Talking GHG: Practical insights on measuring scope 1 emissions

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In the fourth episode of our miniseries on the building blocks of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting, we discuss step 4: measure greenhouse gas emissions, starting with scope 1 emissions. Host Heather Horn and frequent ESG podcast guest Marcin Olewinski, an Assurance partner, are joined by Chris Ostermann, a director in PwC’s Sustainability Services Group, to kick off the first of three episodes focused on measuring greenhouse gases. They will share what they’re seeing in practice working with companies who are calculating these emissions, including successes and (preventable) misapplications.

In this episode, they discuss:

• 02:24 – Scope 1 GHG emissions, including identifying sources and a complete inventory
• 07:05 – Methods for measuring scope 1 emissions and how to select a measurement approach
• 16:56 – Challenges associated with collecting data inputs
• 22:53 – Explaining emissions factors and the challenges in selecting emissions factors for the emissions calculation
• 33:17 – Global warming potentials and their impact on the calculation of scope 1 emissions
• 41:33 – Practical advice from working with clients

For more information on GHG emissions reporting, including scope 1 emissions discussed in today’s episode, check out Chapter 7: Greenhouse gas emissions reporting in PwC’s global Sustainability reporting guide. And to catch up on the GHG miniseries, listen to the first three episodes below.

• Talking GHG: Reporting requirements for greenhouse gas emissions
• Talking GHG: How organizational boundaries shape reporting
• Talking GHG: Determining operational boundaries

Marcin Olewinksi is a PwC Assurance practice partner, with over 20 years of experience bringing valued perspectives and insights to large clients in the energy sector. Additionally, he’s focused extensively within PwC’s National Office on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability reporting and leads PwC’s global technical working group focused on GHG.

Chris Ostermann is a director in PwC’s Sustainability Services Group working on sustainability and ESG matters with companies across multiple sectors. He focuses on helping clients understand their most significant sustainability/ESG impacts, develop strategies to address those impacts, execute those strategies and communicate progress to investors and other stakeholders.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. 

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.