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GHG Module
A verified carbon value for your raw materials
Why a GHG module?
Food and feed operators must demonstrate the environmental performance of their supply chains. Yet in these sectors, Scope 3 – indirect emissions across the value chain – often accounts for the majority of a company’s carbon footprint. It is also the hardest to measure: primary data is scarce, methodologies vary, and traceability is insufficient to link an emissions value to a specific batch of material.
To be credible, emissions values must be calculated using recognised calculation frameworks, verified by an independent third party and linked to traced physical flows.
What is the GHG module?
Developed by a working group of more than 18 participants representing the various stakeholders in the sectors concerned, the GHG module builds on 2BSXtra certification, which already verifies the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and supply chain traceability through a mass balance system. It is open to any operator holding 2BSXtra certification.
It is based on a reference document, ADD_2BSXtra – GHG Emissions, which sets out the frameworks and methodologies authorised for GHG calculation, the rules of application, the verification requirements, and how results are to be displayed on the certificate and in associated claims.
The certificate issued to the operator includes a dedicated statement (Annex II) specifying whether the GHG module applies, the framework used for the calculation and the allocation method selected. Your customers therefore know on what basis your emissions data has been established and verified.
A flexible approach based on recognised references
To reflect the diversity of supply chains and existing calculation practices, the module authorises seven types of framework, grouped into three categories: international norms, methodologies and standards; tools; and calculators. These include the GHG Protocol, RED methodologies where they apply to the raw materials concerned – for example wheat or maize destined for both energy and food markets – and specialist food-sector tools such as the Cool Farm Tool.
2BS recommends using the 2BSvs methodology for upstream calculations, at the first gathering point, where possible, while retaining the flexibility needed downstream to meet the needs of different markets.
Verification built into the audit
The GHG module is integrated directly into the 2BSXtra audit process. Verification takes the form of additional audit time carried out following the existing audit.
This additional verification focuses mainly on reviewing the framework used and validating the emissions calculations associated with the certified raw materials or products. An approach that limits the administrative burden on operators while ensuring the robustness of the values reported.
Benefits for your business
First and foremost, the module brings credibility: your emissions values are calculated using recognised frameworks and verified by an independent third-party body, and your certificate attests to the calculation basis used. It also facilitates reporting for your downstream customers, who have reliable, traceable data to feed into their Scope 3.
In terms of organisation, verification builds on your existing audit, with no separate process or parallel procedure. Demonstrating, with supporting evidence, that you are in control of your carbon footprint then becomes a genuine commercial differentiator.
Future developments
This module is a first step towards greater harmonisation of GHG emissions calculation approaches in the biomass and food sectors. The scheme may be enhanced with recognition mechanisms between authorised frameworks, for example equivalences between the 2BSvs methodology and approaches based on the GHG Protocol.
An essential condition for ensuring that decarbonisation efforts are based on measured facts rather than estimates.
