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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.

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI) and Its Impact on Health

Writer's picture: Jennifer CrowleyJennifer Crowley
Jun 28, 2024
Man using an AQI app on his phone to see what the air quality status is
By understanding the AQI and adhering to the corresponding health recommendations, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of those around you.

Air quality has a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. As wildfires and other sources of air pollution become more prevalent, understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI) becomes increasingly important.


The AQI is a valuable tool that helps individuals determine the quality of the air they breathe and take necessary precautions to protect their health. In this blog, we will explore what AQI is, how it's calculated, and its impact on health, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your indoor and outdoor activities.


Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized system used by government agencies, environmental organizations, and health authorities to communicate the level of air pollution to the public. The AQI converts complex air quality data into a single number and colour-coded scale, making it easier for people to understand the air quality in their area and its potential health effects.


The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500 and is divided into six categories:


  1. Good (Green): AQI 0-50

  2. Moderate (Yellow): AQI 51-100

  3. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): AQI 101-150

  4. Unhealthy (Red): AQI 151-200

  5. Very Unhealthy (Purple): AQI 201-300

  6. Hazardous (Maroon): AQI 301-500


How is the AQI Calculated?

The AQI is calculated based on the concentrations of five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act:


  • Ground-level ozone (O3)

  • Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)

  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)


Each pollutant has its own sub-index, which is calculated from its concentration in the air over a specified averaging period (e.g., 1 hour, 8 hours, or 24 hours). The highest of these sub-indices determines the overall AQI for that location on a given day. For example, during wildfire events, PM2.5 levels often dominate the AQI due to the abundance of fine smoke particles in the air.


AQI Categories and Health Recommendations

To help you interpret the AQI and understand its implications, let's break down each category and the corresponding health recommendations:

Air Quality index chart as per the US Environmental Protection Agency
The Air Quality Index includes AQI categories and colors, corresponding index values and cautionary statements for different levels of health concern.

  1. Good (Green): AQI 0-50

    1. Air Quality: Satisfactory; air pollution poses little or no risk.

    2. Health Recommendations: No special precautions are needed.

  2. Moderate (Yellow): AQI 51-100

    1. Air Quality: Acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are sensitive to air pollution.

    2. Health Recommendations: Unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

  3. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): AQI 101-150

    1. Air Quality: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

    2. Health Recommendations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

  4. Unhealthy (Red): AQI 151-200

    1. Air Quality: Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

    2. Health Recommendations: All individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activity.

  5. Very Unhealthy (Purple): AQI 201-300

    1. Air Quality: Health alert; everyone may experience more serious health effects.

    2. Health Recommendations: Limit outdoor activities; sensitive groups should remain indoors and keep windows closed.

  6. Hazardous (Maroon): AQI 301-500

    1. Air Quality: Health warning of emergency conditions; the entire population is more likely to be affected.

    2. Health Recommendations: Avoid all outdoor activity; stay indoors with windows and doors closed.


The Health Impact of Different Pollutants

The AQI focuses on five major pollutants, each of which affects health in specific ways:

  1. Ground-level Ozone (O3)

    1. Sources: Motor vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, chemical solvents.

    2. Health Effects: Respiratory problems, reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, throat irritation.

  2. Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)

    1. Sources: Construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, fires.

    2. Health Effects: Cardiopulmonary diseases, aggravated asthma, diminished lung function, respiratory infections, heart attacks, strokes.

  3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

    1. Sources: Motor vehicle emissions, industrial processes, residential heating sources.

    2. Health Effects: Reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues, fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision, and reduced brain function, at high levels may cause death.

  4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

    1. Sources: Fossil fuel combustion at power plants and industrial facilities.

    2. Health Effects: Irritation of lungs and airways, increased asthma symptoms, reduced lung function.

  5. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

    1. Sources: Motor vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial facilities.

    2. Health Effects: Lung irritation, respiratory infections, increased asthma symptoms.


Monitoring and Reducing Exposure to Poor Air Quality

Understanding the AQI and its implications is the first step in protecting your health from air pollution. Here are some practical steps to monitor air quality and minimize exposure:


Monitoring Air Quality

  1. Use Reliable Sources

    1. Websites like AirNow.gov (USA) and AirHealth.ca (Canada) provide real-time AQI information for various locations.

    2. Many weather apps include AQI data in their forecasts.

  2. Install Personal Air Quality Monitors

    1. Personal monitors like PurpleAir and IQAir can provide localized PM2.5 measurements.

  3. Follow Local Advisories

    1. Pay attention to local health advisories and alerts during high pollution days.


Reducing Exposure

  1. Stay Indoors on High AQI Days

    1. Limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, during unhealthy air quality days.

    2. Close windows and doors to prevent outdoor air from entering your home.

  2. Use Air Purifiers

    1. Use air purifiers with true HEPA filters to remove particulate matter from indoor air.

  3. Create a Clean Air Room

    1. Designate a room in your home with minimal outdoor air infiltration and use air purifiers to maintain clean air.

  4. Improve Ventilation Systems

    1. Ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and consider using high-efficiency filters.


The Air Quality Index is a powerful tool that helps translate complex air pollution data into a user-friendly format. By understanding the AQI and adhering to the corresponding health recommendations, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of those around you.


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