The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) is a standard, guidance, tools and training for business and government to measure and manage climate-warming emissions.
The greenhouse gas protocol establishes extensive global standardised frameworks to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions from private and public sector operations.
What is the Mission of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
The mission of the greenhouse gas protocol is to develop credible and easily accessible greenhouse gas accounting/reporting standards in order to proactively facilitate global adoption. The goal is that all private and public sectors account for their emissions to align with the global warming limits requirements by climate science.
Who does the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Apply?
The GHG Protocol is the leading framework for measuring and reporting greenhouse emissions. It forms the base for nearly all corporate GHG reporting programs globally.
In the private sector, the Protocol is trusted by leading companies to measure and communicate their emissions transparently. In 2023, 97% of S&P 500 companies reporting to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) used the GHG Protocol.
Beyond businesses, the protocol is also applied by cities and national governments to track emissions and support climate policy. Through initiatives such as the Compact of Mayors, hundreds of cities worldwide rely on the GHG Protocol for Cities to guide their sustainability and emissions reduction efforts.
Why does the Greenhouse Protocol Matter to Small Businesses?
For businesses in industries such as construction, insurance, and other sectors with significant environmental impact, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is essential for developing credible, data-driven climate strategies.
For instance in construction, the Protocol helps quantify emissions from materials, energy use, and supply chains - supporting sustainability certifications, regulatory compliance, and transparent reporting.
For insurers, the Protocol provides valuable insight into how climate change affects both their operations and the risks they underwrite. It supports better decision-making, helps meet growing disclosure requirements, and shows a genuine commitment to sustainable business practices.
In the world of finance, the Protocol helps organisations see the bigger picture of their environmental footprint. By measuring the emissions linked to their operations and investments, financial institutions can make more responsible choices, and build trust with investors.
Overall, the GHG Protocol empowers organisations to transform reliable carbon data into actionable insights, driving transparency, and measurable progress towards sustainable goals, which might come up as a competitive advantage.
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