Absolute Emissions

Definition

Absolute Emissions are Greenhouse Gas Emissions that are generated and sequestered as a result of a project (or an investment attributed to a financial institution’s lending and investing activity) , , expressed in (tonnes CO₂ eq)

There are two types of activities used in the absolute GHG accounting approach: Physical Activity and Economic Activity. Physical activity is relevant when primary data is available, and economic activity is relevant when no primary data is available. Physical activity is the physical act that generates or sequesters emissions. When primary data is not available, data on economic activities can be used.

Example

GHG emissions produced by a company or project due to agricultural expansion, the construction of a windfarm or the sequestration of carbon in a forestry plantation. These emissions are referred to as gross emissions.

Issues and Challenges

• The concept is juxtaposed to relative emission reduction / increase metrics defined versus Baseline Emissions

See Also

• GHG Emission Reduction
• Absolute Emissions versus Avoided Emissions