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Five Early Steps to Prepare for Your Carbon Report

Prepare your carbon report with 5 key steps: frameworks, emissions inventory, reduction targets, and tools for sustainability success.

Ava Montini

Jan 21, 2025

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Preparing a carbon report is a powerful opportunity to align your organization with forward-thinking strategies, meet stakeholder expectations, and uncover new ways to enhance operational efficiency. As sustainability continues to shape the business landscape, reporting on carbon emissions has evolved beyond compliance to become a cornerstone of long-term value creation.


The reality is clear: over 66% of the world's largest companies now disclose climate-related data through frameworks like CDP, reflecting the growing demand for transparency. In the U.S., buildings alone account for approximately 31% of total greenhouse gas emissions, making industries like real estate and property management key players in addressing climate challenges.


While the process can seem complex, it is entirely manageable with the right approach. From understanding reporting frameworks to streamlining data collection, this journey is about building a clear, actionable plan that sets your organization up for success. By focusing on key priorities and leveraging proven strategies, you can take confident steps toward creating a carbon report that reflects your commitment to innovation and leadership.


Here's how to begin:

1. Understand the Frameworks and Requirements

Carbon reporting begins with understanding the frameworks and regulations that apply to your organization. These frameworks are essentially the rulebooks that guide how you measure, calculate, and present emissions data. Choosing the right one depends on your industry, geographic location, and specific requirements from stakeholders, investors, or regulators.


For example, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) is a foundational standard that categorizes emissions into three scopes: Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions across your value chain). Meanwhile, platforms like CDP and frameworks like TCFD focus on how companies disclose emissions to investors and other audiences.


The first step is identifying which frameworks are required or preferred for your organization. U.S.-based companies should pay particular attention to the SEC’s proposed rules for climate disclosures, which could require public companies to report more detailed emissions data. Additionally, consulting with sustainability professionals or using resources like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Corporate Standard can provide clarity and structure.



Scopes 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Inventorying and Guidance | US EPA

2. Build a Comprehensive Emissions Inventory

Your emissions inventory is the foundation of your carbon report. It involves identifying and quantifying all emissions across your organization. This inventory will include direct emissions from owned assets, indirect emissions from energy use, and, if applicable, emissions from your value chain.


To start, define your organizational boundaries. Will you report emissions based on operational control (activities you oversee directly) or equity share (based on your ownership percentage)? Next, gather data from utility bills, fuel logs, procurement records, and any other relevant sources. If collecting this data feels overwhelming, prioritize high-impact emissions sources first, such as energy use or transportation, and expand from there.


Digital tools can simplify this process. Platforms like EPA’s Simplified GHG Emissions Calculator or specialized carbon accounting software can help centralize and automate data collection. Partnering with teams across your organization—such as facilities management and procurement—can also ensure data is accurate and complete.


Other Resources to Leverage:



3. Focus on High-Impact Emissions Sources

Not all emissions are equally significant, and prioritizing high-impact areas can make your efforts more effective. By focusing on emissions sources that account for the largest share of your footprint or are most relevant to stakeholders, you can direct resources where they’ll have the greatest impact.


To prioritize effectively, consider conducting a materiality assessment. This process involves evaluating which emissions sources are most relevant to your business and stakeholders. Engaging with investors, clients, and regulators can provide additional insights into what matters most. Benchmarking your data against industry peers can also help you identify areas where your organization may be lagging or leading.


Visualizing emissions through heatmaps or similar tools can further clarify where to focus your efforts. These insights can guide decisions on upgrades, retrofits, or supply chain adjustments, ensuring your carbon reporting efforts translate into meaningful action.


Resources to Leverage:



4. Set Clear Reduction Targets and Timelines

Once you have a clear picture of your emissions, the next step is setting reduction targets that align with your organizational goals. These targets provide direction and accountability, signalling to stakeholders that you’re serious about sustainability.


Begin by establishing a baseline year—a starting point against which future progress will be measured. From there, set short- and long-term goals. For example, you might aim to reduce Scope 2 emissions by 25% over five years through renewable energy procurement or energy efficiency upgrades. Aligning your targets with global initiatives like the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) can further demonstrate your commitment to climate goals.


Regularly communicating progress toward these goals can help build trust with investors, tenants, and other stakeholders. Transparency about challenges and adjustments also demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.


Resources to Leverage:



5. Invest in Infrastructure and Expertise

Successful carbon reporting requires robust infrastructure and a knowledgeable team. Whether it’s tools for data collection or employee training, these investments can streamline the process and ensure accuracy.


Many companies start by adopting carbon accounting software, which automates data management and reporting. Platforms like Sphera, Envizi, or Ecovadis offer features that track emissions across scopes, analyze trends, and generate reports tailored to specific frameworks. For organizations with complex operations, these tools can save significant time and effort.


Equipping your team with the right expertise is equally important. Training employees on reporting frameworks, data collection methodologies, and compliance requirements can reduce reliance on external consultants over time. Partnering with third-party verification bodies can also enhance the credibility of your reports, especially if they’ll be shared with investors or regulators.


Resources to Leverage:


Preparing for your carbon report is about more than compliance—it’s a strategic opportunity to lead on sustainability, improve operations, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. While the process may seem complex, following these five steps will provide a clear roadmap to get started.


As you embark on this journey, remember that every organization’s path will look a little different. What matters most is taking the first step and building momentum. By investing in education, planning, and collaboration, you can turn the challenge of carbon reporting into an opportunity to create lasting value for your business and the environment.

Cost-Effective Solutions for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Senior Living Facilities

Writer's picture: Jennifer CrowleyJennifer Crowley
Jul 2, 2024
Senior living facility common room with various residents seated. A male is playing chss with an unseen man, a woman is knitting on the couch while a Doctor takes the blood pressure of a female in a rocking chair
Indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological contaminants can exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and COPD in seniors.

Ensuring optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) in senior living facilities is paramount for safeguarding resident health and well-being. However, balancing high-quality air purification with budget constraints can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll explore cost-effective strategies to improve IAQ without compromising on effectiveness.


Understanding the Impact of Poor Air Quality

Indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological contaminants can exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and COPD in seniors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor IAQ is linked to numerous health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment.


Cost-Effective Air Quality Solutions for Better IAQ

Male maintenance worker changing HVAC air filter during maintenance
Dirty or clogged HVAC filters can reduce system efficiency and increase energy costs.

Regular Maintenance and Filter Replacement

Routine maintenance of HVAC systems and timely replacement of filters are essential for maintaining IAQ. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce system efficiency and increase energy costs. Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, improve air filtration efficiency and, according to Energy Star, reduce your HVAC energy consumption by up to 40%.


High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters

Facilities using HEPA filters report up to 60% fewer respiratory issues among residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mold spores resulting in a significant reduction in airborne contaminants and improving overall air quality and resident health.


The Blade Air HEPA+ Filter retains the core qualities of traditional HEPA filters while introducing next-gen improvements in efficiency and design. With a 99.99% particle capture rate and 30% lower static pressure, it offers enhanced air purification and energy efficiency.


Portable Air Purifiers

Portable air purifiers are a flexible and scalable air purification solution, that reduces localized pollution and enhances resident comfort. When equipped with HEPA filters and activated carbon, they can be strategically placed in common areas and resident rooms to reduce airborne particulate matter by up to 70%, as noted by the American Lung Association.


The Blade Air Portable HEPA Air Purifier features one cubic foot of HEPA that is certified and independently lab-tested to remove 99.97% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns and does not release any by-products, including harmful ozone.


Refreshed senior female opening a door in her room to let in the fresh air
The use of exhaust fans and opening windows can help dilute indoor pollutants.

Proper Ventilation

Ensuring proper ventilation through the use of exhaust fans and opening windows can help dilute indoor pollutants. According to research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, adequate ventilation can improve IAQ by up to 50%.


Overall, proper ventilation reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants, promoting a healthier indoor environment.


Use of Low-Emission Cleaning Products

The California Air Resources Board notes that using low-emission products can reduce indoor chemical pollutants by up to 90%. Switching to cleaning products with low VOC emissions can reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into the indoor environment, minimizing chemical exposure for residents and staff, and improving overall air quality.


Household plants in white containers on a countertop beside room humidifier that is manually being adjusted by a female hand
Proper humidity control can reduce the prevalence of mold by up to 50%.

Humidity Control

Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% helps prevent the growth of mold and dust mites, which also reduces the risk of respiratory issues and allergies and enhances resident health and comfort. Proper humidity control can also reduce the prevalence of mold by up to 50%, according to the Mayo Clinic.


Improving indoor air quality in senior living facilities doesn’t have to be costly. By implementing these cost-effective air quality solutions, you can enhance the health and well-being of your residents while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

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