Water Sector Climate Emissions Quantification Guidelines

As principal investigator for Water Research Foundation Project 5188, I led the development of the Water Sector Climate Emissions Quantification Guidelines and the companion WSCER tool. Delivered with Cobalt Water Global, Stantec, and Northern Tilth, together with Princeton University, Brown and Caldwell, Jacobs, GHD, and utility collaborators, the project created the first sector-specific framework for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and reporting in the U.S. water sector.

The guidelines draw on a comprehensive literature review and global standards such as the GHG Protocol and IPCC Guidelines, translating them into approaches tailored for utilities of all sizes. By combining scientific rigor with practitioner input, the project produced practical methods that support decision-making, strengthen disclosure, and advance progress toward net zero goals.

This effort set a new benchmark for the sector, replacing fragmented practices with consistent, transparent reporting. It provides the technical foundation for emissions accounting while also building a community of practice to refine methods, share lessons, and accelerate climate leadership across the water sector.

The guidance is available to subscribers of The Water Research Foundation at www.bit.ly/WSCER. The companion Water Sector Climate Emissions Reporter (WSCER) tool and User Guide can be downloaded for free at www.waterghgs.com.