SUSTAINABILITY
nterprise technology is transforming sustainability, turning it from a compliance exercise into measurable and actionable metrics that align with business targets and tightening global regulations.
SAP’ s green ledger integrates carbon emissions tracking directly into S / 4HANA ERP, capturing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data alongside financials to deliver product carbon footprints, making decarbonisation part of core operations, rather than an afterthought.
By using product carbon footprints( PCFs) as the core unit, data from smart meters, supplier platforms such as SAP Ariba, transport logs and other operational systems flows into what SAP calls structured“ green” accounts that can be sliced by cost centre, business unit or SKU. This data model unlocks a more granular view of emissions than traditional CSR tooling can offer.
Take the production of a bicycle, for example. Each product component – from materials to labour and licensing to overhead and shipping – has both a financial cost and a corresponding emission value.
EMISSIONS DATA
• Direct materials: 1.5 tonnes CO₂e
• Direct labour( commuting emissions): 0.5 tonnes CO₂e
• Licensing( IP): 0.5 tonnes CO₂e
• Overhead emissions( factory and admin): 1.3 tonnes CO₂e
• Shipping: 2.5 tonnes CO₂e
164 March 2026