For businesses, the topic of climate impact has already moved beyond reputational rhetoric into the realm of concrete requirements for data, reporting and managerial decisions.
International climate agreements establish the framework within which regulators, investors and financial institutions operate. This, in turn, affects companies planning to enter foreign markets, attract financing or participate in recovery programmes.
When BDO in Ukraine participated in the UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, in Baku, it became an important step in understanding how global climate frameworks are shaped, which subsequently influences the business environment. We observed that the decisions made at such conferences are not simply political manoeuvres; they establish the framework within which businesses will be required to operate. With the conclusion of COP30, the question is different: how businesses should measure, calculate and report their climate impact, and how the agreements to be adopted in Belém should serve as a signal for companies in Ukraine.
The official COP30 framework: what businesses need to know
According to the Conference programme and selected themes this year, business representatives should pay particular attention to the following:
- reporting systems and impact measurement;
- mobilisation of private finance for climate investment;
- integration of carbon markets, adaptation mechanisms and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) indicators — the key theme of COP30.
For businesses in Ukraine this means: we must consider not only internal procedures, but also the international framework that is already emerging.
Why is it important for businesses to calculate their climate impact?
- Regulatory and reporting requirements are increasing
The official UNFCCC page offers businesses a tool: “Measure your emissions” — both a guide and a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculator.
This means that even if a business is not yet subject to strict requirements, it should start collecting data, as reporting frameworks for the corporate sector (ESG, CSRD and ISSB) are becoming increasingly stringent. - The COP30 agreements will set the tone for capital markets and climate investment
During the preparatory stage for COP30, it was announced that private capital would play a pivotal role in scaling up climate finance. Demonstrating clear impact metrics will facilitate businesses’ access to investment, grants and partnerships.
- Competitive advantage and reputation
Companies willing to demonstrate their climate indicators will be viewed more positively by international partners, funds and investors. Our team at BDO in Ukraine is already assisting clients with decarbonisation strategies, implementing energy efficiency technologies and transforming business processes. This approach is beneficial both ethically and from a business standpoint.
How should businesses practically calculate their impact?
Here are several steps we at BDO in Ukraine recommend to clients — bearing in mind that new standards may emerge at COP30.
|
Step |
Action |
Comment |
|
1. Define the boundaries of your impact |
Identify which parts of your operations generate emissions, relate to adaptation risks, or environmental impact. | According to the UNFCCC “Measure your emissions” guidance. |
| 2. Collect and analyse primary data | Collect and analyse primary data
Gather data on energy consumption, fuel, logistics, the supply chain, waste, etc. |
This forms the basis for any subsequent reporting or analysis. |
|
3. Establish metrics and targets |
For example: educing CO₂ emissions by X% within 5 years; switching to X% renewable energy; and integrating adaptation measures. | At COP30, there will be an increased focus on the adaptation indicators (GGA), so businesses must consider this, as well. |
| 4. Reporting and verification | Prepare reports according to recognised standards (e.g. GRI, ISSB or EU ESRS) and ensure third-party verification where possible. |
The requirements for data reliability are becoming more stringent. |
|
5. Embed climate impact into business strategy |
Climate impact should not be treated as a separate activity — it must be embedded into the business model, risks and investment. | The BDO team supports clients with precisely this integration. |
| 6. Monitor changes in international regulation | After COP30 decisions, new standards, carbon market mechanisms, and adaptation requirements may emerge. |
For example, the business aspects, such as private investment and carbon market mechanisms. |
Role and representation of Ukrainian business at COP30: key matters
Ukraine is opening its national pavilion at COP30 for the fourth time. Bringing together government, business and civil society, the pavilion features a programme of over 30 events covering topics such as green recovery, renewable energy, decarbonising the economy and businesses, conserving forests and biodiversity, Ukraine’s climate policy, and the role of young people.
The official “Ukraine at COP30” website outlines the objectives: strengthening partnerships, synchronising with the EU, raising awareness of Ukraine among countries in the Global South, and communicating the environmental consequences of russian aggression.
The opening of the conference and the activities of the Ukrainian pavilion have been confirmed by an official announcement from the Ukrainian Climate Office, (established with the support of the EU and the German government and implemented by GIZ).
What this means for business:
- CBAM / European integration: exporters need verified data their carbon footprint and decarbonisation plans that align with European expectations (this is directly mentioned among Ukraine’s participation goals).
- Green recovery and investment: COP30 focuses on implementing the “Baku to Belém” roadmap and scaling finance — companies with robust climate metrics will find it easier to attract grants / credit lines.
- Adaptation and supply chain resilience: a particular focus of the Ukrainian pavilion is on resilience to climate risks in agriculture, energy, and industry. Businesses should include adaptation KPIs in their operational plans.
Why are we closely monitoring the COP30 negotiations?
- The decisions made at COP30 shape the framework within which businesses will operate
In preparation for COP30, it was stated that: “Climate plans are turning into country platforms… At the heart … how we pay for it” — an official UNFCCC position.
For businesses, this means not only reducing emissions, but also addressing finance, adaptation and risk issues. - Carbon markets and offset mechanisms are becoming more structured
In May 2025, the UNFCCC adopted key rules on crediting emission offset projects. This creates new business opportunities, such as participation in offset projects, but also poses risks if businesses do not measure their footprint. - Adaptation and resilience are the responsibility of both governments and the private sector
At COP30, one of the key themes is the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), which involves assessing how countries and businesses respond to climate change using indicators. Businesses operating in Ukraine, a zone of risk and transformation, must consider not only emissions, but also resilience, supply chains and climate risks. - International competitiveness
Ukrainian businesses that can demonstrate their environmental impact and provide action plans for decarbonisation and adaptation will be perceived more positively by international partners and investors. The team of BDO in Ukraine has made it their mission to support clients in implementing environmental practices, attracting finance, and meeting international standards.
For Ukrainian businesses, participating in international climate conferences is about more than just PR. It is a call to action. At BDO Ukraine, we believe that calculating your climate impact is no longer optional — it is a requirement of our time. The decisions made at COP30 will establish new rules.
Companies that establish early data collection, define relevant indicators and integrate climate goals into their strategy and reporting will find themselves in a stronger position when it comes to negotiating with investors, donors and partners. At BDO in Ukraine, we help businesses follow this structured path, aligning them with international requirements. If your company plans to take a systematic approach to measuring and managing climate impact, please contact us.
