Because different U.S. states, countries, and Canadian provinces have their own mandatory regulations for reducing greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, The Climate Registry provides a standard measure for how carbon emissions are calculated and a streamlined approach for those who are required to report their carbon emissions output.



The Climate Registry first emerged on the carbon emissions management scene on May 8, 2007. Businesses of all sizes, across the entire economy are pondering and trying to understand the carbon emissions requirements. Many still wonder why CO2 reporting is so important. Its impact to your organization is the question continuing to be asked even today. It is an important part of carbon emission protocols established in the United States and internationally to combat air pollution and Global Warming.

The Climate Registry is an agreement regarding emissions reporting protocols or a collaboration between 39 U.S. states (and growing), all Canadian provinces and territories, 6 states in Mexico and three native sovereign nations aimed at recording and tracking greenhouse gas emissions from businesses, municipalities, organizations, and other facilities.

There are key components to The Climate Registry that all companies need to be aware of or they could face substantial disadvantages as it relates to the future carbon credit and trading schemes.

What is the registry hoping to accomplish? Because different U.S. some regulatory bodies across North America are documenting their own carbon emissions reporting protocols and goals to eliminate greenhouse gases. The Climate Registry documents a common framework and set of reporting requirements to help organizations manage, calculate, and report carbon emissions. This makes the approach common for all who must document their CO2 output.

The C02 data submitted by businesses, municipalities, and other organizations can be added to web-based, carbon management information system to support various initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across an organization's single facility or down to an individual asset level. The carbon data also will enable countries to use best practices in implementing programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via cap and trade programs or carbon offsets.

What are the registry's goals?

The Climate Registry is using the single reporting protocol to streamline efforts to reduce emissions that harm the environment and ensure consistent reporting of emissions across different organizations and industries. Through the registry's requirements protocol, the risks of greenhouse gases can be easily identified and opportunities for programs and initiatives to address greenhouse gas emissions can be developed.

This set of carbon emissions reporting requirements makes it politically and geographically easier for countries to come together to achieve positive effects on climate change. By using a common framework or set of reporting protocols, current and future carbon emissions management programs, perhaps adopted at a national level through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can work together and be supported at a reduced cost across the economy.

What is the registry expecting from businesses?

The Climate Registry expects businesses to calculate, record, verify, and submit report the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) or their carbon equivalent on a yearly basis. Generally, a baseline carbon emissions report is generated from data collected across an organization for a representative year, such as emissions levels in your organization as of 1990.

What is being required of businesses?

Businesses identified as contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as those with refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, are required to report carbon emissions. Direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions need to be reported, which include hydrofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, perfluorocarbons, methane, sulfur hexafluoride and nitrous oxide.

This emissions protocol allows for consistency, streamlines program requirements and ensures integrity in accounting and reporting of carbon emissions across any reporting entity.

What might the registry look for from my business?

Simply, this protocol or set of requirements defines how to track and report greenhouse gas emissions. While it may take additional effort on your part to do this, there are management programs to ease the process and the burden of paperwork and to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of refrigerant use. Carbon information management systems help organization remain in compliance as it related to greenhouse gas reporting rules and regulations. These systems take the form of web-based applications that help collect, track, and report CO2 gases emitted from corporate assets.

The Climate Registry is already having an impact on your organization or business, whether you know it or not. At it's core these regulations are addressing climate change and are being adopted by more and more regulatory bodies everyday.

Real change will only occur when greenhouse gas emissions are lowered. And that is something that The Climate Registry is aiming to help us all do.