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Figure 7. Overview of GHG Protocol Scopes and Emissions Across the Value Chain
from Value chain approaches to determining Best Available Techniques (BAT) for industrial installations
by OECD
2. EXPANDING VIEW OF BAT DETERMINATION THROUGH A VALUE CHAIN PERSPECTIVE 23
The GHG Protocol is widely used across the world for accounting and reporting of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs emissions. It classifies GHG emissions into three categories: Scope 1 (all direct GHG emissions); Scope 2 (indirect GHG emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam); and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions not covered by Scope 2). Examples include the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport-related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting entity, electricity-related activities (e.g. transmission and distribution losses) not covered in Scope 2, outsourced activities, waste disposal, etc. These scopes thus try to cover the whole GHG emissions through the value chain (Figure 7) (GHGProtocol, 2013[28]).
Figure 7. Overview of GHG Protocol Scopes and Emissions Across the Value Chain
Source: (GHGProtocol, 2013[28])
Considering BAT through decarbonisation and GHG reduction lens might result in the identification of further potential for the reduction of GHG emissions, not only at the industrial installation, but also throughout the value chain, e.g. through consistent application of BAT-associated environmental performance levels for energy efficiency. Moreover, measuring the GHG emissions of an entire value chain could help determine which raw materials or techniques should (and should not) be used in a given industrial activity in terms of GHG emission reduction through the whole process including material production, transportation, product use, and waste disposal. Such approaches also allow consideration of product benefits. For example, the production of isocyanates to produce insultation is energy consuming, but then saves energy when used. Similarly, certain plastic packaging, although itself fossil fuel derived can lead to wider overall environmental benefits by preserving food and this avoiding food waste impacts.
BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES (BAT) FOR PREVENTING AND CONTROLLING INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION © OECD 2022
