Guidance on Avoided Emissions v2.0: Drive Innovations and Scale Solutions Toward Net Zero

We have updated our Guidance on Avoided Emissions to better support businesses and investors who want to assess and communicate the impact of their low-carbon solutions and portfolios – beyond the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory footprint. 

Avoided emissions (AE) are the positive impact created when comparing the GHG impact of a low-carbon solution to an alternative scenario without that solution in place. We provide a robust, science-aligned methodology to quantify and disclose AE – so companies, investors and policymakers can scale climate solutions with integrity and transparency. 

What’s new in version 2.0?

• Expanded methodology: A more comprehensive approach to assessing AE, including guidance on data, reference scenario definition, contribution validation and optional steps for allocation and consolidation. 
• Eligibility gates: Clearer, more inclusive criteria to ensure claims are credible and aligned with science. 
• Reporting and communication: Standardized templates and best practices to support transparent disclosure, impact validation and third-party review. 
• Implementation tools: Sector-specific guidance, technical templates and a growing library of use cases in an open access online hub. 
• Alignment with global frameworks: Guidance that works with global standards and frameworks like the GHGP, IPCC, PCAF and ISO. 

Who is this Guidance for?

We designed this guidance for:

• Businesses: To assess and report the decarbonization impact of their products and services. 
• Investors: To evaluate climate-aligned opportunities and steer capital toward the most impactful solutions. 
• Policymakers: To inform climate policy mechanisms and innovations that accelerate decarbonization. 
• Standard setters and NGOs: To create alignment as we work toward standardizing  intervention-based impact assessment and disclosure. 

Why does it matter?

AE are a critical lever for accelerated, system-wide decarbonization. By applying this Guidance you can: 

• Demonstrate the climate impact of your solutions. 
• Make informed decisions that maximize decarbonization potential and strengthen competitiveness.  
• Avoid greenwashing through credible, transparent and conservative assessment and disclosure. 
• Strengthen your role as a solution provider in the Net Zero transition. 

Download our Guidance on Avoided Emissions v2.0

Explore more about AE

• Visit our Avoided Emissions Implementation Hub to find real-life use cases and our technical template for assessment and disclosure. 
• Discover our guides to AE in climate investing and sustainable finance to learn how to integrate AE analysis into investment practice.