This article is a Sustainability 101 !
We all know about Climate Change. Global Warming. Rising Sea levels. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the main driver behind these negative effects.
In this article lets understand what are GHGs and how GHGs are classified.
What are GHG emissions?
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the discharge of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect and cause global warming. The main GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.The build-up of GHGs in the atmosphere captures solar radiation, resulting in the warming of the Earth's surface and causing disturbances to the climate system.
The illustration below shows the split of GHGs in the atmosphere, the major sources of different GHGs and its lifetime-
Lets now see how GHG emissions are classified-
The above image shows the classification of direct & indirect emissions along the value chain of an organization.
Lets now see how GHG emissions are classified-
Classifying GHG emissions
The Corporate Standard of the GHG Protocol categorizes a company's emissions into direct and indirect emissions.
Direct emissions originate from sources that are either owned or managed by the reporting company. On the other hand, indirect emissions result from the activities of the reporting company but occur at sites controlled by another entity.
The emissions are classified into three scopes, with direct emissions being part of scope 1, and indirect emissions being a component of scope 2 and scope 3. Although a company can control its direct emissions, it can only exert influence over its indirect emissions.
The emissions are classified into three scopes, with direct emissions being part of scope 1, and indirect emissions being a component of scope 2 and scope 3. Although a company can control its direct emissions, it can only exert influence over its indirect emissions.
The above image shows the classification of direct & indirect emissions along the value chain of an organization.
Lets now read more on the Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions-
Scope 1 emissions refer to the direct emissions that arise from sources that are either owned or controlled by an organization. Examples of such emissions include those arising from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy or onsite combustion of biomass.
If you want to read more about Scope 1 emissions and how it is calculated you can check my LinkedIn newsletter: Think Green by clicking below-
Subscribe on LinkedInIndirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heat, or steam consumed by an organization are classified as Scope 2 emissions. This category also covers emissions that result from power plants supplying electricity to the organization.
Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain. This includes emissions from activities such as the extraction and production of purchased materials, transportation of goods and services, and the use and disposal of products and services.
Comprehending and monitoring the Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions can aid organizations in identifying prospects to curtail their emissions, augment the efficiency of their supply chain, and elevate their overarching sustainability proficiency.
Comprehending and monitoring the Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions can aid organizations in identifying prospects to curtail their emissions, augment the efficiency of their supply chain, and elevate their overarching sustainability proficiency.
I hope this article was useful. Keep checking out this space for more articles on sustainability.
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