Emissions tracking involves several key definitions that practitioners should be familiar with. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The most common GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Scopes are categories used to classify emissions sources: Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources; Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling; Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of GHG emissions caused by an individual, organization, event, or product, expressed as CO2 equivalent. Understanding these definitions is essential for effectively tracking and managing emissions. For detailed guidance, organizations often refer to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, a leading standard for GHG accounting and reporting.
Key Takeaway: Familiarity with emissions-related definitions is vital for effective tracking and management.