from 497.03 to 560.89 metric tons. Waste management accounts for significant
metric tons on average, with a mean emission of 536.5115 methane emissions, ranging from 159.69 to 223.15
metric tons. Buildings contribute relatively low methane metric tons and averaging 191.6535 metric tons. This
emissions, ranging from 35.24 to 38.84 metric tons and breakdown highlights the substantial methane emissions
averaging 37.8456 metric tons. Fuel-related emissions from agriculture and waste sectors in India, emphasizing
range from 74.37 to 107.11 metric tons, with an average the importance of targeted measures to reduce methane
of 87.5064 metric tons. In the industry sector, methane emissions in these key areas to address climate change
emissions are minimal, ranging from 1.48 to 3.74 metric and air quality concerns.

Table – 6: Sector Wise N2O Emission in India (in Metric tons)

Fuel Industrial Power

Year Agriculture Buildings Processes Transport Waste
Exploitation Combustion Industry

2003 127.0228 6.7488 0.1815 1.9099 2.3038 9.7339 2.4719 10.6430

2004 131.5634 6.8705 0.1833 2.0301 2.8346 10.2127 2.7235 10.7676
2005 138.3903 6.7519 0.1817 2.1584 2.9732 10.3796 2.8862 11.0041
2006 145.4251 7.0618 0.1770 2.3466 3.2933 10.7946 2.9797 11.3781
2007 151.6455 6.8855 0.1829 2.5196 3.8273 11.5111 3.6880 11.8949
2008 155.2947 6.8504 0.1840 2.6155 4.1028 12.0938 4.2738 12.1993
2009 157.8463 7.0955 0.1858 2.7898 4.6940 12.7859 4.6507 12.4632
2010 163.6619 7.3136 0.1923 3.0941 4.7282 12.1011 5.1838 12.7049
2011 168.0453 7.5392 0.2017 3.2395 5.0435 12.3556 5.4739 13.0280
2012 166.2042 7.7850 0.2111 3.2417 6.1143 12.9209 5.6114 13.4453
2013 165.6894 7.8151 0.2053 3.5769 6.1396 13.2148 5.6141 13.7483
2014 166.7531 7.8413 0.2045 3.7782 6.9840 13.9114 5.8603 14.0743
2015 169.5233 7.8104 0.2018 3.9251 6.6327 14.0061 6.1600 14.4029
2016 167.3534 7.8780 0.1990 4.0306 7.0260 14.0036 6.1140 14.8025
2017 169.6539 8.0781 0.1947 4.3217 7.4621 14.6166 6.5105 15.2735
2018 174.2635 8.1670 0.1920 4.6076 8.2227 15.3123 6.8287 15.5232
2019 181.9966 8.1171 0.1926 4.5308 8.0130 15.0021 6.8115 15.8412
2020 188.9138 7.7741 0.1879 4.6155 6.7155 14.1736 5.5616 16.0209
2021 193.1580 7.8486 0.1892 4.7716 7.3820 14.9406 5.6958 16.3445
2022 196.4038 8.1331 0.1908 4.8372 7.9283 15.6839 6.0175 16.6747
CAGR 2.20% 0.94% 0.25% 4.76% 6.37% 2.41% 4.55% 2.27%

Source: https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/report_2023#emissions_table

66 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

Table – 6.1: Descriptive Statistics

Sectors Range Minimum Maximum Mean SD Variance

Agriculture 69.38 127.02 196.40 163.9404 18.83745 354.850
Buildings 1.42 6.75 8.17 7.5183 0.51292 0.263
Fuel 0.03 0.18 0.21 0.1920 0.00938 0.000
Industry 2.93 1.91 4.84 3.4470 0.98595 0.972
Power 5.92 2.30 8.22 5.6210 1.91366 3.662
Process 5.95 9.73 15.68 12.9877 1.80188 3.247
Transport 4.36 2.47 6.83 5.0558 1.40507 1.974
Waste 6.03 10.64 16.67 13.6117 1.95286 3.814

Source: SPSS Output

A close observation of the content of Table 6 and Table reduce GHG emissions from the energy sector,
6.1 show that the Compounded Annual Growth Rate which is one of the largest contributors.
(CAGR) of sector-wise N2O emission from power
industry (6.3743%) is higher than the remaining sectors b) Strategies:
and the least growth (0.2501%) is in the fuel exploitation i. Provide subsidies and incentives for solar,
segment. The sector-wise analysis of nitrous oxide (N2O) wind, and hydroelectric power projects.
emissions in India reveals varying levels across different
sectors. Agriculture contributes the most to N2O ii. Implement policies that mandate a certain
emissions, ranging from 127.02 to 196.40 metric tons on percentage of energy production from
average, with a mean emission of 163.9404 metric tons. renewable sources.
Buildings have relatively low N2O emissions, ranging iii. Support research and development in
from 6.75 to 8.17 metric tons and averaging 7.5183 renewable energy technologies to improve
metric tons. Fuel-related emissions are minimal, ranging efficiency and reduce costs.
from 0.18 to 0.21 metric tons and averaging 0.1920
metric tons. In the industry sector, N2O emissions 2) Enhancing Energy Efficiency
range from 1.91 to 4.84 metric tons and average 3.4470
a) Policy Implication: Improving energy
metric tons. Power generation contributes between 2.30
efficiency across various sectors can reduce
to 8.22 metric tons, with an average of 5.6210 metric
overall energy consumption and associated
tons. Process-related emissions range from 9.73 to 15.68
emissions.
metric tons and average 12.9877 metric tons, while
transport emissions range from 2.47 to 6.83 metric tons b) Strategies:
and average 5.0558 metric tons. Waste management
accounts for notable N2O emissions, ranging from 10.64 i. 
Introduce stricter energy efficiency
to 16.67 metric tons and averaging 13.6117 metric tons. standards for industries, buildings, and
This breakdown emphasizes the significant contributions appliances.
of agriculture and waste sectors to N2O emissions in ii. Promote the adoption of energy-efficient
India, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to technologies through subsidies and tax
mitigate emissions in these sectors for effective climate incentives.
action and environmental management.
iii. Launch public awareness campaigns to
Policy Implications and Potential Strategies for encourage energy-saving practices among
Mitigation of GHG Emissions consumers.
Main policy implications and strategies for mitigating
of GHG emissions in India are as follows. 3) Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

1) Strengthening Renewable Energy Adoption a) Policy Implication: Agriculture is a significant

source of GHG emissions in India. Sustainable
a) Policy Implication: Accelerating the transition agricultural practices can reduce these
to renewable energy sources can significantly emissions while ensuring food security.

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 67

 b) Strategies: ƒ Strategies:
i. Encourage the use of organic fertilizers and i. 
Enforce laws against deforestation
reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. and promote community-led forest
ii. Implement crop rotation and agroforestry management.
practices to enhance soil carbon sequestration. ii. 
Launch large-scale afforestation and
iii. Support precision farming techniques to reforestation programs.
optimize resource use and reduce emissions.
iii. 
Provide financial incentives for
4) Improving Waste Management conservation efforts and restoration
ƒ Policy Implication: Effective waste projects.
management can reduce methane emissions
7) Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
from landfills and other waste disposal sites.
ƒ Strategies: ƒ Policy Implication: Developing infrastructure
that is resilient to climate change impacts can
i.  Develop and enforce regulations for
help mitigate emissions and adapt to changing
waste segregation and recycling.
conditions
ii.  Promote composting and biogas
production from organic waste. ƒ Strategies:
iii. Invest in modern waste treatment facilities i. Integrate climate risk assessments into
that capture and utilize methane emissions. infrastructure planning and development.
5) Reducing Emissions from Transportation ii. Invest in green building technologies and
ƒ Policy Implication: The transportation sector sustainable urban planning.
is a major contributor to GHG emissions. iii. 
Enhance the resilience of critical
Policies aimed at reducing emissions from this infrastructure such as water supply and
sector are crucial. transportation networks.
ƒ Strategies:
Discussions on testing of Hypotheses
i. Expand public transportation networks to Although the descriptive analysis made hitherto with
reduce the reliance on personal vehicles. the help of CAGR etc., throws light on the trend,
ii. Promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) relationship and difference, it is appropriate to apply
through subsidies and the development a few statistical tests for the purpose of testing the
of charging infrastructure. hypotheses as presented below.
iii. 
Implement stricter emissions standards
for vehicles and encourage the use of (a) H01: There exists no significant difference
cleaner fuels. between the growth in the GHG emission level
in India and globally during the study period–
6) Forest Conservation and Afforstation
Based on the detailed calculations made (using the
ƒ Policy Implication: Forests act as carbon sinks data presented in Tables – 1 to 3), the summary
and play a vital role in mitigating climate change. results of two-tailed independent sample ‘t’ test
Protecting existing forests and increasing forest are presented below (Table – 7) followed by the
cover can help absorb more CO2. interpretation of results.

Table – 7: Summary of Two-tailed Independent Samples ‘t’ Test

Two-tailed Independent Samples ‘t’ test @ 95%
Parameters (Level of significance)
t calculated P/ Sig.Value Result
GHG Total Emission in India & the World (in Metric tons) -46.892 0.000 Null Rejected
GHG Emission per GDP in India and at Global Level
2.501 0.017 Null Rejected
(in Metric tons)
GHG Emission per capita in India and at Global Level (in
-51.384 0.000 Null Rejected
Metric tons)
Source: SPSS Output

68 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

The results of the two-tailed independent sample t-tests India and the global level. Similarly, for GHG emissions
conducted at a 95% level of significance show significant per capita, the t-test produced a t-value of -51.384 with
differences in various greenhouse gas (GHG) emission a p-value of 0.000, resulting in the rejection of the null
parameters between India and the global level. For hypothesis. This indicates a significant difference in per
GHG total emissions, the t-test yielded a calculated capita GHG emissions between India and the global
t-value of -46.892 with a p-value of 0.000, leading to average.
the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates that
there is a statistically significant difference between (b) H02: There exists no significant relationship
total GHG emissions in India compared to the global between the growth of GHG emission level
average. In terms of GHG emissions per GDP unit, in India and the World - Based on the detailed
the t-test resulted in a t-value of 2.501 with a p-value calculations made (using the data presented in
of 0.017, again leading to the rejection of the null Tables – 1 to 3), the summary results of correlation
hypothesis. This suggests a significant difference in the analysis are presented below (Table – 8) followed
intensity of GHG emissions per unit of GDP between by the interpretation of results.

Table – 8: Results of Correlation Analysis

Pearson’s Correlation
Parameters (99%, Level of significance)
India Global
GHG Total Emission in India & the World (in Metric tons) 1 0.987
GHG Emission per GDP in India and at Global Level
1 0.993
(in Metric tons)
GHG Emission per capita in India and at Global Level
1 0.752
(in Metric tons)

Source: SPSS Output

As far as the Pearson correlation coefficients between India and global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions parameters
go, they reveal strong positive relationships across different metrics. For GHG total emissions, there is a very high
correlation coefficient of 0.987, indicating a close association between India’s total emissions and the global total.
GHG emissions per GDP is also high at 0.993, suggesting a strong positive relationship between the emission
intensity per unit of GDP in India and globally. However, the correlation coefficient for GHG emissions per capita
is slightly lower at 0.752, indicating a relatively strong but somewhat less direct relationship between per capita
emissions in India compared to the global average.
(c) H03: There exists no significant difference in the mean contribution of different segments to India’s GHG
level – As there are more than two sample groups, an F-test (ANOVA) was used to test for the difference. For
this purpose, data in Tables – 4 to 6 was used and the F-test was carried out. The relevant extracts from the
detailed results of the test are presented below (Table – 9) followed by the interpretation of results.
Table – 9: F Test Results (One-Way ANOVA)

One-Way ANOVA
Parameters
F Sig.
Sector Wise CO2 Emissions in India (in Metric tons) 149.834 0.000
Sector Wise CH4 Emissions in India (in Metric tons) 6890.405 0.000
Sector Wise N2O Emissions in India (in Metric tons) 1396.096 0.000
Source: SPSS Output
From the above, it is clear that the results of the One-Way ANOVA tests conducted on sector-wise CO2, CH4,
and N2O emissions in India show highly significant differences (p < 0.001) among the emission levels across
different sectors. The F-values obtained are substantial: 149.834 for CO2, 6890.405 for CH4, and 1396.096 for

Vol. 1 Issue 1 ICAI Garuda 69

N2O emissions, all with very low p-values (0.000). transportation logistics, and implementing sustainable
These findings indicate that there are statistically practices throughout the supply chain.
significant variations in the emission levels of these
greenhouse gases across various sectors in India. Such In addition to mitigation efforts, carbon auditors
results suggest that different sectors, such as agriculture, facilitate the offsetting of unavoidable emissions
industry, transportation, and waste management, through carbon offset projects. These projects
contribute differently to CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions. generate carbon credits by sequestering or avoiding an
This underscores the importance of sector-specific equivalent amount of greenhouse gases elsewhere, such
strategies and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse as through reforestation, renewable energy projects,
gas emissions to address environmental and climate or methane capture initiatives. Auditors play a critical
challenges effectively. role in assessing the validity and additionality of these
projects, ensuring that carbon offsets are genuine and
Role of Carbon Auditors in addressing Growing contribute to real emission reductions.
Carbon Emission Menace
Moving forward, carbon auditors help organizations stay
Carbon auditors play a crucial role in addressing the
abreast of evolving regulatory requirements and market
growing menace of carbon emissions by evaluating,
trends related to carbon emissions. By providing expert
monitoring, and managing carbon footprints across
guidance and advisory services, auditors assist clients
various industries and organizations. As the world
in navigating complex carbon markets, complying with
grapples with climate change, there’s an increasing
emission trading schemes, and seizing opportunities
need to curb greenhouse gas emissions, particularly
for sustainable growth. This strategic support enables
carbon dioxide, to mitigate its adverse effects. Carbon
businesses to mitigate risks, enhance competitiveness,
auditors act as key players in this endeavor by providing
and demonstrate environmental leadership in a carbon-
essential services that help businesses and governments
constrained world.
understand, reduce, and offset their carbon emissions.
Moreover, carbon auditors contribute to raising
Firstly, carbon auditors conduct comprehensive
awareness and building capacity for carbon
assessments to determine the carbon footprint of an
management and sustainability practices. Through
entity. This involves analyzing the direct and indirect
training programs, workshops, and knowledge
sources of emissions associated with its activities,
sharing initiatives, auditors empower individuals and
products, and services. Direct emissions typically
organizations to integrate carbon considerations into
include those from combustion processes, while indirect
their decision-making processes and foster a culture of
emissions encompass those from purchased electricity,
transportation, and supply chains. By quantifying these environmental stewardship.
emissions, auditors provide organizations with valuable On the lines of the above, carbon auditors play a
insights into their environmental impact and areas for multifaceted role in addressing the growing menace of
improvement. carbon emissions by assessing, verifying, and managing
Moreover, carbon auditors play a vital role in verifying carbon footprints across diverse sectors. Through their
the accuracy and credibility of carbon emission data expertise, diligence, and commitment to sustainability,
reported by organizations. Through independent audits, auditors help organizations mitigate climate risks, drive
they ensure that emission inventories are transparent, innovation, and transition to a low-carbon economy. In
consistent, and compliant with relevant standards and a world increasingly affected by climate change, the
regulations. This verification process enhances the role of carbon auditors has never been more critical in
credibility of emission reduction efforts and fosters trust catalyzing collective action and securing a sustainable
among stakeholders, including investors, consumers, future for generations to come.
and regulatory authorities.
Conclusion
Additionally, carbon auditors help businesses and From the factual data analysis, it reveals significant
governments develop effective strategies to reduce their insights into India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
carbon footprint. By identifying emission hotspots landscape. India exhibits a compounded annual growth
and analyzing mitigation opportunities, auditors assist rate (CAGR) of 3.3851% in total GHG emissions,
organizations in setting ambitious emission reduction outpacing the global growth of 1.5742%. However,
targets and implementing appropriate measures to when considering GHG emissions per GDP unit,
achieve them. This may involve adopting cleaner India’s CAGR of -2.3717% is lower than the global
technologies, improving energy efficiency, optimizing rate of -1.5452%, indicating relatively greater efficiency.

70 ICAI Garuda Issue 1 Vol. 1

Similarly, while India’s per capita GHG emissions are Carbon Footprint of Residential Building in Warm Humid
rising at a CAGR of 2.1417%, it remains lower than Climate of India through BIM, Energies, 14, 4237, 1-16.
the global growth of 0.4604%. Sector-wise analysis https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144237.
highlights significant emissions from power generation  S.N. Nandy, 2023, Differential Carbon Footprint in India
and industry, emphasizing the need for targeted – An Economic Perspective, Journal of Sustainability and
interventions. Moreover, methane and nitrous oxide Environmental Management ( JOSEM), Vol. 2, No. 1, 74 –
emissions from agriculture and waste sectors underscore 82.
the importance of mitigation strategies. These findings
emphasize the complexity of India’s emissions profile  Sunil Nautiyal , Mrinalini Goswami , Ranjeet Kishan & A
Premkumar , 2023, Household Carbon Footprint of India: A
and the urgency for tailored climate action measures to
Comprehensive Assessment and Prospecting for Emission
achieve sustainable development goals.
Reduction Pathways, Centre for Ecological Economics and
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