Apple and Amazon have joined more than 60 companies in urging the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to make proposed changes to emissions reporting optional. The companies argue that stricter rules on renewable energy certificates would reduce sustainability investments and raise electricity prices. The protocol is considering updates to Scope 2 emissions guidance that could take effect next year.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, a key international standard for measuring corporate emissions, is reviewing updates to its reporting guidelines. Advocates for the changes say existing rules allow companies to overstate progress on renewable energy use and net-zero goals. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned sources, Scope 2 addresses purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling, while Scope 3 includes value chain emissions more broadly. These tiers aim to provide a clearer view of environmental impacts, as outlined by the protocol's framework. The pushback came in a joint letter signed by major tech firms, including Apple and Amazon, as Bloomberg reported. The signatories called for the new rules to be voluntary, warning that mandatory adoption could discourage investments in green programs and drive up power costs for businesses. Proposed revisions to Scope 2 guidance tighten requirements for renewable energy certificates. Companies would need to source certificates for clean energy that matches their electricity use in both geographic proximity and timing, rather than buying them flexibly throughout the year. Any adopted changes could begin next year.
