Amid growing environmental concerns and the intensification of the climate crisis, companies and governments around the world are taking a leading role in the search for sustainable solutions. The impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requires a structured approach to monitoring and management, encouraging the transition to a low-carbon economy. Within this context, the GHG Protocol has emerged as an essential global tool, helping organizations to measure and control their emissions.
In this article, we will explore the importance of GHG Protocol and understand how GHG Program in Brazil has become a key element in corporate and environmental sustainability. Let's find out about the practical impact of this methodology, including the work of companies such as Simpar and its subsidiarieswho are committed to using the GHG Protocol to manage their emissions consciously and transparently.
What is the GHG Protocol?
Led by renowned institutions, the Project GHG Protocol establishes an international and global standard for accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, allowing companies, cities and governments around the world to track, manage and reduce their environmental impact in a consistent and comparable way.
Created by a partnership between World Resource Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG Protocol includes standards, guidelines and tools to help account for emissions and remove them where possible.
At a corporate level, the GHG Protocol is divided into three emission scopes:
- Scope 1: refers to direct emissions from operations controlled by the company, such as fuel consumption in its own vehicles.
- Scope 2: covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
- Scope 3: includes indirect emissions related to the value chain, such as suppliers and the use of end products.
GHG Protocol in Brazil
In Brazil, the need for a tool adapted to the national context led to the creation of the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program in 2008. This program, developed by Center for Sustainability Studies (FGVces) of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, in partnership with the WRI and other entities, aims to adapt the GHG Protocol guidelines to the specific characteristics of the country.
O GHG Protocol Brazil Program encourages Brazilian companies to adopt a culture of emissions inventory, enabling organizations from different sectors to understand and control their environmental impact accurately. In addition, the GHG Program has developed specific tools for sectors such as forestry and agriculture, which are fundamental to the Brazilian economy.
. GHG Protocol Tool Forests and Agroforestry Systems (SAFs)For example, it makes it possible to measure the impact of sustainable practices, promoting the recovery of degraded areas and the reduction of emissions through sustainable management practices.
How to apply the GHG Protocol?
The application of GHG Protocol Brazil involves the adoption of specific tools for each sector, ensuring that emissions are accounted for in a practical and efficient way. Companies that adhere to GHG Program must draw up emissions inventories, including direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1, 2 and 3), depending on the nature and complexity of their operations.
To support companies, the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program offers:
- Calculation tools which help estimate emissions from various sectors, such as logistics, transportation, agriculture and forestry;
- Specific guidelines to implement low-carbon practices;
- Training and technical support to ensure that organizations are able to carry out high-quality inventories.
Companies wishing to gain recognition for their efforts to control emissions can take part in the annual Brazilian GHG Protocol Program, which celebrates businesses that have reported their inventories and stood out for their commitment to sustainability.
GHG Protocol at Simpar and its results
. Simpar is one of the large Brazilian holding companies that has joined the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program. Since 2019, Simpar and all its subsidiaries are Gold Seal of the GHG Protocol Brazil ProgramThis is a testament to the quality and transparency of emissions management. A Simpar covers all scopes of emissions in its inventory, and Movida is a pioneer in the sector, having been the first in Latin America with GHG reduction targets approved by the European Commission. Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI).
- Reduction of 15% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a goal that reflects the commitment of the Simpar with the climate agenda.
- Inclusion of scope 3, which covers indirect emissions along the value chain, a particularly important item for companies in the logistics and transportation sector, such as Simparas it recognizes its responsibility for emissions generated by its suppliers and customers.
- Independent audit of the emissions inventory.
- Investments in energy generation from renewable sources and prioritization of ethanol consumption in their fleets - especially at Movida.
- Diversification of the energy matrix with CNG and electric trucks.
- Installation of solar energy panels in various units.
Movida's Commitment to Sustainability and the Climate Agenda
As one of the companies controlled by Simpar, a Movida stands out for its pioneering role in sustainability in the car rental sector. Since its creation, Movida has adopted innovative practices and positioned itself as a benchmark in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Brazil. In addition to adhering to the Brazilian GHG Protocol ProgramThe company is one of the first in the sector to win the Gold Seal of the program, which certifies rigor and transparency in the management of its emissions, and became the first company in Latin America in the rental sector to obtain approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI), establishing targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
In rapid expansion, Movida is investing in sustainability with initiatives such as the Carbon Freewhich offsets the carbon emissions of the vehicles rented by its customers - also complying with the Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol. This program is a milestone in the mobility sector and highlights Movida as a company that goes beyond passive compensation.
Movida also invests in encouraging the use of ethanol, demonstrating a strong commitment to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Conclusion
The practice of measuring and managing GHG emissions is essential for groups and companies around the world, including the Simparcontribute to a low-carbon economy. The adoption of GHG Protocol Brazil and GHG Program is an important step for Brazilian corporations to monitor their emissions accurately and transparently, allowing them to implement practical climate mitigation and adaptation actions.
The commitment of Simpar with the GHG Protocol is an example to be followed, showing that it is possible to grow responsibly and with respect for the planet. In a context where sustainability is increasingly a market requirement, the GHG Protocol provides the tools and structure that allow national players to lead this transformation, contributing to a sustainable and clean future.