Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Food Companies

The GHG Protocol consists of several standards and guidelines that help companies measure, understand, and report their emissions in a consistent and transparent way. At its core is the classification of emissions into three categories, known as “scopes,” enabling a full view of climate impact, from agriculture-related emissions, to direct emissions from own operations, and indirect emissions across the value chain. This structure makes it easier to identify improvement areas, set relevant climate targets, and meet regulatory and customer requirements.

The recently launched LSRS complements this by providing a standardized method for calculating and reporting emissions from agriculture and land use.

• Scope 1 includes the company’s direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization. Examples include emissions from own factories/facilities, refrigerant leakage, company-owned trucks, and machinery.
• Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
• Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that occur in the company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. For food companies, a large share of emissions arises in agriculture, which falls under purchased goods and services (upstream). It can also include emissions from transport, business travel, and waste from operations. These emissions are divided into 15 categories according to the GHG Protocol.

Scope 3 emissions often account for the largest share of a food company’s total climate impact, and are also the most complex to measure. That’s why it’s important to focus on the categories that are most relevant and material to your business. The result is a more comprehensive decision-making basis, helping you focus efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Mapping emissions according to the GHG Protocol not only provides a clear picture of the current situation - it also builds a strong foundation for strategic decision-making, setting climate targets, and identifying effective actions. Such an analysis highlights the distribution of emissions, risks, and opportunities, while also meeting requirements from regulations, investors, and initiatives such as ESRS, VSME, SBTi, and CDP. It strengthens both your climate strategy and your company’s credibility - internally, externally, and across the entire value chain.

In need of support?

RISE supports you throughout the entire process - from mapping to reporting. We have specific experience helping small and medium-sized enterprises in their climate efforts and use tailored tools and methods, even for companies with limited resources. Get in touch, and we’ll design a solution that suits your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you!