About This Webinar
This is the third masterclass in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass Series, providing a practical look at how to calculate emissions across Scopes 1 and 2, consolidate them into a single inventory, and document the process for transparency and audit readiness. It covers the standard emissions calculation formula, data sourcing for Scope 1 and Scope 2, the two accounting methods for Scope 2, consolidation across subsidiaries and joint ventures, and how to set and maintain a base year. Real-world examples throughout, including Google and Moller-Maersk, show how these concepts apply in practice.
Summary
This is the third masterclass in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass Series. It builds on the operational boundaries and emission factors covered in the second session by showing how to calculate emissions, consolidate them into an organisation-wide inventory, and document the process so it holds up to scrutiny over time.
It focuses on applied learning, using real-world examples and worked calculations to show how to apply the activity data formula, choose between location-based and market-based Scope 2 reporting, consolidate multi-entity data, and manage a base year recalculation policy.
You will learn how to:
◆ Apply the standard emissions formula: activity data multiplied by emission factors
◆ Identify the data needed to calculate Scope 1 emissions, including stationary combustion, mobile combustion, process emissions, and fugitive emissions
◆ Identify the data needed to calculate Scope 2 emissions, including electricity, steam, heating, and cooling
◆ Distinguish between the location-based and market-based methods for reporting Scope 2 emissions
◆ Consolidate emissions data from subsidiaries, joint ventures, and operations into a single GHG inventory
◆ Document calculation methods, boundaries, and exclusions so an inventory is transparent and replicable
◆ Set an appropriate base year and apply a recalculation policy when business conditions change
Learning Outcomes
By completing this masterclass, you will build practical capability in calculating Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, consolidating multi-entity data into a single inventory, documenting your methodology, and managing base year recalculations.
Calculating Emissions
◆ Apply the core formula: emissions equal activity data multiplied by emission factors
◆ Understand activity data as the amount of fuel, electricity, or material consumed, and emission factors as the GHG emitted per unit of activity
Calculating Scope 1 Emissions
◆ Identify the four sources of Scope 1 emissions: stationary combustion, mobile combustion, process emissions, and fugitive emissions
◆ Source Scope 1 activity data from utility and fuel invoices, fleet management systems, refrigerant maintenance logs, and production records
◆ Work through a worked example converting litres of diesel into kg CO₂e using an emission factor
◆ Apply mitigations for common challenges, including estimating fugitive emissions, applying industry-specific methodologies for process emissions, and standardising data collection across multinational sites
Calculating Scope 2 Emissions
◆ Source Scope 2 activity data from utility invoices, energy meters, building management systems, and renewable energy procurement contracts
◆ Distinguish the location-based method, which reflects grid average emissions intensity, from the market-based method, which reflects contracted electricity products such as RECs, GOs, and PPAs
◆ Work through worked examples calculating both location-based and market-based emissions for the same electricity consumption
◆ Review how Google reports both location-based and market-based Scope 2 figures to reflect grid intensity and renewable procurement side by side
◆ Recognise why reliable activity data, sourced from invoices, meters, fleet systems, and production records, is essential to credible calculations
Consolidating Emissions Into a GHG Inventory
◆ Understand consolidation as the process of collecting, classifying, and summing emissions data from every subsidiary, joint venture, and operation into one inventory
◆ Apply a four-step consolidation process: entity-level inventories, data standardisation, roll-up, and adjustment for mergers, acquisitions, or divestments
◆ Apply mitigations for common consolidation challenges, including inconsistent methodologies, complex ownership structures, changing boundaries, and data gaps
Documentation
◆ Understand why documenting methodology, boundaries, and exclusions is as important as the calculations themselves
◆ Identify what to document internally, including the chosen approach, its rationale, scope of entities included, exclusions, and data collection processes
Base Year and Recalculation Policy
◆ Understand the role of a base year as the benchmark against which future emissions and reduction targets are measured
◆ Apply criteria for choosing a base year, including data reliability, representativeness, and alignment with frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative
◆ Recognise the recalculation triggers set out in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: structural changes, methodology improvements, and error corrections
◆ Apply a materiality threshold, such as a 5% change in total emissions, to decide when recalculation is needed
◆ Review how Moller-Maersk applies a formal recalculation policy, including its significance threshold and treatment of acquisitions
Applying This to Your Organisation
◆ Consider which calculation methods, consolidation approach, and base year policy best fit your organisation's structure and reporting needs
Format
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass 3: Calculation Methods and Process Documentation is a single recorded session, and can be completed at your own pace. It is the third session in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass Series.
Topics covered include:
Calculating Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions using activity data and emission factors
Location-based and market-based methods for Scope 2 reporting
Consolidating emissions across subsidiaries and joint ventures
Documenting methodology, boundaries, and exclusions
Setting a base year and applying a recalculation policy
Who This Is For
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass 3: Calculation Methods and Process Documentation is designed for professionals involved in emissions accounting, sustainability reporting, and corporate decision-making, including those in leadership and management roles:
◆ Sustainability and ESG professionals
◆ Sustainability consultants and advisors
◆ Finance and accounting professionals
◆ Risk and compliance professionals
◆ Corporate strategy and governance professionals
◆ Internal and external auditors
