GHG Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is the global gold standard for measuring, reporting, and managing greenhouse gas emissions. Developed in 1998 by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), it provides a standardized framework for organizations and companies to account for emissions. The protocol provides the basis for other protocols like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The GHG Protocol’s global adoption has been driven by international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which emphasized the need for standardized emissions reporting as an essential method of combatting climate change.

Framework Requirements:
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The GHG Protocol categorizes emissions into three main “scopes”:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
• Scope 3: Indirect emissions across the value chain, such as those from suppliers or product use.

Other key terms:

• Quantification: Emissions measured in CO2 equivalents (CO2e).
• Reporting: Transparent and accurate emissions data following the protocol's guidelines.
• Reduction Plans: Encourages setting ambitious targets aligned with global climate goals.

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Did You Know?

‍The GHG Protocol was first implemented by global leaders like BP, Shell, and General Motors. Today, it’s used by thousands of companies to meet compliance standards and sustainability goals.