> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.bilancarbone-conformite.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.bilancarbone-conformite.com/compliance-framework/compliance-referentials/chapitre-a-cadre-technique-et-methodologique/critere-a.3-gaz-a-effet-de-serre-de-base-inclus.md).

# Criterion A.3 - Basic GHG included

Numerous greenhouse gases have been identified by IPCC experts. Among these gases, the following have been retained:

* fossil carbon dioxide (CO2), whose atmospheric residence time is on the order of a century,
* methane (CH4), whose atmospheric residence time is on the order of a decade,
* nitrous oxide (N2O), whose atmospheric residence time is on the order of a century,
* hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), whose atmospheric residence time ranges from a few weeks to a few centuries,
* perfluorocarbons (PFCs), whose atmospheric residence time is on the order of a few centuries to several tens of millennia,
* sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), whose atmospheric residence time is on the order of several thousand years,
* nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), whose atmospheric residence time is on the order of several centuries.

#### Educational guidance on accounting for GHGs

In order to help users understand the importance of considering all the greenhouse gases recommended by the IPCC in a carbon accounting exercise, it is important to present them to users, explaining the differences in impact and the types of activity that may be concerned.

This can help users better understand their sector-specific challenges and develop their decarbonisation strategy accordingly.

#### Criterion

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="132"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:red;"><strong>Mandatory</strong></mark></td><td><strong>Criterion A.3 - Basic greenhouse gases included</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Question</strong></td><td>Does the candidate tool include at least the greenhouse gases referred to in Article R. 229-45 of the French Environment Code?</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Answer</strong></td><td><ul><li><mark style="color:green;"><strong>Yes, the tool incorporates by default all the GHGs of the Kyoto Protocol and NF3, and these GHGs are explicitly presented in the tool's resources</strong></mark></li><li><mark style="color:green;"><strong>Yes, the tool incorporates by default all the GHGs of the Kyoto Protocol and NF3</strong></mark></li><li><mark style="color:green;"><strong>No, the tool does not incorporate all the expected GHGs, but provides a justification</strong></mark></li><li><mark style="color:red;"><strong>No, the tool does not incorporate by default all the GHGs of the Kyoto Protocol or NF3</strong></mark></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Implementation guidance</strong></td><td><p>Search the user guide, the methodological guide and/or the user manual for sections relating to the greenhouse gases included in the methodology.</p><p>Examine the air conditioning section of the candidate tool, as well as the emission factors for air travel.</p><p>For project/product-oriented tools, the justification for excluding certain types of GHGs may in particular result from the non-use of processes/equipment responsible (during their use) for emissions of those GHGs.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>


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