What is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?

All greenhouse gases have different chemical compositions and properties, leading to different strengths and timescales contributing to the greenhouse effect.

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) index is used to measure the relative warming effects of these gases, using CO₂ as the baseline. To calculate the relative impact of these gases, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) index is used, using CO₂ as the baseline and harmonising all gases as carbon dioxide equivalents.

Due to the different lifetime effects of other gases (e.g. methane dissipates more quickly than carbon dioxide), choosing the appropriate time horizon is crucial. As recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the time horizon of 100 years is used across the Plan A Sustainability Platform.