GHG Protocol Update: ISB Approves Draft Scope 2 Revisions for Public Consultation

The GHG Protocol is moving forward with updates to its Scope 2 Guidance, first published in 2015, as part of a broader overhaul of its corporate standards. The Independent Standards Board (ISB) voted in July to approve key proposed revisions for public consultation this fall. These revisions aim to enhance how companies measure emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling.

The ISB endorsed updates to both location-based and market-based accounting methods, including new emission factor hierarchies and regional and hourly matching criteria. While hourly data will be required in certain voluntary claim scenarios, the revisions include flexibility for smaller companies and legacy contracts, as well as a phased implementation timeline. The board's 10-1 vote in favor of both proposals clears the way for a 60-day public consultation period expected to begin later this year.

While the proposed Marginal Impact Method (MIM) which was designed to assess system-wide emissions impacts will not advance under Scope 2, the ISB acknowledged its value and directed further development through the cross-sectoral Actions and Market Instruments (AMI) workstream. This ensures alignment across industries beyond just electricity.

Stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed revisions and provide input on clean electricity procurement and avoided emissions. GHG Protocol encourages participation and will release more details on how to engage in the consultation soon.

These updates are part of a multi-year revision process launched in 2022. Finalized Scope 2 guidance is expected by mid-2026, with full revisions to the corporate standards suite planned for release by the end of 2027.

The ISB’s latest decisions underscore GHG Protocol’s continued focus on transparency, consistency, and global applicability in greenhouse gas reporting.

Source: ghgprotocol.org