GHG Protocol: Corporate Standard

I. Definition

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is an international framework used by companies to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions.
It explains how to calculate emissions, what to include, and how to report results in a consistent way.

In simple terms: it is the rulebook companies use to know where emissions come from and how to count them correctly.
It covers Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, which together describe a company’s full carbon footprint.

II. Context

The GHG Protocol was created to bring clarity and consistency to carbon accounting.
Before it existed, companies measured emissions using different methods, making comparison almost impossible.

The Corporate Standard is the most widely used part of the GHG Protocol.
It defines organizational boundaries (which entities are included) and operational boundaries (which activities create emissions).

Emissions are grouped into Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions), Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 emissions (all other indirect emissions in the value chain).
This structure helps companies understand where emissions really come from.

Because many regulations and frameworks rely on the GHG Protocol, its accuracy directly affects compliance, strategy, and credibility.

III. Why it matters

At Orizscore, we consider the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard as the foundation of credible climate reporting.
If emissions are not measured correctly, every decision based on them is fragile.

The key issue is not calculation alone.
The key issue is proof:
Can the company explain its methodology?
Can the data be verified?
Can results be traced over time?

Without reliable data and transparent processes, climate targets are only intentions.
The Corporate Standard pushes companies to move from estimates to evidence.

In a world of growing regulation and scrutiny, carbon data must be defensible, not just published.

IV. Related terms

• Scope 1 Emissions
  https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/scope-1-emissions
• Scope 2 Emissions
  https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/scope-2-emissions
• Scope 3 Emissions
  https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/scope-3-emissions

V. Example

A manufacturing company wants to calculate its carbon footprint.
Using the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, it defines which factories and subsidiaries are included.

It then calculates:
Scope 1 emissions from fuel burned on-site,
Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity,
and Scope 3 emissions from suppliers and transport.

All data is documented and structured using the same rules each year.
This allows the company to track progress, set targets, and provide verifiable climate data to stakeholders.

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