About the GHG Protocol Scope 2 update debate
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s draft Scope 2 update introduces proposals for mandatory hourly matching and strict regional boundaries for energy accounting. However, stakeholders warn that these rules will increase administrative burdens, challenge developing countries, and risk misdirecting capital toward company-specific profiles instead of broader grid decarbonisation.
To move toward consensus, ERI’s new paper outlines pragmatic suggestions:
- Incremental implementation: Voluntary, phased rollouts prioritising material emissions.
- Flexible boundaries: Aligning constraints with broader regional or RE100 levels.
- Investment safeguards: Ensure grandfathering of all existing PPAs and extending exceptions.
- Alternative reporting: Utilising multi-statement frameworks and separate impact disclosures.
- Strategic advocacy: Highlighting draft gaps through alternative channels.
