Greenhouse gas inventory
A greenhouse gas inventory is a structured account of greenhouse gas emissions and removals for a defined entity, geography, or activity over a stated period. It identifies sources, sinks, gases, boundaries, methods, and quantities, commonly organizing organizational emissions into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.
In simple terms
An inventory turns underlying measurements and estimates into a coherent emissions record. The preparer chooses boundaries and a base year, collects activity data, applies calculation methods, converts gases to carbon dioxide equivalent, and documents uncertainty and exclusions. Under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, corporate inventories distinguish direct emissions from indirect emissions across three scopes. A reproducible inventory also retains evidence so later years can be compared and material structural or methodological changes can be recalculated consistently.
Why it matters
An inventory shows where emissions occur and supplies the baseline for reduction plans, disclosures, and target tracking. Separating Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 helps prevent sources from disappearing inside one total. Documented methods also allow users to understand data quality and whether a reported change reflects real performance or a boundary adjustment.
Example
For example, a university can inventory campus fuel combustion, purchased electricity, business travel, commuting, waste, and other included sources for a calendar year. It records its organizational boundary, selected factors, missing data, and recalculation policy, then uses the same basis to track progress in later years.
How it differs
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
A greenhouse gas inventory is the resulting account of emissions and removals for a defined boundary; the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a standards and guidance framework used to prepare inventories.