Standardized Measurement for Health Care Decarbonization: Energy-Related Emissions

Scope 2 emissions arise from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by an organization. 

Organizations should collect annual energy consumption data by source and calculate the associated emissions using the applicable GHG Protocol accounting methods. 

• Core metric: Annual Scope 2 location-based emissions, reported in MTCO₂e, using the applicable Scope 2 accounting method or methods.  
• Additional metric, where applicable: Annual Scope 2 market-based emissions, reported separately when required by the GHG Protocol. 
• Underlying data: Annual purchased electricity consumption and, where applicable, purchased steam, heating, and cooling; the relevant emission factors; and information needed to apply the appropriate accounting method. 
• Potential data sources: Utility bills, metered consumption, energy management systems, supplier records, and electricity procurement documentation. 

Organizations should report energy consumption in appropriate physical units, such as kilowatt-hours or megawatt-hours for electricity, and use documented, applicable emission factors to calculate emissions.  

The GHG Protocol provides two methods for calculating Scope 2 emissions: 

1. Location-based method: Calculates emissions using average emissions factors for the electricity grids or other applicable energy systems from which energy is consumed. 
2. Market-based method: Calculates emissions using qualifying supplier-specific information and contractual instruments, where available and applicable. 

Organizations should determine which method or methods are appropriate to their circumstances in accordance with the GHG Protocol and their reporting needs.