What does the operational boundary assess in greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory development?

The operational boundary in greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory development is crucial because it defines which emissions are included in the inventory based on the organization’s operational control. By focusing on both direct and indirect emissions from operations, it encompasses emissions generated from activities that the organization controls directly (such as burning fossil fuels in owned vehicles) as well as emissions related to the supply chain (indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling).

Understanding the operational boundary helps organizations identify the full scope of their emissions impact, ensuring that they can effectively manage, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential for creating a comprehensive GHG inventory that reflects the true environmental impact of an organization's operations. This holistic view is critical for setting meaningful emissions reduction targets and for transparency in reporting to stakeholders.