Did you know that 78% of European companies now have a strategy for reducing their carbon footprint ? In a context where climate change is becoming a major concern, the term “GHG Protocol” is on everyone’s lips. But why is it so popular ?
Understanding and measuring one’s environmental impact is now an imperative for businesses, local authorities and even individuals. In this article, we explore what a GHG Protocol is, why it has become essential and how to implement it effectively.
1. Understanding GHG Protocol
What is GHG Protocol ?
GHG Protocol is a methodology developed in 2001 which provides guidelines to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It exists alongside the French Bilan Carbone® methodology, developed in 2004, which provides guidelines and tools to perform the measures and identify the dependence of an activity, an organisation or a product to fossil energies.
These methods make it possible to take into account all sources of direct and indirect emissions linked to energy, transport, raw materials or also wastes, in order to draw up an action plan to reduce these emissions. In particular, they enable organisations to meet the requirements of the ISO 14064-1 standard.
Why is it essential today ?
Faced with the challenges of global warming, regulations are becoming stricter and consumers are demanding greater transparency. The latest report from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) underlines the urgent need for action to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and stresses the crucial role of businesses and organisations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Carrying out a GHG Protocol gives you a better understanding of your ecological impact and helps you identify practical ways to improve.
2. The importance of GHG Protocol today
A regulatory imperative
With regulations such as the law on duty of vigilance and extra-financial reporting for large companies, GHG Protocol is becoming a must. For example in France, some companies are required to carry out a GHG Protocol and to implement actions to reduce their carbon footprint.
A strategic asset for companies
Carrying out a GHG Protocol is more than just a legal requirement, it is also a powerful lever for :
- Reduce costs by optimising energy consumption
- Improving brand image by demonstrating a commitment to the environment
- Anticipate future environmental regulations
Growing demand from consumers and professionals
Consumers are increasingly attentive to the ecological impact of the products and services they buy. A well-managed GHG Protocol makes it possible to offer products and services that are more respectful of the environment and therefore more attractive.
Similarly, professionals, partners and investors expect companies to adopt responsible and transparent practices when it comes to their carbon footprint. A structured emissions reduction approach is therefore becoming an important selection criterion in commercial and financial relationships.
3. How to carry out an effective GHG Protocol ?
Step 1: Define the scope of the study and raise team awareness
Before even starting the GHG Protocol, it is essential to involve all the stakeholders in the organisation. This stage enables teams to be made aware of the carbon issues, to define the objectives of the assessment and to identify the necessary resources. A proper scoping exercise guarantees an effective approach that is consistent with the company’s overall strategy.
Step 2: Data collection
Gather all the information you can on your energy consumption, travel, purchasing, production and waste. The more accurate the data, the more reliable the analysis.
Step 3: Use a recognised calculation methodology
Tools such as the GHG Protocol or ADEME’s Bilan Carbone® method can be used to analyse emissions according to three scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions (e.g. fuel combustion, heat production, etc.)
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions linked to the energy consumed
- Scope 3: Indirect upstream and downstream emissions (e.g. transport of goods, product life cycle, etc.)
Step 4: Identify reduction targets and levers
Once the diagnosis has been made, an action plan must be drawn up to reduce emissions. This may include:
- Adopting reduction targets validated by the SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative), a reference for climate trajectories aligned with the Paris Agreement
- Optimising the energy efficiency of buildings
- Switching to renewable energies
- Reducing business travel and promoting teleworking
- Eco-design of products
Step 5: Set up a monitoring system
Reducing emissions is a process of continuous improvement. It is essential to regularly monitor progress and adjust actions accordingly. The ACT (Accelerate Climate Transition) method is a recognised approach for assessing the transition of companies towards a low-carbon economy and structuring an effective monitoring process.
Step 6: Declare your results and strategy
Communicating your GHG Protocol is essential to ensure transparency and demonstrate your commitment to the ecological transition. There are a number of organisations that can help you declare your results and assess your low-carbon strategy:
- SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative): Possibility of publicly committing to reduction targets set in accordance with scientific recommendations
- CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project): International platform for reporting on the carbon footprint of companies
- WBA (World Benchmarking Alliance): Ranking of companies according to their commitment to sustainable development
Step 7: Get yourself assessed
A critical review by a certified third party guarantees the quality and credibility of the GHG Protocol. It is recommended that you go through specialist organisations such as:
- ACT Evaluation : Evaluates the climate transition strategy of companies
- Afnor verification: Certification of environmental data and commitments
4. What benefits can you expect from a GHG Protocol ?
Reduced operating costs
Optimising energy consumption and production processes can generate substantial savings.
Competitive advantages
A clear and measurable commitment to the climate is a real differentiator in the marketplace.
Better regulatory compliance
Preparing now for future legal obligations, such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), helps avoid sanctions and anticipate market developments.
Conclusion
The GHG Protocol is much more than a simple measurement method: it is a strategic lever for any organisation concerned about its environmental impact. Beyond the legal obligations, it is an effective means of optimising costs, improving image and meeting consumer expectations.
Have you ever considered carrying out a GHG Protocol for your business ? Contact us using the form below to find out how we can help !
