Global industry leaders are urging the GHG standards-setting body to introduce stronger incentives for renewable gases ahead of COP30.
As the world prepares for COP30 and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, 32 major industrial and utilities companies have joined the coordinators of the Let Green Gas Count campaign in urging the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol to strengthen incentives for renewable gas adoption in its upcoming standards revision.
The campaign is coordinated by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), American Biogas Council, European Biogas Association (EBA), eNG Coalition, Eurogas, Molecule Group, RNG Coalition, and the World Biogas Association.
GHG Protocol’s Global Influence on Climate Accounting
The GHG Protocol serves as the world’s most widely used framework for greenhouse gas measurement and reporting, relied upon by policymakers and regulators globally—and adopted by 97% of Fortune 500 companies. Its next revision is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding how industries report and reduce emissions for years to come.
However, the Protocol has yet to respond to the appeal made by more than 200 industry representatives in February 2025, calling for an urgent update to better accommodate renewable and low-carbon gases.
Aligning with Global Climate Ambitions
The industry appeal aligns with the Brazilian COP Presidency’s pledge to quadruple renewable fuel production and use by 2035, positioning green gases as essential tools for achieving net-zero emissions.
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2025 Outlook for Biogas and Biomethane, more than 50 new national policies have been introduced worldwide since 2020 to promote biogas deployment. Within the European Union, renewable gases such as biogas, biomethane, and e-methane are already recognized as vital for decarbonization and energy security. Yet, only about 5% of the sustainable biogas and biomethane production potential is currently being utilized.
Industry Leaders Demand Recognition of Market-Based Tools
The joint letter calls for the revised GHG Protocol to boost investor confidence by explicitly recognizing market-based instruments that incentivize renewable gas production and consumption. Examples include guarantees of origin and proof of sustainability certificates, which verify the environmental integrity and traceability of energy sources.
Charlotte Morton OBE, Chief Executive of the World Biogas Association, emphasized the urgency of the issue: “The global biogas sector has been saying for years that we cannot wait until 2028 for clear guidance from the GHG Protocol on using biomethane certificates for Scope 1 emissions reporting. Corporates leading in decarbonization are now joining our call for an interim solution. Biogas, biomethane, and their derivatives are key to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors—there is no time to waste.”
Decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate Industries
Industry representatives warn that without timely updates, the GHG Protocol could hinder decarbonization progress in sectors where electrification is not technically or economically viable, or where grid congestion limits renewable electricity adoption.
Albert Kassies, Director of New Energy at Tata Steel Nederland, stated: “Biomethane can play a major role in decarbonizing steel and energy-intensive industries, but current GHG Protocol limitations create obstacles. These enabling conditions must be addressed quickly to help industries like ours meet decarbonization goals and uphold the Paris Agreement.”
Corporate Voices from Energy and Transport Sectors
Companies across diverse sectors echoed similar sentiments. Maria Pia De Caro, EVP of Integrated Operations and S&R at Pernod Ricard, highlighted the company’s dual focus on efficiency and renewable energy: “Energy efficiency and electrification are central to our strategy, but biomethane is key to closing the loop by valorizing by-products. Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs) ensure traceability, and clear guidance from the GHG Protocol will be critical to scaling this globally.”
In the transport sector, Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director at Volvo Trucks, emphasized biomethane’s role in reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles: “When the GHG Protocol recognizes renewable gas certificates, markets can expand faster—accelerating decarbonization in industrial operations and heavy transport.”
Industry’s Key Requests to the GHG Protocol
The 32 companies collectively call on the GHG Protocol to:
Issue an interim statement acknowledging the importance of robust market-based instruments that support renewable gas use.
Fast-track the current review process, aiming for completion before the scheduled 2028 deadline to minimize market disruption.
