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      GHG Emissions

      A Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory is a comprehensive account of all greenhouse gas emissions attributable to an organization, enabling it to understand and manage its climate impact.

      This inventory is crucial for any company committed to reducing its environmental footprint. The GHG Protocol serves as the foundation for nearly all GHG standards globally, providing the accounting framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements from the GHG Protocol, along with common definitions and calculations, all of which are pertinent for using software that calculates, reports, and manages GHG data.

      GHG Protocol Requirements

      1. Organizational Boundaries: Define the operational boundaries in the corporate value chain where GHG emissions occur. This can be approached either by the "control" method (emissions from operations controlled by the company) or by the "equity share" method (emissions from operations according to the share of equity in the operation).
      2. Operational Boundaries: Choose between Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the organization, and Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.
      3. Data Collection: Gather data on energy consumption and other activities that lead to GHG emissions. Reliable data collection is essential for accurate GHG calculation.
      4. Calculation of GHG Emissions: Apply appropriate emission factors to activity data to calculate total GHG emissions. This involves converting quantities of consumed energy or raw materials into carbon dioxide equivalents using specific conversion factors.
      5. Reporting: Report the GHG emissions in a transparent, consistent, and accurate manner. Disclosure should follow the standards set by the GHG Protocol and include all relevant sources of GHG emissions identified within the chosen boundaries.

      Common Definitions

      • Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e): A standard unit for measuring carbon footprints. It expresses the impact of each different greenhouse gas in terms of the amount of CO2 that would create the same amount of warming.
      • Emission Factor: A coefficient that quantifies the emissions or removals of a gas per unit of activity. Emission factors are used to derive the GHG emissions based on the quantity of fuel combusted or materials used.
      • Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions: Classifications defined by the GHG Protocol to differentiate direct from indirect emission sources. Detailed understanding of each scope is crucial for accurate reporting and management.

      Calculations

      Calculations for GHG emissions typically involve applying emission factors to the quantity of fuels used, energy consumed, or other activity data. The basic formula used is: Emissions=Activity Data×Emission FactorEmissions=Activity Data×Emission Factor

      For example, calculating CO2 emissions from natural gas burnt would require data on the volume of gas used and the specific emission factor for natural gas.

      Relevance to Our Software

      Our software enhances the management of GHG inventories by automating these complex calculations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the GHG Protocol. Key features include:

      1. Data Integration: Automatically integrates data from various sources to streamline the data collection process, reducing errors and saving time.
      2. Real-Time Calculation: Offers real-time GHG calculations, providing instant feedback on your environmental impact and allowing for timely decision-making.
      3. Custom Reports: Generates customized reports that comply with GHG Protocol standards, suitable for internal management and external disclosure.
      4. Emission Factor Updates: Regularly updates emission factors in accordance with the latest standards and scientific research to ensure the accuracy of your GHG calculations.
      5. Scope 1, 2, and 3 Management: Facilitates comprehensive management and reporting across all emission scopes, enhancing your ability to address indirect as well as direct emissions.