(June 30, 2026)

The GHG Protocol's Scope 2 guidance has been foundational in standardizing corporate action on greenhouse gas emissions. The Protocol recently proposed amendments intended to drive deeper reductions, but if implemented without care, these reforms risk stalling the very corporate momentum they aim to accelerate.

To test the practical implications, Business Renewables Centre-Canada conducted original analysis and found that power purchase agreements, one of the most crucial catalysts for renewable development, could double in price. The result would leave the majority of Canadian corporate emissions without a direct procurement option. Introducing these changes before adequate digital and physical infrastructure is in place could also undermine the integrity of the GHG accounting system itself.

These changes must be phased in thoughtfully. Greater accuracy could affirm progress toward deep decarbonization in mature markets like the United States and Europe, but in other jurisdictions it could become a barrier to buyers meeting their climate targets. That barrier could bring voluntary clean electricity procurement to a halt, slow renewable development, and ultimately drive emissions up rather than down. The GHG Protocol must balance stringency with implementation pragmatism.