Global Warming Potential

An index that measures the relative impact that a greenhouse gas has compared to carbon dioxide. The more energy that is absorbed by a greenhouse gas the higher the global warming potential. The combination of the effects of different gases is often stated as carbon dioxide equivalent. Having an understanding of these impacts can help to influence procurement and management practices, aiming to minimise carbon dioxide equivalent emissions within grounds management.

Some gases have a greater impact over a shorter timescale of 20-years than over 100-years.