Measure, Understand, and Reduce your GHG Emissions
This toolkit helps Canadian organizations understand greenhouse gases (GHGs), collect and interpret GHG data, calculate a robust GHG baseline, and design practical GHG emission reduction strategies. It connects core concepts like the greenhouse effect, climate change, global warming potential (GWP), carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), and GHG accounting to real-world actions that support decarbonization goals.
A practical toolkit for GHG Accounting & Action
This toolkit supports organizations at every stage of their greenhouse gas journey, from understanding basic concepts to implementing GHG emission reduction strategies. Whether you are starting to collect GHG data, refining your GHG accounting approach, or aligning your plans with decarbonization targets, the toolkit provides clear guidance, examples, and templates.
Key focus areas include:
Greenhouse Gas Fundamentals
Understand what greenhouse gases are, how the greenhouse effect works, and why GHG emissions drive climate change.
GHG Data and Baseline
Learn how to collect GHG data, identify key sources, and begin calculating a GHG baseline for your organization.
GHG Accounting & CO2e
Apply GHG accounting principles, understand global warming potential (GWP), and translate emissions into carbon dioxide equivalent to CO2e.
GHG Emission Reduction Strategies
Identify practical GHG emission reduction strategies, prioritize actions, and connect them to your operational reality.
Decarbonization Planning in Canada
Understand what net zero means, how Canada’s decarbonization target shapes expectations, and how your organization can align with it.
Why it matters now
Measuring your GHG footprint is no longer a "nice-to-have" sustainability goal; it is becoming a core requirement for doing business in Canada.
Regulatory alignment
To meet Canada’s legislated 20% reduction target by 2026, federal and provincial regulations are tightening. Early adoption ensures your organization remains compliant as mandatory reporting thresholds evolve.
Supply chain access
Large-scale commercial and federal procurement now prioritizes "green" suppliers. Providing verified GHG data is increasingly a non-negotiable requirement for securing and maintaining Tier 1 contracts.
Capital & financing
Lenders and investors now use climate-related disclosures (ISSB) to assess risk. Robust GHG accounting improves your creditworthiness and opens doors to preferential "green" financing.
Toolkit index
Getting Started
Build a clear foundation: what net zero means, how scopes work, and how to think about emissions before collecting data or calculating a baseline.
Gathering GHG Data
Define boundaries and identify the best sources of activity data so your calculations are consistent, auditable, and repeatable.
Calculating GHG Baseline
Convert activity data into emissions using factors, tools, and consistent methods—then validate results so the baseline can guide decision-making.
Reducing GHG Emissions
Translate your baseline into action: identify practical reduction levers and understand financing options that can accelerate implementation.
Reporting GHG Emissions
Package results for stakeholders: follow best practices, use supporting resources, and align with applicable requirements—especially within the Canadian context.
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