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Climate change has become one of the most significant issues facing our world today, with its impacts becoming more apparent globally. As a result, businesses are under increasing pressure to manage and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Accurate GHG accounting and transparent reporting are now central to meeting both regulatory and stakeholder demands for sustainability. 

In most organisations, the reporting function is integrated, and accountants are now taking a more prominent roles in ensuring accurate measurement, transparent disclosure and effective management of carbon emissions either by being involved in compiling the sustainability report or responding to queries from assurance providers. Hence, knowledge of GHG accounting and reporting is becoming an increasingly essential skill. This course is designed for accountants who wish to deepen their expertise in GHG accounting and reporting. You will learn about the core aspects of GHG reporting, including Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, and understand how comprehensive, accurate data can help your business achieve its sustainability goals. 

In this session Benjamin Okpara will cover the following topics:

• What is GHG Reporting and why does it matter: Understanding the science of climate change, sources of greenhouse gas emissions, key foundational concepts of climate science and why monitoring greenhouse gases is important for climate change mitigation. 
• Introduction to the GHG Protocol and the Basis of GHG Accounting: Overview of the GHG protocol, principles of GHG accounting, defining organisational boundaries and the steps involved in using the GHG protocol for reporting. 
• Overview of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 Emissions: Understanding what scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are, sources, emission factors and how to calculate scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in line with the GHG protocol. 
• Measurement techniques and tools for GHG Reporting: Understanding some common tools used for GHG reporting and how these tools are used for reporting on scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions with practical examples. 
• Assurance readiness: Insights into what assurance providers look for during GHG audits, including criteria, subject matter evidence and audit trail. Common pitfalls during assurance, risk of material misstatement and how to ensure data quality, accuracy and completeness in readiness for audits. 

By the end of this session, participants will develop a good understanding of GHG accounting and reporting and practical knowledge of the GHG Protocol, including its principles, organisational boundaries, and how to navigate its reporting steps. Also, participants will understand the sources of GHG emissions within their organisations and how to perform GHG calculations in accordance with the GHG Protocol. Attendees will learn how to ensure the quality, accuracy, and completeness of data, avoid common pitfalls, and prepare for GHG audits to improve overall transparency of their sustainability disclosures.

This session will be of most interest to accountants and finance professionals involved in non-financial reporting (including GHG emission reporting) within their organisations.

Course level: Foundation / Intermediate