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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 Sick Building Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Writer's picture: Jennifer CrowleyJennifer Crowley
Jul 11, 2024
Young man in the foreground sitting on an office chair clutching his head in pain, with a boardroom or working employees in the background
Addressing SBS promptly is crucial for safeguarding the health of building occupants and ensuring a productive, comfortable living or working environment.

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a growing concern in modern workplaces and living environments. SBS refers to a situation where occupants of a building experience acute health issues and discomfort that seem linked to time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Understanding and addressing SBS is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of building occupants.


Common Causes and Symptoms

Symptoms of SBS:

  • Headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches that are not attributable to other causes.

  • Respiratory Issues: Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing.

  • Eye, Nose, or Throat Irritation: Dryness, itching, burning, or watery eyes, along with irritation in the nasal passages or throat.

  • Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, lethargy, and lack of energy.

  • Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive issues such as memory problems and difficulty focusing.

  • Skin Irritation: Rashes, dry skin, or itching.


Common Causes of SBS:

  • Poor Ventilation and Inadequate Air Exchange: Insufficient ventilation systems fail to bring in fresh air and remove stale air, which leads to an accumulation of indoor pollutants.

  • Indoor Air Pollutants: The presence of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and office equipment. These compounds can off-gas and accumulate in the indoor environment.

  • Mold and Microbial Contamination: Dampness and high humidity levels can lead to mold growth and the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which release spores and other microbial contaminants into the air.

  • Inadequate Temperature and Humidity Control: Poor regulation of indoor temperature and humidity levels can contribute to discomfort and the growth of indoor pollutants.

Keyword statistic and cluster of Sick Building Syndrome provided By MDPI as seen in the article link below
Poor air quality and pollutants cause SBS, leading to respiratory and mental health issues with women, children, and office workers being more vulnerable to SBS due to prolonged indoor stays.

Health Impacts of SBS

The adverse health effects of SBS can be significant, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, severe allergies, and even long-term neurological issues like chronic fatigue syndrome. For businesses, this translates to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. Check out MDPI's scholarly article on Building and Health: Mapping the Knowledge Development of Sick Building Syndrome for more detailed information.


Regulatory Concerns

To combat SBS, various air quality standards and recommendations have been established. Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines for acceptable indoor air quality levels. These standards emphasize the importance of proper ventilation, regular maintenance of HVAC systems, and the reduction of indoor pollutants. Buildings failing to meet these standards can face legal repercussions, potential fines, and decreased occupant satisfaction.


Solutions: How Blade Air's Pro Filter Can Help


Blade Air's Pro Filter is designed to address and mitigate the causes of SBS effectively. By incorporating advanced HEPA filtration technology, the Pro Filter captures and removes harmful particulates, allergens, and pollutants from the air. Its design ensures improved air circulation and ventilation, creating a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, Blade Air's Pro Filter can be seamlessly integrated into existing HVAC systems, offering a comprehensive solution for maintaining optimal indoor air quality.


The Importance of Immediate Action

Addressing SBS promptly is crucial for safeguarding the health of building occupants and ensuring a productive, comfortable living or working environment. Blade Air is committed to providing cutting-edge air quality solutions that tackle SBS head-on.


By investing in Blade Air's Pro Filter technology, you can enhance indoor air quality, comply with regulatory standards, and promote overall well-being. Get in touch with our sales team if you'd like to learn more about how we can assist you with the air quality in your buildings - together we can help your occupants breathe easier.

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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