GHG Protocol on the international stage
Disclosing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a fundamental part of sustainability reporting for many companies. The GHG Protocol Standards are the most widely used framework for measuring and disclosing emissions.
The GHG Protocol Standards1 moved to centre stage when they were leveraged by both IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This practical approach was widely lauded – and was followed by a restructuring of the GHG Protocol’s governance and the start of a multi-stakeholder project to update the GHG Protocol Standards.
As more companies begin to implement IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and ESRS, the application issues associated with leveraging – not adopting wholesale – the GHG Protocol Standards are becoming clearer.
The GHG Protocol Standards have been incorporated into reporting frameworks that have broader principles and requirements. This integration requires new interpretations that are not relevant when applying the GHG Protocol Standards alone. For example:
- the assessment of materiality in the context of financial reporting is more complex than under the GHG Protocol Standards; and
- the approach to the acquisition and disposal of businesses in financial reporting is prospective rather than retrospective.
The GHG emissions reporting handbook
This handbook (PDF 2.8 MB) explains GHG emissions reporting for finance professionals who are more familiar with financial reporting and generally accepted accounting principles. As such, we explain concepts in a way that we think will be the most understandable for this audience.
In addition to new Q&As and examples on applying the GHG Protocol Standards, this December 2025 edition includes in-depth guidance on measuring and disclosing GHG emissions under IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. These updates include the latest amendments to IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures and practical implications for companies.
Each chapter comprises the following.
- A sections, which focus on the GHG Protocol Standards.
- These sections form the core discussion, explaining the fundamentals of all GHG emissions reporting, particularly measurement.
- To the extent that the discussion deals with a topic that is different from the approach under IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, it is cross-referenced to the relevant discussion under IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
- B sections, which focus on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and differences from the GHG Protocol Standards.
1 The Greenhouse Gas Protocol A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard
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