A greenhouse gas inventory is a systematic, periodic accounting of the greenhouse gas emissions and removals attributable to an organisation, activity or jurisdiction over a defined period, expressed in carbon-dioxide-equivalent units. It categorises emissions by source and by scope, applies emission factors to activity data, and forms the quantitative basis for target-setting, reporting and reduction strategies. Inventories underpin compliance, disclosure and progress toward net-zero commitments.
- A greenhouse gas inventory is a structured accounting of emissions and removals, expressed in carbon-dioxide equivalents, that forms the foundation of Carbon Accounting.
- It applies the GHG Protocol to organise emissions by scope and source, enabling Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero strategies.
Overview
- An inventory establishes the emissions baseline against which targets are set and progress is measured.
- Activity data — fuel use, electricity, travel, materials — is multiplied by emission factors to estimate emissions.
- Emissions are partitioned into Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (purchased energy) and Scope 3 (value-chain) categories.
Key aspects
- Organisational and operational boundaries defining what is counted.
- Activity data collection across direct operations and the value chain.
- Emission factors converting activity into carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions.
- Scope classification distinguishing direct, energy and indirect sources.
- Verification and assurance to give the figures credibility.
Mechanisms
- Consolidation approaches assign emissions by control or equity share.
- Life Cycle Assessment informs value-chain and product-level estimates.
- Recalculation policies maintain comparability when boundaries change.
- The GHG Protocol supplies the methodological backbone for consistency.
Applications
- Corporate sustainability and ESG disclosure.
- Regulatory and mandatory emissions reporting.
- Setting and tracking science-based reduction targets.
- Quantifying residual emissions for offsetting and neutrality claims.