Greenhouse Gas Protocol and examples from Slovakia

Scope 1 emissions

Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the company, such as combustion of fossil fuels in boilers or vehicles. For example, a manufacturing company might have Scope 1 emissions from the natural gas used to heat its facility and the fuel used in its company cars.

Scope 2 emissions

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. For example, a manufacturing company might have Scope 2 emissions from the electricity used to power its production equipment and lighting.

Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the company, such as emissions from the transportation and disposal of products, employee commuting, and the use of products and services by customers. For example, a manufacturing company might have Scope 3 emissions from the transportation of raw materials to its facility, the transportation of finished products to customers, and the use of its products by customers.

The GHG Protocol

The GHG Protocol is widely recognized and used by companies around the world to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is not the only method available. Another popular tool is Bilan Carbone®, which is used primarily in France. Both methods provide a framework for measuring and reporting emissions, but there are some differences between them. For example, Bilan Carbone includes more detailed guidance on how to calculate emissions from certain sources such as waste, while the GHG Protocol provides more detailed guidance on how to report emissions from international transportation and from land use and land-use change.

Example of companies from Slovakia that uses the GHG Protocol

Slovnaft, a leading oil refinery and petrochemical company in Slovakia, announced in 2021 that it had successfully measured and reported its greenhouse gas emissions using the GHG Protocol. This helped the company to identify its largest sources of emissions and set reduction targets. 

VÚB, one of the major banks in Slovakia, has been measuring and reporting its greenhouse gas emissions using the GHG Protocol since 2016. The bank has set a target to reduce its emissions by 60% by 2020 compared to 2008 market-based levels. 

In conclusion, the GHG Protocol is a widely used tool for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions, which is divided into three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. This helps companies and organizations to identify the largest sources of emissions and prioritize actions to reduce them. Additionally, by setting reduction targets and tracking progress, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. There are other methods available, such as Bilan Carbone, but the GHG Protocol is widely recognized and used by companies around the world.

At Mazars Slovakia, we have created a dedicated Carbon Footprint Hub, where our experts in carbon footprint calculation can advise you on optimising your emissions and achieve your ESG strategy goals. If you gave questions, do not hesitate to contact our team of professionals below or subscribe to Mazars' regular monthly ESG newsletter.