The GHG Protocol, also known as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, is the world's most widely recognized carbon accounting standard. By providing standards, guidelines, tools and training dedicated to the measurement and management of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it plays a crucial role in the fight against global warming.
Launched in 1998 by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG Protocol emerged from the need for a standardized framework for assessing and reporting GHG emissions. Since its inception, it has become a key pillar for companies and governments wishing to quantify and manage their carbon footprint.
By 2022, the Harvard Business Review estimated that over 90 % of Fortune 500 companies had adopted the GHG Protocol for their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. This massive adoption testifies to the confidence placed in this carbon accounting standard.
But what are the ins and outs of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol? How does it work in practice? What makes it an essential resource for managing GHG emissions?
Let's explore these questions in detail.
What is the GHG Protocol?
Visit GHG Protocol, or Greenhouse Gas Protocol, is a set of standards and guidelines developed to help organizations measure, report and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It provides a standardized methodological framework for assessing the environmental impact of human activities in terms of GHG emissions, which are directly linked to global warming and climate change.
This protocol has been designed to be flexible and applicable to different organizations, whatever their sector, size or geographical location. It is widely used by companies, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other entities to measure and manage their GHG emissions in a consistent and transparent way.
The GHG Protocol divides GHG emissions into three main categories, called "Scopes", according to their origin and how they are controlled by the organization:
- Scope 1 : Direct GHG emissions from sources controlled by the organization, such as emissions from company fleet vehicles and production facilities.
- Scope 2 : Indirect GHG emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, heat or steam purchased by the organization from external sources.
- Scope 3 : Indirect GHG emissions associated with the organization's activities, but which come from sources not directly controlled by the organization, such as business travel, waste generation and the supply chain.
History of the GHG Protocol
In the late 1990s, the GHG Protocol came into being thanks to a collaboration between two major American institutions: the WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development) and the WRI (World Resources Institute).
The WBCSD, which brings together over 200 companies working for sustainable development, and the WRI, which focuses on the realization of sustainability ideals, began discussions in 1997 on the challenges of managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This meeting marked the beginning of an innovative partnership between NGOs and companies, aimed at developing standardized methods for emissions accounting.
Key players were also involved in this process, including environmental organizations such as WWF and The Energy Research Institute, as well as industrial companies such as Norsk Hydro and Shell. Their input enriched the debate and helped to develop more comprehensive and balanced approaches.
In 1998, the WRI took a decisive step forward with the publication of its report "Safe Climate, Sound Business". This report laid the foundations for a program of action to combat climate change, while emphasizing the importance of standardizing the measurement of GHG emissions. This initiative gave rise to the first edition of the Enterprise Standard in 2001, laying the foundations for a standardized and transparent approach to GHG emissions accounting for organizations worldwide.
GHG Protocol objectives
The objectives of the GHG Protocol are manifold, and are designed to help companies, governments, municipalities and other organizations reduce and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
First and foremost, The GHG Protocol aims to provide a standardized and reliable methodological framework for measuring, reporting and managing GHG emissions. By establishing clear standards and guidelines, it facilitates the comparison and understanding of emissions data, enabling organizations to better assess their environmental performance and make informed decisions on emissions reduction.
In addition, The GHG Protocol strives to raise stakeholders' awareness of the challenges of climate change and to support them in their transition to more sustainable economic and operating models. By providing practical tools, guides and training, it helps organizations identify emissions reduction opportunities and implement effective strategies to achieve their carbon neutrality or emissions reduction targets.
In a broader context, The GHG Protocol contributes to the fight against climate change by encouraging responsible management of GHG emissions on a global scale. By enabling organizations to quantify and manage their carbon footprint, it promotes the transition to a low-carbon economy that is more resilient to the effects of climate change.
GHG protocol is not a carbon footprint
It is crucial to distinguish between the GHG Protocol and Bilan Carbone®, because althoughthey share a common carbon accounting objective, they are two distinct approaches.
Visit GHG Protocol is a widely recognized international protocol that sets standards and guidelines for accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Its main aim is to harmonize carbon accounting on a global scale, making it easier to compare carbon footprints between different organizations and communicate them worldwide.
On the other hand, Bilan Carbone® is a method specific to France, developed by ADEME (Agence de la Transition Écologique) to assess the GHG emissions of French organizations. Although it can help harmonize the methodology used across the country, its main role is that of a diagnostic and advisory tool, enabling organizations to better understand and reduce their carbon footprint.
What's more, It should be noted that from 2023 onwards, the Bilan Carbone® method will no longer refer to emissions "scopes", but to emissions "categories", of which there are six. This development reflects the ongoing adaptation of the methodology to better meet the carbon accounting needs and requirements of French organizations.
Support from Phishia
Phishia's support is an essential element in the effective implementation of the GHG Protocol and Bilan Carbone®. Organizations can benefit from professional support to navigate through the complexities of these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting processes, and take full advantage of the benefits they offer.
