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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Demystifying Mechanical Ventilation: The Different Types and How They Can Benefit You
Jennifer Crowley
Jul 31, 2023
The best system for a particular application will depend on factors such as the size and layout of the building, the number of occupants, and the specific ventilation needs of the space.
Mechanical ventilation is an essential aspect of building design, particularly in modern construction, where structures are designed to be airtight for energy efficiency reasons. Ventilation systems help to improve indoor air quality by controlling the flow of air and moisture in and out of a building, which can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of the occupants.
There are several types of mechanical ventilation systems that are commonly used in buildings. In this blog post, we will explore the four main types of mechanical ventilation: supply ventilation, exhaust ventilation, balanced ventilation, and whole-house mechanical ventilation.
1. Supply Ventilation
Supply ventilation systems pressurize the building, forcing stale air out of the building.
Supply ventilation is a type of mechanical ventilation system that introduces fresh air into a building through a supply duct. The air is typically filtered to remove pollutants and other contaminants before it is circulated into the building. Supply ventilation systems work by pressurizing the building, which forces stale air out through small cracks and leaks in the building envelope. This can be done using a centralized system, with air being brought in through a single duct and distributed through a series of vents, or through a decentralized system, where individual units are installed in each room or area. This type of system is ideal for buildings located in areas with high levels of outdoor pollution, as it helps to maintain a steady flow of fresh, clean air.
2. Exhaust Ventilation
Exhaust ventilation creates negative pressure in the building, which draws in fresh air from outside.
Exhaust ventilation is a type of mechanical ventilation system that removes stale air from a building through an exhaust duct. The system works by creating negative pressure in the building, which draws in fresh air from outside through small cracks and leaks in the building envelope. Exhaust ventilation systems are typically used in buildings with high levels of indoor pollutants, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They are also commonly used in conjunction with supply ventilation systems to maintain a balance between the intake and exhaust of air in the building. This can be done using a centralized or decentralized system and is often used in conjunction with supply ventilation to ensure a continuous supply of fresh air.
3. Balanced Ventilation
Balanced ventilation introduces fresh air into a building through a supply duct and removes stale air through an exhaust duct.
Balanced ventilation is a type of mechanical ventilation system that introduces fresh air into a building through a supply duct and removes stale air through an exhaust duct. The system works by maintaining a balance between the intake and exhaust of air, which helps to maintain a steady flow of fresh air into the building. Balanced ventilation systems are ideal for buildings with a moderate level of outdoor pollutants and a relatively constant temperature and humidity level.
4. Whole-house Mechanical Ventilation
In a home, vents and ducts are connected to your HVAC system to ventilate air.
This system is used to change the air in the entire house; it is often used with a central air-conditioning and heating system, which can be either a centralized or decentralized system.
Each type of mechanical ventilation system has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best system for a particular application will depend on factors such as the size and layout of the building, the number of occupants, and the specific ventilation needs of the space.
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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