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Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a factor that quantifies the relative climate impact of a greenhouse gas compared with carbon dioxide over a given time horizon (20, 100, or 500 years).
The IPCC publishes updated values in its assessment reports; AR6 (2021) sets GWP100 at: CH₄ = 27.9 and N₂O = 273.
Formula
CO₂e = Σ (gas massᵢ × GWPᵢ)
Use in inventories and LCA
- ISO 14064-1 for corporate inventories.
- ISO 14067 and EPDs for products.
- EU CBAM requires AR6 GWP100 values from 2026 onward.
AR6 GWP100 values (main gases)
- CO₂ = 1 (reference).
- CH₄ = 27.9 (fossil), 29.8 (biogenic).
- N₂O = 273.
- SF₆ = 25,200.
- HFC-134a = 1,530.
Advanced considerations
- GWP*: alternative metric reflecting transient warming response.
- GTP (Global Temperature-change Potential).
- GWP20 is relevant for 2030 targets but implies higher values (e.g. CH₄ = 81).
Updating inventories
- Converting from AR5 to AR6 increases CH₄ CO₂e by ~14%.
- ISO recommendation: always declare the GWP version used.
- Sensitivity check: recalculate Net-Zero targets if deviation exceeds 5%.
GWP is the cornerstone of climate accounting. Using the most recent IPCC factors ensures scientific accuracy and alignment with policies such as CBAM and CSRD.
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