Vopak – strengthening GHG accounting to support robust, decision-useful climate disclosure
Challenge
Royal Vopak, a global independent tank storage company, operates a complex network of terminals supporting energy, chemicals and new energy infrastructure. As part of its sustainability reporting, Vopak has committed to transparently disclosing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and progress against climate targets — including reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
Like many global organisations, the challenge extended beyond simply calculating emissions. Vopak needed to ensure that its GHG accounting:
- Covered a broad operational footprint across multiple regions and asset types
- Was aligned with the GHG Protocol across Scope 1, 2 and increasingly Scope 3 emissions
- Delivered consistent, auditable and decision-useful data
- Supported transparent disclosure within its sustainability reporting
This is a common challenge in GHG accounting — translating diverse operational data into a consistent emissions inventory that supports both reporting and strategic decision-making.
Our approach
Challenge Sustainability supported Vopak in strengthening its GHG accounting and disclosures as part of its sustainability reporting, combining technical expertise with practical implementation support.
Our work focused on enhancing the robustness, consistency and transparency of emissions data across the organisation.
Key elements included:
- GHG inventory development and refinement
We supported the development and validation of Vopak’s GHG inventory, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy-related) and relevant Scope 3 emissions categories in line with the GHG Protocol. - Methodology alignment and documentation
We reviewed and strengthened emissions calculation methodologies, ensuring:- Consistency across terminals and business units
- Appropriate use of emission factors and assumptions
- Clear documentation to support transparency and auditability
- Data collection and consolidation processes
We worked with operational teams to improve how activity data is captured, validated and consolidated across the Group — a critical step in ensuring reliable reporting across geographically diverse operations. - Disclosure and reporting alignment
We ensured that GHG disclosures were clearly aligned with Vopak’s sustainability report, including:- Transparent explanation of methodologies and boundaries
- Consistent presentation of emissions data and trends
- Clear linkage between emissions performance, targets and strategy
Outcomes
The enhanced GHG accounting framework has strengthened the credibility and usefulness of Vopak’s climate disclosures.
Key outcomes included:
- A more robust and transparent GHG inventory across Scope 1, 2 and selected Scope 3 categories
- Improved consistency in methodologies and data across global operations
- Stronger internal controls and audit readiness for emissions data
- Enhanced clarity and completeness of climate disclosures in the sustainability report
- A more reliable foundation for tracking progress against emissions reduction targets
This work has enabled Vopak to better understand and communicate its emissions profile — supporting both external transparency and internal decision-making as it progresses towards its climate ambitions.
“Challenge Sustainability helped us bring structure and consistency to our GHG accounting, strengthening both the quality of our data and the clarity of our climate disclosures.”