The proposed reform in GHG accounting is not merely an administrative update; it carries with it a suite of tangible benefits that extend well beyond improved emissions reporting. Economically, a market-based approach sends clear signals to investors, reducing the perceived risks associated with renewable gas projects and unlocking a new level of investment in green infrastructure. With companies like AFS Commodities endorsing the initiative, the financial community can expect a surge in funding, leading to faster project implementation and greater market penetration. Additionally, companies benefiting from the regulatory certainty provided by this approach may experience cost efficiencies by integrating renewable gas into their energy mix, thereby optimizing their fuel sources, reducing operating costs, and gaining a competitive edge in increasingly eco-conscious markets.

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Environmental Benefits

• Accelerated Decarbonization:
  The true impact of renewable gases lies in their ability to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By fully recognizing these fuels in Scope 1 accounting, industries will be incentivized to transition away from fossil fuels more rapidly, thereby contributing directly to global decarbonization efforts.
• Broader Adoption of Renewable Solutions:
  A transparent and supportive accounting framework can help drive the broader adoption of renewable gases. This, in turn, supports the development of related technologies and services, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

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Strategic and Policy Benefits

• Alignment With Global Climate Goals:
  By updating the GHG Protocol to include market-based instruments, the international community can better align its policies with the realities of modern energy markets. This realignment is crucial for achieving long-term climate goals, as it ensures that innovative renewable energy solutions receive the recognition and support they deserve.
• Enabling Cross-Sector Collaboration:
  The joint letter, now bolstered by the support of AFS Commodities and other key stakeholders, exemplifies a collaborative effort that spans across various segments of the energy and commodities sectors. Such a coalition is better positioned to influence policy and drive systemic change than any single organization acting alone.

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What This Initiative Means for the Future

The “Let Green Gas Count!” initiative represents both a call to action and a roadmap for a more sustainable future. At its core, the joint letter is a clarion call for regulatory bodies to catch up with market innovations. If the GHG Protocol promptly issues the requested interim statement and ultimately adopts a market-based approach, the following outcomes are likely to materialize:

1. Heightened Market Activity and Innovation:
   As regulatory certainty spreads, market participants from small-scale producers to major industrial players will find it easier to invest in and develop renewable gas projects. This increased activity could lead to accelerated technological improvements and cost reductions, further propelling the renewable gas market forward.
2. Increased Credibility for Renewable Gases:
   Aligning the GHG Protocol with market realities will not only improve the credibility of renewable gases as a viable decarbonization tool but also build public and investor trust. This enhanced credibility is essential for broad acceptance and the eventual mainstream adoption of these technologies.
3. A Model for Future Policy Reforms:
   The success of this initiative could serve as a catalyst for other sectors seeking to incorporate innovative market instruments into regulatory frameworks. By showcasing how updated standards can drive both economic growth and environmental benefits, “Let Green Gas Count!” may inspire broader regulatory reforms in other areas of energy and emissions management.
4. Global Impact Through Local Action:
   Although the initiative centres on the GHG Protocol—a globally recognized standard—the ripple effects of these changes are expected to be felt at the local level. Improved accounting standards will empower communities and local governments to harness the benefits of renewable energy, leading to more sustainable urban and rural development.

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The joint letter under the “Let Green Gas Count!” banner is more than a formal request for policy change—it is an urgent call to realign global emissions accounting with the realities of an evolving energy market. By advocating for a market-based approach to renewable gases, the initiative seeks to eliminate the ambiguity that has long hindered investment and technological innovation in the renewable gas sector. The inclusion of key players such as AFS Commodities further underscores the broad industry support for these changes, signalling a unified push toward a more sustainable and economically vibrant energy future.

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In an era where the stakes of climate change have never been higher, embracing market-based instruments in emissions accounting could be one of the most significant steps toward accelerating decarbonization. Through improved regulatory clarity, the energy sector can mobilize the investments necessary for transformative change—bringing us closer to a world where renewable gases are recognized not only for their potential but for their integral role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

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As stakeholders await the GHG Protocol’s response and the anticipated interim statement in early 2025, the message is unequivocal: the time to let green gas count is now. With robust market instruments set to pave the way for more dynamic investment and innovation, the transition to a low-carbon future is not just a possibility—it is on the horizon.