This glossary provides definitions for key terms related to carbon emissions and the DitchCarbon platform.
A
Accounting Period
The time period for which emissions are being reported, typically a fiscal or calendar year.
Activity Data
Data on the magnitude of human activity resulting in emissions or removals taking place during a given period of time.
C
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
A naturally occurring gas that is also a major byproduct of human activities such as burning fossil fuels. It is the principal greenhouse gas affecting the Earth's radiative balance.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO₂e)
A measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential (GWP). The CO₂e for a gas is derived by multiplying the amount of the gas by its GWP.
Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Carbon Offset
A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.
E
Emissions Factor
A factor that converts activity data into GHG emissions data (e.g., kg CO₂e emitted per liter of fuel consumed).
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
A set of standards for a company's operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments.
G
GHG Protocol
A comprehensive global standardized framework to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions from private and public sector operations, value chains, and mitigation actions.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, relative to carbon dioxide.
S
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct GHG emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, or cooling consumed by the organization.
Scope 3 Emissions
All other indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.
Science-Based Targets
Targets adopted by companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
V
Value Chain
The full range of activities that companies perform to bring a product or service from conception to delivery.