How to train internal staff on emissions tracking and carbon data management?

Building internal capacity is a critical step for successfully managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A structured training program ensures that data is collected accurately, calculations are performed correctly, and reports are compliant with relevant standards.

An effective internal training program, guided by the principles of international standards like TCVN ISO 14064-1:2018101, should focus on three core competency areas.

Foundational knowledge

Before diving into technical details, the team must understand the strategic context. Training should cover:

Regulatory drivers

An overview of key regulations, including Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP and its amendments, outlining why the company is required to report.

Market drivers

Explanation of pressures from the supply chain, international customers, and mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Basic concepts

Clear definitions of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, GHG types, and key terms like "emission factor" and "carbon footprint."

Technical skills

This is the core of the training, focusing on the practical steps of conducting a GHG inventory. It should provide detailed guidance on:

Defining boundaries

How to set the operational and organizational boundaries for the inventory.

Data collection

Identifying relevant activity data (e.g., fuel invoices, electricity bills, transport logs), establishing data collection procedures, and implementing quality control checks.

Quantification methodology

Step-by-step instruction on how to apply the standard formula (Activity Data × Emission Factor = GHG Emissions) using calculation tools like Excel or specialized software.

Emission Factor selection

Training on how to find and apply the correct emission factors from official sources, such as Vietnam's Decision No. 2626/QD-BTNMT or IPCC databases.

Reporting

Instruction on how to complete the official reporting templates required by Vietnamese law (e.g., Form No. 02 of Appendix III).

Quality management

To ensure the inventory is credible and auditable, staff must be trained on quality management principles. This includes:

Data archiving

Establishing a clear system for storing all source data, calculations, and supporting documents.

Internal review

Creating a process for a second-party review of the inventory report before final submission.

Uncertainty assessment

Basic training on how to identify and document potential uncertainties in the data, as required by ISO 14064-1.

By structuring training around these three pillars, an SME can build a competent internal team capable of managing its carbon data effectively, ensuring both regulatory compliance and strategic readiness for a low-carbon economy.

References

101. Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute. (2018). CVN ISO 14064-1:2018 - Greenhouse gases - Part 1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals. Thư viện pháp luật. https://thuvienphapluat.vn/TCVN/Tai-nguyen-Moi-truong/TCVN-ISO-14064-1-2025-ISO-14064-1-2018-Khi-nha-kinh-Phan-1-loai-bo-khi-nha-kinh-921621.aspx