Carbon accounting refers to the systematic process of measuring, quantifying, and managing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities, organizations, or entities. This practice is crucial for understanding and mitigating the impact of these emissions on global climate change.
What are emissions?
Emissions refer to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of various human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect, which traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere and leads to global warming and climate change.
There are four main Greenhouse Gases:
There are four main Greenhouse Gases:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The most prevalent greenhouse gas, primarily produced by the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Methane (CH4): Released during activities such as livestock digestion, rice cultivation, and natural gas extraction.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural practices, industrial activities, and the use of synthetic fertilisers.
Fluorinated Gases: Synthetic gases used in various industrial applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, and electronics manufacturing.
The GHG Protocol
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely recognised and adopted standard for carbon accounting. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG Protocol provides a comprehensive framework for organisations to measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions:
Scopes of emissions
The GHG Protocol structures emissions into three distinct Scopes to help organisations categorize and manage their carbon footprint:
Scope 1 Emissions: These are direct emissions that result from sources owned or controlled by the organisation. Examples include emissions from on-site combustion of fossil fuels, such as those produced by company vehicles and facility heating.
Scope 2 Emissions: These are indirect emissions associated with the generation of purchased electricity, heat, or steam consumed by the organisation. While the emissions occur at the power generation source, they are accounted for by the consuming organisation.
Scope 3 Emissions: These are indirect emissions that occur along the organisation's value chain but are not owned or controlled by the organisation. Scope 3 emissions encompass a wide range of activities, including transportation, employee commuting, business travel, supply chain activities, and the use of products and services by customers.
By categorising emissions into these scopes, the GHG Protocol enables organisations to comprehensively assess their carbon footprint, identify opportunities for emissions reductions, and implement strategies to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
🎓 Learn more about Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions on the Plan A Academy!