What is GHG Protocol?
The GHG Protocol, a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), provides the world's most widely used standardized frameworks for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from private sector operations, value chains, and mitigation actions.
Why is GHG Protocol important?
The GHG Protocol is important because it provides a comprehensive, transparent, and globally recognized framework for carbon accounting. By standardizing how companies measure and report their emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3), it enables consistent data, facilitates target setting, drives emissions reductions, and allows for meaningful comparison and disclosure.
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Frequently asked questions
The three scopes are: Scope 1 (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions in a company's value chain).
The GHG Protocol itself is a voluntary standard, but its methodologies are widely adopted by companies for sustainability reporting and are often referenced or required by various reporting frameworks, regulations, and initiatives globally (e.g., CDP, SBTi).
Beyond corporate accounting, GHG Protocol also offers standards and guidance for measuring emissions from cities, products, and for developing mitigation projects.