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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 Indoor Air Quality: What’s in the Air We Breathe?

Writer's picture: Jennifer CrowleyJennifer Crowley
Jul 31, 2023
Man's hand holding a magnifying glass in front of a table full of house plants
Poor indoor air quality has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and cancer.

The air we breathe plays a vital role in our health and well-being. Yet, while outdoor air pollution has received much attention recently, indoor air quality is just as important and often neglected. This blog post will take a closer look at what’s in the air we breathe, focusing on indoor air.


Common Indoor Air Contaminants

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These are chemicals released into the air from products such as paints, cleaning supplies, and personal care products. They can be invisible and have a distinct odour, but only sometimes. However, they can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and in severe cases, long-term health problems.


Particulate Matter (PM)

These tiny particles float in the air and can be inhaled into our lungs. They can come from sources such as tobacco smoke, cooking, and dust. Particulate Matter can be seen as fine dust or smoke but can also be invisible. Inhaling PM can cause respiratory problems and worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease.


Biological Contaminants

This includes mould, mildew, bacteria, and viruses. These can be visible or invisible and cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. They can grow in damp or humid areas and are often a result of poor ventilation or water damage.


Carbon Monoxide (CO)

This is a toxic gas produced by burning fuel. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, death. Carbon monoxide is often a result of improperly ventilated appliances such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces.


Radon

This naturally occurring radioactive gas is released from the ground and can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and is also odourless and tasteless, making it difficult to detect.


Formaldehyde

This toxic chemical is commonly found in building materials and furniture. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and in severe cases, it can cause cancer. Formaldehyde can be released into the air from products such as particleboard, flooring, and textiles.


Adverse Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Breathing in poor-quality indoor air can have a range of negative health effects. Some of these include:

  1. Eye, nose, and throat irritation

  2. Headaches

  3. Allergic reactions

  4. Respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis

  5. Dizziness

  6. Long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease and cancer

  7. Increased risk of lung cancer, especially from radon exposure


According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year, 3.2 million people die prematurely from illnesses attributable to household air pollution caused by the incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene used for cooking.


Indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air quality, and understanding what’s in the air we breathe is crucial to our health and well-being. By reducing exposure to common indoor air contaminants such as VOCs, PM, biological pollutants, CO, radon, and formaldehyde, we can significantly improve the air we breathe and protect our health.


Some simple steps to improve indoor air quality include:

  1. Ventilating your home regularly to bring in fresh air

  2. Using natural, non-toxic cleaning products and personal care items

  3. Keeping your home well-maintained and free of moisture and mould

  4. Using air filters to remove particulate matter and other contaminants

  5. Testing your home for radon and taking steps to reduce exposure if necessary


In conclusion, improving indoor air quality and protecting our health is crucial. By understanding what’s in the air we breathe, we can make informed decisions to improve the air we breathe, reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, and promote good health.

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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