34 n ENERGY EFFICIENCY September 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com Understanding greenhouse gas emissions standards The ability to calculate and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a key tool to achieving net-zero targets and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Using a GHG emission assessment to calculate the emissions of your business can bring many benefits, including: n Efficiency Highlighting inefficiencies in your operations allows you to make informed decisions to mitigate risks and optimise processes. n Competitive advantage Demonstrating your commitment to reducing emissions could open doors to partnerships with other businesses that prioritise sustainability. n Cost savings You can use the data to identify areas of energy usage to reduce operational costs, while aligning with greenconscious market demands. n Attracting and retaining talent Potential employees, especially millennials, are increasingly looking for a environmentally-friendly employers. n Enhancing your brand reputation Publicising your GHG emissions can enhance your brand's image, especially if you have third-party verification. n Access to capital Some investors are only interested in funding ethical and environmentally responsible companies. Companies worldwide are adopting a standardised approach to GHG emission assessment. Standards offer a structured approach, providing a common language and methodology which allow businesses to quantify their GHG emissions consistently. Standards are the building blocks for transparent reporting, setting targets, and eventually, reducing carbon emissions. But what standards can be used to calculate GHG emissions? One of the most widely recognised standards is the GHG Protocol. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in the 1990s, it provides a comprehensive framework for measuring, managing and reporting GHG emissions. When discussing the GHG Protocol at the corporate level, the standard uses three “scopes”: n Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organisation, like fuel combustion in vehicle fleets n Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam. n Indirect emissions from activities that are not owned or controlled by the organisation – such as business travel and purchased products. Another essential standard for evaluating GHG emissions at the corporate level is the ISO 14064 series. This sets a benchmark for GHG assessments and offers guidelines for Assessing your company’s greenhouse gas emissions is a critical element in demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and achieving net-zero targets. Matteo Simonetto, sustainability services manager at TÜV SÜD, looks at some of the techniques available for performing these assessments, and the benefits they can bring.
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