You may have heard the term "GHG Protocol" and wondered what exactly it means. GHG stands for "Greenhouse Gases" and the GHG Protocol is an internationally recognized procedure for recording and reporting the greenhouse gas emissions of companies, organizations and even entire countries. But why is it so important for climate action?

What is the GHG protocol?

The GHG Protocol is a standard that enables companies to calculate the amount of greenhouse gases that they cause directly or indirectly. A distinction is made as to whether the emissions originate from the company's own activities (direct emissions) or from the use of third-party products and services (indirect emissions).

It was originally developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to provide a transparent and comparable method for recording emissions. Companies that comply with the standard can thus better understand their carbon footprint and take targeted measures to reduce their emissions.

The three categories in the GHG protocol

The GHG Protocol distinguishes between three categories of emissions:

1. Direct emissions (Scope 1):

   These arise from a company's own sources, for example from the combustion of fossil fuels in company vehicles or heating systems.

2. Indirect emissions from energy (Scope 2):

   These occur when a company purchases energy from external suppliers. These are the emissions that occur during the production of the electrical energy that you consume.

3. Other indirect emissions (Scope 3):

   These are the most complex category and include all other emissions caused by a company's activities - for example, the production of goods, transportation or waste.

Why is the GHG protocol important?

The GHG Protocol not only helps companies and organizations to systematically record and understand their emissions, but also to reduce them in a targeted manner. By considering the entire life cycle of a product or service , indirect emissions, which are often overlooked, can also be better classified and optimized.

The GHG Protocol is also of interest to you as a consumer. If companies report their emissions regularly, it is easier for you to understand how sustainable their products or services really are.

Conclusion: Taking responsibility

The GHG Protocol is an important instrument for making greenhouse gas emissions transparent and traceable. It is a helpful tool for companies to improve their carbon footprint. But it can also be useful for you as an individual to understand how these standards are used - whether to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions or to contribute to climate action yourself.

Come back to learn more about climate action and the importance of facts, figures and measures!