
Getting to a Credible GHG Baseline (Scopes 1–3) Without the Headache

William Goodman
Intro
You can’t reduce what you can’t measure. A defensible GHG baseline unlocks where reductions are real, how to sequence them, and what it will cost—without grinding operations to a halt.
Standards First, Shortcuts Never
Anchor to the GHG Protocol. Document boundaries, factors, and assumptions so boards, investors, and auditors trust the numbers.
A Practical Path to Baseline
System Map & Data Gaps: Inventory activity data across finance, ops, procurement, logistics.
Factor Registry: Select transparent emission factors and record assumptions.
Calculations & QA: Replicable math, peer review, and version control.
Hotspots & Scenarios: Identify high-leverage categories and model realistic reduction options (supplier shifts, fuel switching, routing, asset upgrades).
Roadmap: Prioritize actions with indicative ROI and timelines.
Keep It Updatable
Deliver a clean workbook and factor registry so you can refresh quarterly or annually—without starting from scratch.
Beyond the Baseline
Tie reduction levers to your business model: what’s operationally feasible, who owns it, and how success will be measured.





