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SIC code classifications used in Sage Earth Carbon Accounting

Sage Earth Carbon Accounting uses UK SIC codes to categorise businesses and calculate their average carbon footprints based on industry and revenue data.

Updated over 2 months ago

What is a SIC code?

Every business belongs to a specific sector. In the UK, we use Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes to categorise them. Our data matching process calculates Emissions Intensity Factors for each scope and sub-category, following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, for all 88 second-level UK SIC sectors.

When you set up your business in Sage Carbon Accounting, you enter your industry, division, and annual revenue. Your business is then assigned to one of 88 industries based on UK government SIC code data. This, combined with the average revenue in the sector, produces the industry average carbon footprint.

At the moment, we support only one SIC code per business. If you have multiple, choose the one that generates the most revenue. For example, if your business is both an events venue/bar and a youth hostel, these fall under SIC codes 56 and 55 respectively; choose the one that aligns most with your business operations.

How does Sage Earth Carbon Accounting classify my industry and division?

As you set up your company in Sage Carbon Accounting, you'll be asked to enter your industry and industry division.

Screenshot of the Select your industry option on the welcome page. Information and Communication is selected.


These industry options align with the top-level sections within Companies House SIC codes.

After setting the industry, you’re asked to select your industry division. While the published SIC code list on the link above includes detailed subcategories (e.g. “Information technology consultancy activities”), Sage Carbon Accounting uses a middle-level grouping of Industry Division (e.g. 'Publishing activities') - which are more specific than general industries like Information and communication, but not as detailed as individual activities.

Screenshot of Select your industry division, showing the divisions within Information and Communication


List of SIC code classifications used in Sage Earth Carbon Accounting

Select a top-level category to expand the section and view its subcategories.

Tip: Press CTRL+F to search this page for keywords relating to your business.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Farming and hunting

Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities: This division includes the production of crops, animals and animal products, hunting, trapping and related service activities.

Forestry and logging

Forestry and logging: This division includes the production of roundwood, sawnwood and wood-based panels, as well as the logging of timber.

Fishing and aquaculture

Fishing and aquaculture: This division includes the catching, farming and processing of fish, shellfish and other aquatic animals.

Mining and quarrying

Mining of coal and lignite

Mining of coal and lignite: This division includes the extraction of coal and lignite.

Extraction of crude petroleum

Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas: This division includes the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas.

Mining of metal ores

Mining of metal ores: This division includes the extraction of metal ores, such as gold, silver, iron, copper, lead and zinc.

Other mining and quarrying

Other mining and quarrying: This division includes the extraction of stone, sand and clay, as well as other mining and quarrying activities.

Mining support service activities

Mining support service activities: This division includes activities that support mining and quarrying operations, such as exploration, drilling and mine site preparation.

Manufacturing

Manufacture of food products

Manufacture of food products: This division includes the processing of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, oils and fats, dairy products, grain mill products, bakery products, sugar, cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery.

Manufacture of beverages

Manufacture of beverages: This division includes the manufacture of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Manufacture of tobacco products

Manufacture of tobacco products: This division includes the manufacture of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and snuff.

Manufacture of textiles

Manufacture of textiles: This division includes the spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing of textiles, as well as the manufacture of carpets and rugs.

Manufacture of clothes

Manufacture of wearing apparel: This division includes the manufacture of clothing, fur articles and knitted and crocheted articles.

Manufacture of leather products

Manufacture of leather and related products: This division includes the tanning, currying and finishing of leather, as well as the manufacture of luggage, handbags, saddlery, harnesses and footwear.

Manufacture of timber products

Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials: This division includes the sawing, planing, impregnating, preserving of wood, as well as the manufacture of products of wood, cork, straw and plaiting materials, such as baskets and wickerwork.

Manufacture of paper products

Manufacture of paper and paper products: This division includes the manufacture of pulp, paper and paperboard, as well as the manufacture of articles of paper and paperboard, such as corrugated paper and paperboard containers.

Printing and recorded media

Printing and reproduction of recorded media: This division includes the printing of newspapers, books, periodicals, labels and other printed matter, as well as the reproduction of recorded media, such as compact discs, DVDs and computer software.

Manufacture of coke and petroleum

Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products: This division includes the manufacture of coke, refined petroleum products and nuclear fuel.

Manufacture of chemicals

Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products: This division includes the manufacture of basic chemicals, fertilisers and nitrogen compounds, plastics and synthetic rubber in primary forms, as well as the manufacture of pesticides, paints, varnishes, inks, soaps, detergents and other chemical products.

Manufacture of pharmaceuticals

Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations: This division includes the manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products, such as medicinal grade chemicals, biological substances and botanical products, as well as the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations, such as tablets, capsules, ampoules and vials.

Manufacture of rubber & plastic products

Manufacture of rubber and plastic products: This division includes the manufacture of rubber products, such as tyres, tubes and hoses, as well as the manufacture of plastic products, such as plastic plates, sheets, tubes and profiles.

Manufacture of glass, ceramics, cement

Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products: This division includes the manufacture of glass and glass products, ceramic products and other non-metallic mineral products, such as cement, plaster, articles of concrete, asbestos and mica.

Manufacture of basic metals

Manufacture of basic metals: This division includes the smelting, refining and casting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as the manufacture of metal products, such as cutlery, hand tools, cans and buckets.

Manufacture of fabricated metal products

Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment: This division includes the manufacture of structural metal products, tanks, reservoirs and steam generators, as well as the manufacture of metal products, such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets and washers.

Manufacture electronic, optical products

Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products: This division includes the manufacture of computers, peripheral equipment, communication equipment, electronic components and boards, consumer electronics and optical instruments and photographic equipment.

Manufacture of electrical equipment

Manufacture of electrical equipment: This division includes the manufacture of electric motors, transformers, generators, switchgear, batteries and wiring and wiring devices.

Manufacture of machinery

Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c.: This division includes the manufacture of general-purpose machinery, special-purpose machinery and parts and accessories for machinery and equipment.

Manufacture of motor vehicles

Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers: This division includes the manufacture of motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles, as well as the manufacture of trailers and semi-trailers.

Manufacture of other transport equipment

Manufacture of other transport equipment: This division includes the manufacture of ships, boats, railway locomotives and rolling stock, as well as the manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft.

Manufacture of furniture

Manufacture of furniture: This division includes the manufacture of furniture, such as chairs, tables, cabinets and beds.

Other manufacturing

Other manufacturing: This division includes the manufacture of jewellery, musical instruments, sports goods, games and toys, medical and dental instruments and supplies, as well as the manufacture of imitation jewellery and related articles.

Repair and installation of machinery

Repair and installation of machinery and equipment: This division includes the repair and maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment, as well as the installation of machinery and equipment.

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply

Electricity, gas, steam and aircon

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply: This division includes the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power, as well as the production and distribution of gas and steam and the provision of air conditioning services.

Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities

Water collection, treatment and supply

Water collection, treatment and supply: This division includes the collection, treatment and distribution of water for domestic and industrial use.

Sewerage

Sewerage: This division includes the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage and other waste water.

Waste collection, treatment, recycling

Waste collection, treatment and disposal activities; materials recovery: This division includes the collection, treatment and disposal of waste, as well as the recovery of materials from waste.

Remediation and decontamination

Remediation activities and other waste management services: This division includes the remediation of contaminated land and the provision of other waste management services.

Construction

Construction of buildings

Construction of buildings: This division includes the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, as well as the construction of civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges and tunnels.

Civil engineering

Civil engineering: This division includes the construction of civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges and tunnels, as well as the construction of water projects, such as dams and canals.

Specialised construction

Specialised construction activities: This division includes the construction of buildings and civil engineering projects that require specialized skills or equipment, such as electrical, plumbing and insulation work.

Wholesale and retail trade including repair of motor vehicles

Motor vehicle trade and repair

Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles: This division includes the wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as well as the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Wholesale trade

Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles: This division includes the wholesale trade of goods, such as agricultural raw materials, food, beverages, tobacco, textiles, clothing and footwear.

Retail trade

Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles: This division includes the retail trade of goods, such as food, beverages, tobacco, textiles, clothing, footwear, household appliances and hardware.

Transportation and storage

Land transport and pipelines

Land transport and transport via pipelines: This division includes the transport of passengers and goods by road, rail, water and air, as well as the transport of goods via pipelines.

Water transport

Water transport: This division includes the transport of passengers and goods by water, such as sea and inland waterway transport.

Air transport

Air transport: This division includes the transport of passengers and goods by air.

Warehouseing and transportation support

Warehousing and support activities for transportation: This division includes the provision of warehousing and storage services, as well as the provision of support services for transportation, such as cargo handling and customs clearance.

Postal and courier activities

Postal and courier activities: This division includes the provision of postal and courier services, such as mail delivery and package delivery.

Accommodation and food service activities

Accommodation

Accommodation: This division includes the provision of short-term accommodation, such as hotels, motels and holiday homes.

Food and beverage services

Motion picture, video and television programme production, sound recording and music publishing activities This division includes the production of motion pictures, videos, television programs, and commercials, as well as the creation and distribution of recorded music and other audio recordings.

Information and communication

Publishing activities

Publishing activities This division includes the publishing of books, newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals, as well as the production of directories, maps, and other printed materials.

Film, music, TV production

Motion picture, video and television programme distribution activities This division includes the distribution of motion pictures, videos, television programs, and commercials, as well as the distribution of recorded music and other audio recordings.

Broadcasting

Programming and broadcasting activities This division includes the production and broadcasting of radio and television programs, as well as the provision of satellite and cable television services.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications This division includes the provision of telecommunications services, such as telephone, internet, and data transmission services.

Computer programming

Computer programming, consultancy and related activities This division includes the development and maintenance of computer software, as well as the provision of computer-related consulting services.

Information services

Information service activities This division includes the provision of information services, such as news agencies, libraries, and archives.

Financial and insurance activities

Financial services

Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding This division includes the provision of financial services, such as banking, investment, and credit services, but excludes insurance and pension funding.

Insurance and pension funding

Insurance, reinsurance and pension funding, except compulsory social security This division includes the provision of insurance and pension funding services, but excludes compulsory social security.

Financial services support

Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance activities This division includes activities that support financial services and insurance activities, such as investment advice and portfolio management.

Real estate activities

Real estate activities

Real estate activities This division includes the buying, selling, and renting of real estate, as well as the provision of related services, such as property management.

Professional, scientific and technical activities

Legal and accounting activities

Legal and accounting activities This division includes the provision of legal and accounting services, such as legal advice, representation, and document preparation, as well as accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing services.

Head offices and management consultancy

Activities of head offices; management consultancy activities This division includes the provision of management consulting services, as well as the activities of head offices.

Architecture and engineering, testing

Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis This division includes the provision of architectural and engineering services, as well as technical testing and analysis services.

Scientific research and development

Scientific research and development This division includes the provision of scientific research and development services, such as biotechnology research and development.

Advertising and market research

Advertising and market research This division includes the provision of advertising and market research services, such as market analysis and public opinion polling.

Professional, scientific, technical

Other professional, scientific and technical activities This division includes the provision of other professional, scientific, and technical services, such as translation and interpretation services, as well as veterinary services.

Veterinary activities

This division includes the provision of veterinary services, such as animal health care and treatment.

Administrative and support service activities

Rental and leasing activities

Rental and leasing activities This division includes the rental and leasing of personal and household goods, as well as commercial and industrial machinery and equipment.

Employment activities

Employment activities This division includes the provision of employment services, such as job placement and temporary staffing.

Travel agency and related

Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities This division includes the provision of travel agency, tour operator, and other reservation services, such as ticketing and reservation services for transportation and lodging.

Security and investigation

Security and investigation activities This division includes the provision of security and investigation services, such as security guard and private investigation services.

Building and landscape services

Services to buildings and landscape activities This division includes the provision of services to buildings and landscape activities, such as cleaning and landscape design services.

Business support activities

Office administrative, office support and other business support activities This division includes the provision of office administrative and support services, such as document preparation and payroll services, as well as other business support services, such as translation and interpretation services.

Public administration and defence; compulsory social security

Public administration

Public administration and defence; compulsory social security This division includes the provision of public administration and defence services, such as government administration and military services, as well as compulsory social security services.

Education

Education and recruitment

Education This division includes the provision of education services, such as primary, secondary, and higher education services.

Human health and social work activities

Human health activities

Human health activities This division includes the provision of human health services, such as hospitals and medical clinics.

Residential care activities

Residential care activities This division includes the provision of residential care services, such as nursing homes and residential care facilities for the elderly.

Social work activities

Social work activities without accommodation This division includes the provision of social work services, such as family and child services, as well as community food and housing services.

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Creative, arts, entertainment

Creative, arts and entertainment activities This division includes the provision of creative, arts, and entertainment services, such as performing arts and amusement park services.

Libraries, museums, cultural

Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities This division includes the provision of libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural services, such as historical sites and zoos.

Gambling and betting

Gambling and betting activities This division includes the provision of gambling and betting services, such as casinos and online betting services.

Sports, recreation, amusement

Sports activities and amusement and recreation activities This division includes the provision of sports, amusement, and recreation services, such as fitness centers and amusement parks.

Other service activities

Membership organisations

Activities of membership organizations This division includes the provision of membership organization services, such as professional associations and labor unions.

Repair of computers and goods

Repair of computers and personal and household goods This division includes the repair of computers, personal, and household goods, such as electronics and appliances.

Other personal services

Other personal service activities This division includes the provision of other personal services, such as pet care and laundry services.

Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods and services producing activities of households for own use

Domestic personnel

Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel This division includes the provision of household services, such as housekeeping and gardening services.

Domestic goods and services

Undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of private households for own use This division includes the provision of goods and services by private households for their own use, such as home gardening and food production.

Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies

Extraterritorial organizations

Activities of extraterritorial organizations and bodies This division includes the provision of services by extraterritorial organizations and bodies, such as foreign embassies and consulates.

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