What are all of the GHG Categories?

Understanding and measuring your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is an important step in reducing your carbon footprint and mitigating the impact of climate change. The GHG categories are broken down on our Carbonhound platform based on the industry standard set by GHG Protocol into specific sources of emissions, so you can get a clear picture of where your emissions are coming from. By tracking your emissions over time, you can set targets for reducing your impact and take concrete steps towards a more sustainable future.

Use of Sold Products: This category refers to emissions that are generated from the use of products you sell. For example, if you are a small business that sells light bulbs, the emissions generated from the use of those light bulbs would fall under this category. The emissions could come from the energy used to power the light bulbs or from the production of the light bulbs. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on selling products that are energy-efficient or have a low carbon footprint.

Waste Generated in Operations: This category refers to emissions generated from the waste produced during your business operations. For example, if your small business produces a lot of paper waste, the emissions generated from the disposal of that paper waste would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on reducing the amount of waste generated and implementing a recycling program.

Fugitive Emissions: This category refers to emissions that are released into the atmosphere accidentally or as a result of a leak. For example, if your small business uses refrigerants in its operations, the emissions generated from leaks in the refrigeration system would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on regular maintenance and inspections of your equipment to prevent leaks and minimize emissions.

Franchises: This category refers to emissions generated by franchises associated with your small business. For example, if you own a chain of fast food restaurants, the emissions generated by each franchise would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could provide guidelines and training to your franchisees on how to reduce emissions in their operations.

Imported Energy: This category refers to emissions generated from the energy that is imported into your business operations. For example, if your small business relies on electricity from the grid, the emissions generated from the generation of that electricity would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could invest in renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.

Investments: This category refers to emissions generated from investments made by your small business. For example, if your small business invests in a company that is involved in fossil fuel extraction, the emissions generated from that company's operations would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on investing in companies that have a low carbon footprint and are focused on sustainability.

Upstream Leased Assets: This category refers to emissions generated from assets that are leased by your small business but are located upstream in the supply chain. For example, if your small business leases a fleet of delivery trucks, the emissions generated from the use of those trucks would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on leasing vehicles that have a low carbon footprint, such as electric or hybrid vehicles.

Capital Goods: This category refers to emissions generated from the production of capital goods that are used in your business operations. For example, if your small business purchases a new printing press, the emissions generated from the production of that printing press would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on purchasing capital goods that are energy-efficient or have a low carbon footprint.

Purchased Goods and Services: This category refers to emissions generated from the goods and services that your small business purchases. For example, if your small business purchases office supplies, the emissions generated from the production and transportation of those office supplies would fall under this category. To reduce emissions in this category, you could focus on purchasing goods and services that have a low carbon footprint.

Business Travel: Business travel refers to any travel that is necessary for conducting business, such as traveling to meet clients, attending conferences, or visiting other business locations. For small businesses, this may include travel by car, train, or plane, and can result in emissions from transportation and accommodation. For example, if a small business owner in Ontario takes a flight to meet a client in another city, the emissions from the flight would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Employee Commuting: Employee commuting refers to the travel employees make to get to and from work. For small businesses, this may include travel by car, public transportation, or bike, and can result in emissions from transportation. For example, if an employee in the USA drives their car to work every day, the emissions from the car would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Mobile Combustion: Mobile combustion refers to the emissions that result from the combustion of fuel in vehicles, such as cars and trucks. For small businesses, this may include emissions from company vehicles or vehicles used for business travel. For example, if a small business in Ontario operates a delivery truck, the emissions from the truck's engine would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Processing of Sold Products: Processing of sold products refers to emissions that result from the production of goods and services that the business sells. For example, if a small business in the USA produces and sells a product, the emissions from the production and transportation of that product would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Upstream Transportation & Distribution: Upstream transportation and distribution refers to the emissions that result from the transportation and distribution of goods and materials that are used in the production of the business's products. For example, if a small business in Ontario purchases raw materials that need to be transported to the business's location, the emissions from the transportation of the raw materials would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Downstream Leased Assets: Downstream leased assets refers to emissions that result from the use of assets, such as equipment and vehicles, that are leased by the business. For example, if a small business in the USA leases a delivery truck, the emissions from the truck's use would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Fuel and Energy Related Activities: Fuel and energy related activities refers to emissions that result from the production, distribution, and use of energy and fuel. For small businesses, this may include emissions from electricity use, heating, and cooling. For example, if a small business in Ontario uses electricity to power its operations, the emissions from the electricity generation would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Downstream Transportation & Distribution: Downstream transportation and distribution refers to the emissions that result from the transportation and distribution of the business's products to customers. For example, if a small business in the USA ships its products to customers, the emissions from the transportation of the products would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

Stationary Combustion: Stationary combustion refers to emissions that result from the combustion of fuel at a fixed location, such as a power plant or industrial facility. For small businesses, this may include emissions from heating and cooling systems. For example, if a small business in Ontario uses natural gas to heat its building, the emissions from the combustion of the natural gas would be counted as part of the business's GHG emissions.

End of Life Treatment of Sold Products: This refers to the environmental impact of products that you sell once they reach the end of their useful life and are disposed of. This can include emissions from incineration or landfilling, as well as emissions from the extraction and processing of raw materials used to produce the products. For example, if you sell furniture, the end of life treatment of the furniture could include the emissions from transporting it to the landfill, the emissions from the landfill itself, or the emissions from burning it for energy recovery.