Optional Reporting

Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Disclosure: Key Elements of a Prospective U.S. Program

Optional Reporting

The GHG reporting program described here would require reporting by major GHG emitters, but not by hundreds of thousands of smaller businesses and other entities. Some of these entities, however, might want to report voluntarily. For example, the owner of a chain of dry cleaning facilities, none of which exceeds the emissions threshold, may wish to demonstrate corporate leadership by voluntarily registering GHG reductions achieved by investing in more efficient cleaning equipment. Similarly, a university that does not emit enough direct emissions to trigger reporting may invest in energy efficiency buildings and convert its fleet of vehicles to cleaner fuels. This type of leadership is very positive and should be encouraged. Under a GHG reporting program, any entity, not otherwise covered, should be allowed to report voluntarily and have its information fully incorporated into the system, as long as its information is certified by an officer of that entity as meeting the established protocol.

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