Back in March, I wrote about the GHG Protocol’s plans to alter its methodology on Scope 2 emissions calculations. Those changes would tighten requirements around the use of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Groups like Share Action have supported the amendments; however, not everyone agrees. A group of 66 signatories representing over 33,500 organizations recently issued a public statement opposing the revisions. In it, they state:
“We strongly urge the GHGP to improve upon the existing guidance, but not stymie critical electricity decarbonization investments by mandating a change that fundamentally threatens participation in this voluntary market, which acts as the linchpin in decarbonization across nearly all sectors of the economy. The revised guidance must encourage more clean energy procurement and enable more impactful corporate action, not unintentionally discourage it.”
In part, the signatories advocate for making hourly and deliverability matching optional rather than mandatory. They argue that the GHG protocol’s methods for calculating scope 2 emissions have been successful to date, and while there may be room for improvement, the proposed changes would go too far.
The signatories include several major operating companies, including Amazon and Apple, who would face potential financial hardship in complying with the new rules while maintaining their current carbon goals. However, carbon accounting groups like Ceres and the Sustainability Roundtable have also voiced their opposition. Companies have been using the GHG Protocol’s Scope 2 methodology since 2015, and a shakeup of this caliber is likely to disrupt many longstanding plans and strategies.
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