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Corporate GHG Reporting: Stock-Flow Carbon Ledger (2D)

Understand the complex dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global warming through a detailed 2D system-dynamics model.

mysimulator teamUpdated June 2026≈ 3 min read▶ Open the simulation

What Corporate GHG Reporting Is

Corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting is a critical process for businesses to account for their direct and indirect emissions. This includes Scope 1 emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the company, and Scope 3 emissions that occur in the supply chain.

The Stock-Flow Carbon Ledger (2D) simulation provides a visual representation of these emissions over time, helping companies understand their environmental impact and make informed decisions for sustainability.

How It Works

In this 2D model, Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are represented as three separate pipes filling an atmosphere reservoir. The reporting horizon slider allows users to set the time frame for which emissions are reported, reflecting real-world audits that occur annually or bi-annually.

The live-plotted IPCC logarithmic radiative-forcing curve tracks the exact CO2 concentration and forcing produced by these emissions, offering a clear visualization of how emissions contribute to global warming.

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Why It Matters

Accurate GHG reporting is essential for companies to meet regulatory requirements, set reduction targets, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This model helps in understanding the cumulative effects of emissions over time, which is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.

By visualizing the stock-flow dynamics, businesses can identify areas where they can reduce emissions and improve their environmental performance, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Real-World Applications

The insights gained from this simulation are applicable in various industries, including manufacturing, energy, transportation, and agriculture. Companies can use the model to assess their carbon footprint, optimize supply chains, and develop strategies for transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Educational institutions and policymakers can also benefit from this tool by understanding the complexities of GHG emissions and developing more informed policies and guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

What is a carbon ledger?

A carbon ledger tracks the flow of greenhouse gases into and out of a company's operations, providing a comprehensive view of its environmental impact over time.

How does Scope 3 emissions differ from Scope 1 and 2?

Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions from upstream and downstream activities in the supply chain, whereas Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, and Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased electricity.

Why is radiative forcing important in GHG reporting?

Radiative forcing measures the change in energy balance at the Earth's surface due to greenhouse gases. It helps quantify the warming effect of emissions and is crucial for understanding their impact on global climate change.

How can businesses use this simulation for sustainability?

Businesses can use this simulation to identify emission hotspots, set reduction targets, and develop strategies to minimize their carbon footprint. It helps in making data-driven decisions that align with environmental goals.

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Corporate GHG Reporting: Stock-Flow Carbon Ledger (2D) and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

▶ Open Corporate GHG Reporting: Stock-Flow Carbon Ledger (2D) simulation

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