Carbon Reporting Standards

Understanding the frameworks and standards that guide carbon accounting and reporting practices

Carbon Reporting Frameworks

Carbon reporting standards provide the frameworks, methodologies, and requirements for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions. These standards ensure consistency, comparability, and credibility in carbon accounting practices.

Different standards serve different purposes - some focus on corporate accounting, others on regulatory compliance, and some on investor disclosure. Understanding these frameworks helps organizations choose the right approach for their needs and stakeholders.

Standards Evolution

Carbon reporting standards continue to evolve with increasing regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and scientific understanding of climate change impacts.

Interactive Standards Comparison Matrix

Explore and compare major carbon reporting standards and frameworks. Select standards to understand their features, requirements, and use cases, then switch between overview cards and detailed comparison matrix views.

🏢

GHG Protocol

Corporate Standard

Most widely used international accounting and reporting standard for greenhouse gas emissions

Key Features

  • Scope 1, 2, 3 classification
  • Corporate and product standards
Adoption: 95% of Fortune 500 companies
🌍

ISO 14064

International Standard

International standard for quantifying, monitoring, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions

Key Features

  • Three-part standard
  • Verification requirements
Adoption: Used in 50+ countries
📊

CDP

Disclosure Framework

Global disclosure system that enables companies to measure and manage their environmental impact

Key Features

  • Investor-focused
  • Scoring methodology
Adoption: Over 18,000 companies disclose
⚠️

TCFD

Risk Framework

Framework for disclosing climate-related financial information to support informed investment decisions

Key Features

  • Financial impact focus
  • Scenario analysis
Adoption: Supported by 3,000+ organizations
🎯

Science Based Targets

Target Setting

Framework for setting emissions reduction targets aligned with climate science

Key Features

  • Science-based methodology
  • Near-term targets
Adoption: 1,500+ companies committed
📋

CSRD

Regulatory Standard

EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requiring mandatory climate disclosures

Key Features

  • Mandatory reporting
  • Double materiality
Adoption: Mandatory for 50,000+ EU companies

Standards Selection Guide

Start with GHG Protocol: Foundation for most carbon accounting efforts
Add CDP for investors: Critical for companies seeking investment capital
Consider SBTi for targets: Essential for science-aligned reduction goals
Include TCFD for finance: Important for comprehensive risk assessment
Previous
Data Collection