What is the difference between Gross emissions and Net emissions?
Trace reports both gross and net emissions to support transparency and informed decision making. Users can toggle between gross and net views within the Measure dashboard, with gross emissions set as the default to align with best practice reporting.
Gross emissions represent the total greenhouse gas emissions produced across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3, without applying any offsets or compensating actions. This is the best practice approach required by the GHG Protocol and most ESG reporting standards, as it provides a complete and transparent view of an organisation’s carbon footprint.
Net emissions show emissions after accounting for eligible offsetting within a company’s supply chain, such as certified renewable electricity, GreenPower, or carbon neutral suppliers. In Trace, net emissions help organisations understand the impact of actions already embedded in their operations and procurement.
It is important to note that adding initiatives to your decarbonisation plan does not change either gross or net emissions. Initiatives only affect emissions once they have been implemented and the resulting reduction can be calculated and reflected in the carbon footprint, which is typically in the following reporting year. This ensures emissions reporting remains accurate, evidence based and aligned to recognised standards.