Coinciding with a time of heightened global energy uncertainty, the new Greenhouse Gas Management Hierarchy (GHGMH) has been launched today (2 April), providing organisations with a clear, practical framework for reducing carbon emissions – including transitioning away from fossil fuels.
First introduced in 2009 and adopted by both the UNFCCC and ISO as global best-practice for tackling the emissions that cause climate change, the GHG MH was developed by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) as an open-source resource and has been used by multitudes of businesses, researchers and students all around the world.
Recent instability in the Middle East contributing to renewed volatility in global oil and gas markets, driving up costs for businesses and households alike. This latest shock serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with continued dependence on fossil fuels — not only for the climate, but for economic resilience and energy security.
ISEP’s updated GHG Management Hierarchy offers a structured approach for organisations to reduce emissions and the risk associated with being reliant of fossil fuels, while strengthening their resilience and their ability to withstand such external pressures.
ISEP CEO, Sarah Mukherjee, said: “Rising energy prices linked to geopolitical instability highlights the urgent need for organisations to reduce their risk and increase their resilience to global shocks by taking control of their own energy use and emissions – and interrogating their supply chains.
“The updated GHG Management Hierarchy provides a clear pathway to do just that — reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets while accelerating progress towards net zero.”
The GHGMH has been updated to reflect the increasing urgency of climate action and the need for credible, science-aligned emissions reduction strategies. It reinforces the importance of focusing on absolute emissions reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, particularly through operational transformation and supply chain engagement.
The Hierarchy prioritises actions that support both cost control and long-term sustainability, by first Eliminating emissions with organsitional change, then Reducing emissions via measures such as operational or energy efficiencies, followed by Substituting fossil fuels for low-carbon energy or supply chain alternatives, and finally Removing residual emissions with measures like carbon credits as the final option.
KAEFER UK & Ireland, a leading provider of technical services across the energy, industrial, nuclear, and construction sectors, has utilised the GHGMH to systematically reduce emissions across their organisation and in operations with clients.
Sara Roberts, Head of ESG at KAEFER UK & Ireland, said: “KAEFER is committed to reducing its environmental impact and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with structured science-based pathways, aligned with our SBTi-approved targets.
“Using the ISEP Greenhouse Gas Management Hierarchy, we first prioritise eliminating emissions at source through early project design. This includes minimising waste, reducing rework, and avoiding unnecessary transport and site mobilisation.
“We then focus on reducing emissions through operational improvements, including optimising heating systems, improving equipment efficiency, and delivering behavioural change programmes such as reducing vehicle idling by 47%.
“Alongside this, we’ve substituted fossil fuel energy, transitioning to renewable electricity across our facilities and introducing hybrid and electric vehicles into our fleet. In a period of energy price volatility, these actions are not only reducing emissions but also strengthening our resilience to external pressures.
“Finally, KAEFER have taken a deliberate decision not to rely on carbon offsets. Instead, we focus on delivering real, measurable reductions within our operations, including a 14.5% reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 68.5% reduction in Scope 2 emissions. This demonstrates the value of applying the hierarchy in practice to drive meaningful change.”
Helen Sprakes PIEMA, Lead Greenhouse Gas Verifier and MD of the consultancy Environmental Strategies Ltd, said: “I see first-hand the importance of clear, credible frameworks to guide organisations in their approach to climate change.
“The strength of the GHG Management Hierarchy lies in its practicality for real-world decisions. It helps businesses translate net zero ambition into prioritised action to eliminate and reduce emissions associated with fossil fuel energy use across the value chain.
“In today’s uncertain energy market, it means organisations can continue to demonstrate climate leadership, and plan their current energy and cost risks associated with doing business.”
ISEP is calling on its members and the wider business community to use the updated Hierarchy as a foundation for decision-making, ensuring that climate action is aligned with both environmental and economic priorities.
In the current context, the business case for action is stronger than ever. Organisations that invest in energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also insulating themselves from unpredictable energy costs and supply disruptions.
The updated ISEP GHG Management Hierarchy is available now and remains open source to support widespread adoption across sectors.
The ISEP GHG Management Hierarchy is a practical framework designed to help organisations prioritise emissions reduction actions in line with best practice.
It emphasises a sequential approach: avoid, reduce, substitute, and only then offset residual emissions.
ISEP is the professional body for sustainability and environmental practitioners, supporting individuals and organisations to deliver transformative change.