Understanding 6 Key Emission Reporting Frameworks & Certifications

Tracking ESG data is essential for staying competitive and meeting federal or local government mandates. Transparency about carbon emissions and setting reduction goals is critical at both the corporate and property level. 

Here are six widely recognized emissions reporting frameworks and certifications that can help guide companies toward better compliance and actionable sustainability strategies. 

GRESB 

Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assesses and benchmarks sustainability performance for companies in the commercial real estate and infrastructure sectors. Over 2,200 real estate companies, REITs, funds, developers, and infrastructure asset operators participate in GRESB assessments. This extensive market coverage provides investors with ESG data and benchmarks for $9 trillion USD worth of assets under management. 

1. Who reports to GRESB? Real estate funds, REITs, property companies, developers, infrastructure fund managers, and asset operators. 
2. How does GRESB score? GRESB evaluates companies through a comprehensive questionnaire on environmental, governance, and social performance, producing benchmarking reports and rankings that help investors assess sustainability. Scores are based on a points system with categories tailored to the type of asset being assessed. 
3. When is the reporting period? GRESB typically opens for submissions on April 1 and closes in July of each year. 

CDP 

Founded in 2000, CDP helps companies report environmental impacts and manage climate-related risks and opportunities. It leverages investor pressure to influence corporate disclosure. 

1. Who reports to CDP? Companies, cities, states, and even investors report to CDP to disclose their environmental impact.
2. How does CDP score? Companies complete a questionnaire covering climate change, forests, and water security. CDP assigns scores based on categories like disclosure, awareness, management, and leadership. 
3. When is the reporting period? CDP’s current online reporting system opens in April, with submissions due in June and the reporting period closing in September. 

SASB 

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) provides industry-specific standards for reporting ESG factors that affect long-term enterprise value. SASB is recognized globally by investors as a crucial framework for consistent sustainability disclosures. 

1. Who reports to SASB? Companies across 77 industries use SASB standards to report on material sustainability factors that impact financial performance.
2. How does SASB score? SASB provides guidelines to report on climate change, water management, labor practices, and other relevant ESG topics, enabling companies to disclose material data in a standardized manner.
3. When is the reporting period? Unlike some other frameworks, SASB doesn’t have a set reporting period, but companies are advised to report annually to keep investors informed. 

CRREM 

CRREM, or Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor, helps real estate companies manage the financial risks associated with poor energy performance and decarbonization, focusing on the EU commercial real estate sector. 

1. Who reports to CRREM? Real estate companies use CRREM’s carbon reduction pathways and financial risk assessment tools to align with decarbonization goals. 
2. How does CRREM score? CRREM calculates financial risks tied to poor energy performance and provides science-based carbon reduction pathways for buildings, portfolios, and companies. 

LEED 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program created by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The framework aims to create greener buildings while saving companies money, improving efficiency, and creating healthier places for people. The USGBC considers LEED-certified buildings critical to addressing climate change and ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting equitable communities. 

1. Who reports to LEED? Various buildings, including single-family residences, higher education institutions, and warehouses, can seek LEED certification. 
2. How does LEED score? LEED assigns points based on categories such as building design, operations, and construction. There are four levels of certification, from certified to platinum. 
3. When is the reporting period? Companies can submit at any time but must meet deadlines for preliminary and final reviews to achieve certification by the end of the year.  

ENERGY STAR 

Managed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR provides energy efficiency ratings for products and buildings in a variety of industries. It aims to protect the environment while saving money for consumers and businesses alike through the adoption of energy-efficient products and practices. 

1. Who reports to ENERGY STAR? Residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants can all use ENERGY STAR to benchmark energy performance. 
2. How does ENERY STAR score? ENERGY STAR uses a Portfolio Manager tool to assign a percentile score between 1 and 100 based on average energy usage for similar buildings/products. Buildings and products are ENERGY STAR certified if they score at least 75 and submit the building’s energy performance data to the EPA for verification. 
3. When is the reporting period? ENERGY STAR scores are based on 12 consecutive months of data. The reporting period has no rigid deadline but should align with the data period used for producing Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) as much as possible. 

Conclusion 

Understanding emissions reporting frameworks and certifications is crucial for successfully improving sustainability practices, meeting emerging regulations, and demonstrating strong environmental leadership. Whether you're focused on real estate, energy efficiency, or broader ESG factors, these frameworks provide invaluable insights and benchmarks to help guide your organization's sustainability journey. 

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the legal requirements surrounding emissions reporting, check out our recent blog on 7 Emissions Reporting Mandates You Should Know About. 

Or for even more information, our Simplifying Sustainability guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for integrating sustainability into your operations, helping your business stay ahead of the curve while reducing environmental impact.