Scope 2 Calculation Guide (GHG Protocol)

Scope 2 of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is a powerful tool for measuring an organization’s greenhouse emissions from indirect sources. This guide will help you understand exactly how a Scope 2 calculation works, and how you can use it to trace your own environmental impact.

Scope 2 measures one of the most commonly used sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for organizations or businesses. This source is those from electricity purchased from a utility. A Scope 2 calculation takes into account all significant emissions generated from the production of purchased electricity, from sources both owned and managed, and those that are third-party sourced.

Collecting and understanding the data needed to complete a Scope 2 calculation can be complex and challenging. But the process is relatively straightforward. For a Scope 2 calculation, you’ll need to determine the total estimated amount of purchased electricity used by the organization in the reporting period, which can be annual, bi-annual, or quarterly. You also need to collect information about the associated GHG emissions from this electricity, such as location of the electricity purchase, types of fuel used to produce the electricity, and the emissions rates of the electricity.

Once you have calculated your Scope 2 emissions, you may want to have the calculation verified by a third-party. Verification is important in order to ensure accuracy and reliability of the Scope 2 emissions calculation, as well as to demonstrate that you are being transparent in your reporting. Scope 2 verification audits conducted by third-party entities are considered Global Verified Emissions Reduction (VER) Program Members and must comply with the criteria set forth by the program.

For organizations looking to reduce their environmental impact, Scope 2 measurement and verification is an important first step. Once you have a proper calculation in place, you can start to make meaningful changes to your Scope 2 emissions. This can be achieved by switching to renewable energy sources, avoiding carbon-generating sources when possible, and ensuring that your electricity suppliers are responsibly sourcing their electricity.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are one of the most important environmental issues facing our planet today. By understanding Scope 2 emissions calculations, organizations can trace their carbon footprint, and take the necessary steps to reduce their environmental impact. Scope 2 calculations can also be verified by a third-party to ensure accuracy and reliability of the reported emissions.