Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be a complex task for health and social service institutions (hereinafter referred to as “institutions”), particularly because existing methodologies are not adapted to the context of these organizations.

To provide a framework for quantifying these emissions, the CIRAIG has developed a Methodology for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions for health and social service institutions in Quebec. The objectives of this methodology are as follows:

• to facilitate the process of quantifying and reporting institutions’ direct and indirect GHG emissions;
• to promote the production of scientifically robust GHG emissions inventories;
• to improve the consistency and transparency of GHG inventories produced by institutions;
• to provide institutions with information that can be used to develop an effective strategy for managing and reducing GHG emissions.

This methodology is in line with the main requirements and recommendations of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and ISO 14064-1, which frame the quantification and reporting of GHG emissions by organizations.

It is intended for the public health and social services institutions within Santé Québec, i.e. the integrated health and social services centers (CISSS), integrated university health and social services centers (CIUSSS) and non-merged establishments.

This project was mandated by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (MSSS), with the collaboration of Santé Québec, CHUM, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’île-de-Montréal and CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec. It was funded by the Quebec government as part of the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, through the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).