WHAT IS GHGs EMISSION INVENTORY? WHO MUST IMPLEMENT?

Greenhouse gas (GHGs) emission inventory is one of the fundamental activities in the overall plan to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases harmful to the Earth’s atmosphere, aiming for Net Zero (net zero emissions in the future) that Vietnam is moving forward. Subjects to implement GHGs emission inventory include establishments on the regulatory list, with GHGs emission or annual energy consumption exceeding the threshold.

What is GHGs emission inventory?

GHGs inventory is the activity of collecting information and data on sources of GHGs emissions, calculating the amount of GHGs emissions and absorption of GHGs within a specified range and in a specific year according to methods and procedures promulgated by competent authorities. It is an important tool in managing GHGs emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the ozone layer.

GHGs means gas in the atmosphere causing the greenhouse effect. Major GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Low-concentration gases that have high global warming potential include hydrofluorocarbons (HFC_S), perfluorocarbons (PFC_S), sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) and nitrogen, trifluoride (NF₃).

Who must conduct GHGs emission inventory?

Details for establishments in the list of fields and establishments to emit GHGs that must conduct GHGs inventory are promulgated by the Prime Minister and updated periodically every 2 years, developed on the following basis:

– GHG-emitting facilities that must carry out GHGs inventory are facilities with annual GHGs emissions of 3.000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more; or

– Thermal power plants, industrial production facilities with total annual energy consumption of 1.000 tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) or more;

– Cargo transport companies with total annual fuel consumption of 1.000 TOE or more;

– Commercial buildings with total energy consumption of 1.000 TOE or more;

– Solid waste handling facilities with annual operating capacity of 65.000 tonnes or more.

The list of fields and establishments emitting GHGs to conduct GHGs emissions inventory
will be applied from October 1, 2024, in accordance with Decision 13/2024/QD-TTg.

What requirements should regulated establishments comply with when conducting GHGs emission inventory?

Based on the essential requirements to ensure transparency and efficiency in emissions management, GHGs emission inventory need to comply with the guidance of competent authorities to ensure accurate and transparent, trustworthy results. Specifically:

– Methods of GHG emission inventory shall be applied according to GHG inventory development guidelines of IPCC;

– Operation figures serving GHG emission inventory development must ensure the continuity, accuracy and reliability, be suitable for examination, comparison and evaluation;

– GHG inventory reports must include adequate information of GHGs emission inventory methods, operation figures, applicable emission factors and results;

– Verification of GHGs emission inventory shall comply with verification procedures promulgated by the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment and ensure the consistency and reliability;

– Information about GHGs emission inventory result at national-level and industry-level shall be announced on the websites of climate change authorities and authorities of relevant industries.

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