GH1: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Prefill
Eligible
Validation
Automatic; Evidence is manually validated
Can the entity report on greenhouse gas emissions?
Total greenhouse gas emissions
Scope 3 emissions
Can the entity report on scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions?
External review
Has the data reported above been reviewed by an independent third party?
Assessment Instructions
Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?
This indicator intends to assess the entity’s measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GH1 also aims to:
Enhance the comparability of greenhouse gas (GHG) performance across assets by standardizing the reporting of Scope 2 emissions using the location-based method. This ensures transparency and facilitates meaningful benchmarking of energy efficiency and emissions performance.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of an asset’s GHG footprint by asking entities to identify and report material Scope 3 emission categories, thereby enabling better management of indirect emissions.
Improve data quality and allow for more accurate GHG emissions comparisons between years or between entities by asking entities to report on data coverage and third-party review of data for individual emission scopes.
The data reported in this indicator informs the IIGCC Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) alignment report. Any Asset Assessment participant can receive the NZIF alignment report by providing additional data required in the NZIF Alignment Module.
Input: How do I complete this indicator?
Select Yes or No: If ‘Yes,’ complete the performance table and sub-questions.
Performance Tables
Cells with a dark green border are mandatory.
Cells with a light green or orange shade are scored, depending on the asset's primary sector. Not all scored cells are mandatory. Leaving a scored (i.e., shaded) cell blank will have negative scoring impacts. ‘Zero’ is an acceptable answer if it is true and accurate (i.e., if no target exists, the cell should be left blank).
Data
Instructions
Performance: Previous Year
It is not possible to edit any data in this column.
As previous-year data is directly drawn from the previous year's Asset Assessment, it is not possible to amend erroneous data. If the previous-year data is incorrect (for example, due to a reporting error), the entity can use the open text box below the indicator to inform investors. This column shows the reported performance for the previous year (e.g., calendar year 2024). If a metric is new or has changed substantially compared to last year’s assessment, or if there is no data available for the entity for the previous year, it is indicated as ‘N/A'.
Performance: Reporting Year
Enter data for performance during the reporting year for each metric.
For Renewable Power Sector Assets:
Scored and mandatory*: Reporting year performance of Emissions avoided
For all other sectors:
Scored and mandatory*: Reporting year performance of Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2) location-based
*GRESB automatically calculates some metrics based on the inputs of other mandatory cells. If these cells display “NA,” not all the required values for calculation have been provided yet.
The equations for the calculated cells are:
Total scope 1 = Emissions from combustion of fuels + Process emissions + Fugitive emissions
Total scope 1 + 2 = Total scope 1 + Scope 2
Total scope 1, 2 + 3 = Total scope 1 + 2 + Scope 3
Net GHG emissions (scope 1 + 2) = Total scope 1 + 2 - (On-site offsets + Offsets purchased)
Net GHG emissions (scope 1, 2 + 3) = Total scope 1, 2 + 3 - (On-site offsets + Offsets purchased)
Total scope 3 = Purchased goods and services + Capital goods + Fuel- and energy-related activities + Upstream transportation & distribution + Waste generated in operations + Business travel + Employee commuting + Upstream leased assets + Downstream transportation & distribution + Processing of sold products + Use of sold products + End-of-life treatment of sold products + Downstream leased assets + Franchises + Investments
Note on Scope 2 emissions:
Mandatory Reporting: All participants must report location-based Scope 2 emissions for indicator GH1.
Optional Reporting: Market-based Scope 2 emissions reporting remains optional but may be included for additional context.
Note on emissions avoided: “Emissions avoided (export of renewable energy)” applies to the export of renewable energy (see EN1) only. Only entities in the primary sector ‘Renewable Power’ should report this metric. Offsets should be reported under “On-site offsets” or “Offsets purchased”.
See definitions for each metric in the Terminology section below.
Target: Reporting Year
Enter any targets that were applicable for the reporting year for each metric.
For Renewable Power Sector Assets:
Scored but not mandatory*: Reporting year target of 'Emissions avoided'
For all other sectors:
Scored but not mandatory*: Reporting year target of 'Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2) location-based' and 'Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2) market-based'
A reporting year target can be interpolated from a future-year target. The target (or the future-year target from which it is derived) must be formally adopted. This means that the entity must have set and communicated the target, at least internally, and implemented or is preparing actions to achieve it.
Target: Future Year
Enter the relevant year for which the targets are set at the top of the column, and enter the future-year targets for each metric where available.
For Renewable Power Sector Assets:
Scored but not mandatory*: Future year target of 'Emissions avoided'
For all other sectors:
Scored but not mandatory*: Future year target of 'Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2) location-based' and 'Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2) market-based'
The target must be set for any future year that is not the reporting year. The target (or the future-year target from which it is derived) must be formally adopted. This means that the entity must have set and communicated the target, at least internally, and implemented or is preparing actions to achieve it.
Data Coverage %: Reporting Year
Insert a data coverage level from 0% to 100% in single-digit increments for each metric where required.
For Renewable Power assets:
Data coverage is neither scored nor mandatory.
For all other sectors:
Scored and mandatory: Reporting year data coverage of 'Total scope 1' and 'Scope 2 (location-based)'
Data coverage for any individual performance metric should represent an estimated percentage considering all material data related to all facilities and activities within the entity’s reporting boundary (RC3 and RC4) for the full reporting year.
Facility exclusions for data coverage
Facilities within an asset that have the following characteristics can be excluded in the reported data coverage levels:
Facilities under development.
Facilities that the asset has owned for less than 6 months.
Facilities that have been operational for less than 6 months.
Therefore, an asset can still report up to 100% data coverage for facilities even if it does not report data from facilities in the three categories noted above.
Note that if an asset reports less than 100% data coverage, its Benchmark Report will not display reporting-year performance data intensity values.
Data coverage calculation methodology
Provide a description of the method used to calculate data coverage in the open text box below the performance tables.
For Renewable Power assets:
Data coverage methodology is neither scored nor mandatory.
For all other sectors:
Not scored but mandatory: Data coverage methodology
Include how the data was measured and how the coverage level was estimated or assessed (e.g., % coverage of facilities, output, GAV, or any other metric used).
Scope 3 Emissions Reporting
Scope 3 Emissions Values: Participants are invited to share the quantity of Scope 3 emissions in any of the 15 categories outlined by the GHG Protocol emitted during the reporting period. Methods or standards to derive data should be communicated in the open text box provided
Material Scope 3 Category Identification: Participants must select one of the following three options for each of the GHG Protocol’s 15 Scope 3 categories as they relate to the operations of the asset:
Yes (material/relevant)
No (not material/relevant)
Don’t know (the entity does not know whether the Scope 3 emissions from that category is material/relevant to the asset or not).
Note: Participants should report the quantity of emissions for Scope 3 categories where data is available, even if those categories are not identified as material/relevant.
Materiality Assessment: Participants must clarify whether they have a process in place for determining the materiality/relevance of different types of Scope 3 emissions.
Use the optional Open Text Box to describe the process for determining material/relevant Scope 3 categories.
Intensities
It is not possible to edit any data in this section. GRESB automatically calculates intensity metrics based on data reported to other indicators.
If these cells show “NA”, it means that not all the values that are needed for calculation have yet been provided. The equations for the calculated cells are:
Gross GHG emissions intensity (/GAV) = Total scope 1 + 2 / GAV
GAV is reported in RC2 (Economic Size) and is converted from millions to units within the calculation.
Gross GHG emissions intensity (/Revenue) = Total scope 1 + 2 / Revenue
Revenue is reported in RC2 (Economic Size) and is converted from millions to units within the calculation.
Gross GHG emissions intensity (/Output)= Total scope 1 + 2 / Output
Output is reported in RC3 (Sector & Geography) and is specific to the entity’s primary sector.
Net GHG emissions intensity (/GAV) = Net GHG emissions (scope 1 + 2) / GAV
GAV is reported in RC2 (Economic Size) and is converted from millions to units within the calculation.
Net GHG emissions intensity (/Revenue) = Net GHG emissions (scope 1 + 2) / Revenue
Revenue is reported in RC2 (Economic Size) and is converted from millions to units within the calculation.
Net GHG emissions intensity (/Output) = Net GHG emissions (scope 1 + 2) / Output
Output is reported in RC3 (Sector & Geography) and is specific to the entity’s primary sector.
Estimation Note
As a general rule, GRESB Participants are required to use actual data (i.e., directly measured from utilities or meters, documented, or derived using recognized standards) when reporting material performance data.
Broad extrapolations of data and general estimates should not be reported.
Participants must explain the methodology used to measure data and to calculate data coverage in an open text box below the performance table.
External Review
Select Yes or No: If selecting “Yes”, state whether the data submitted has been checked, verified, or assured by an independent third party (select one option; the most detailed level of scrutiny to which the data was subjected). If selecting ‘verified’ or ‘assured,’ select the standard from the dropdown menu.
The Scheme Lists page contains the complete lists of 1) accepted sustainability reporting standards and frameworks, and 2) assurance and verification schemes.
Additional assurance schemes may also receive recognition if they meet GRESB’s criteria. To submit a new scheme for review, please contact the GRESB team.
The final deadline for submitting a new assurance/verification scheme for review by the GRESB team is March 15th. Schemes submitted for review after March 15th will not be reviewed until the subsequent reporting year.
Note that external review must cover location-based Scope 2 emissions, and may optionally cover market-based Scope 2 emissions.
GRESB does not require the selected standard to be specific to greenhouse gas emissions data. A standard initially designed to verify/assure other types of sustainability data (e.g., energy) can be selected as long as the same thoroughness and review criteria are applied to data reported in GH1.
Terminology
Emissions avoided (renewable energy export)
Relates to the emissions avoided through generation of renewable energy on site and exported off-site (sold) to customers. Emissions avoided by renewable energy export can be calculated by multiplying the amount of renewable energy exported with the emission factor for the grid, or using other tools available in the market.
Emissions from combustion of fuels
Greenhouse gas emissions that result from the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline or coal.
Externally checked
Applies to instances when a third party has reviewed the data in a structured and consistent process, but no official certification has been awarded.
Externally verified
Applies to instances where a third party has reviewed the reporting against an existing scheme. When this checkbox is ticked, participants must select the scheme name from the dropdown.
Note that GRESB treats verification and assurance equally in the context of the assessment
Externally assured
Applies to instances where a third party has reviewed the data against an existing scheme. When this checkbox is ticked, participants should select the scheme name from the dropdown.
Note that GRESB treats verification and assurance equally in the context of the assessment
Independent third party
In the context of data review, an independent third party is any entity free from conflicts of interest and undue influence from the organization whose data is being assessed. To be considered independent, the third party must:
Lack corporate affiliations and financial ties
Not be exposed to conflicts of interest (i.e., lacks incentive to bias outcomes)
Be accredited to impartiality standards (e.g., ISO 17029 for verification/assurance or ISO 14065 for GHG verifiers, and ISO 17020)
Uphold internal impartiality policies and/or oversight
Formalize impartiality within the review's contractual engagements
Work completely outside of the organization being assessed (i.e., cannot be contracted to produce the data). However, if the data reviewer does consult the organization on sustainability-related activity, it must:
Firmly separate data review and sustainability consultancy roles
Firmly separate data collection and verification roles
Fugitive emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from intentional or unintentional releases, such as methane during transport of natural gas and HFC emissions from refrigeration equipment.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Refers to the seven gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
GHG offsets
A GHG (or carbon) offset represents a quantity of GHG emissions reductions, measured in units (usually metric tons) of carbon dioxide–equivalent (CO2e), that occur as a result of a discrete project. The emissions reductions from that project can be sold to enable the purchaser/owner to claim those GHG reductions as their own. These reductions can then be used to reduce, or offset, any GHG emissions for which the purchaser is responsible.
Location-based
A method to calculate scope 2 emissions, reflecting the average emissions intensity of grids on which energy consumption occurs (using mostly grid-average emission factor data) (definition based on the GHG Protocol)
To calculate location-based Scope 2 emissions for an infrastructure asset, obtain location-specific grid emission factor for the region in which the asset operates, and multiply the energy consumption by the corresponding average grid emissions factor to determine emissions. If the asset has facilities that span across different geographies, do these steps for each facility, and aggregate these facility-level emissions to obtain the total location-based Scope 2 emissions for the entire infrastructure asset.
Note that for the location-based method, procurement or purchasing of renewable or low-carbon energy from the grid is not accounted for.
This may require that the asset manager collaborate closely with facility managers to ensure accurate communication of energy data and use of consistent in emissions factors used for various reporting purposes. Organizations employing this approach should regularly update emission factors to reflect changes in the grid's carbon intensity, promoting more precise calculations.
Market-based
A method to calculate scope 2 emissions, reflecting emissions from electricity that the entity has purposefully chosen (or their lack of choice). It derives emission factors from contractual instruments (definition based on the GHG Protocol).
To calculate market-based Scope 2 emissions for an infrastructure asset, determine the use supplier-specific emission factors corresponding to the appropriate contractual instruments and calculate a weighted average emissions factor. In the calculation of this weighted average emissions factor, non-renewable energy should correspond to an emissions factor provided by the energy provider. If specific energy generation sources are not available, a residual emissions factor should be used for all energy that is not explicitly renewable. This is also the case for assets for which no renewable energy is purchased, whereby the entire amount of energy consumption is to be multiplied by the residual emissions factor for that region. In cases where facilities lack access to residual emissions factors, work closely with suppliers to obtain accurate data or estimate emissions based on broader industry averages. This should follow the Market-based Scope 2 Data Hierarchy Examples. It is noted that if no such residual emissions factors are available, the last remaining option is to use an average grid emissions factor, in much the same way as is done in the location-based method. Multiply this weighted average emissions factor by the energy consumption of the asset to derive the market-based emissions of the asset. For assets that consist of multiple facilities spread across energy markets, sum the facility-level market-based emissions to calculate the total for the entire infrastructure asset.
Net GHG emissions
Net GHG emissions are calculated using this formula: Scope 1 + Scope 2 - On-site offsets - Offsets purchased.
On-site offsets
GHG offsets created from projects undertaken on site that sequester carbon such as tree planting. It does not include renewable energy generation or other GHG emission reduction projects.
Offsets purchased
GHG offsets created externally by third parties that are purchased to reduce the GHG footprint of the entity. These could be a range of types including renewable energy, tree planting, energy efficiency etc. This does not include renewable energy imported and consumed since this directly reduces the GHG emissions of the entity.
Process emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions that arise during chemical and industrial processes as a by-product, such as CO2 release during cement production.
Scope 1 emissions
GHG emissions that arise from operations that are directly owned or controlled by the Entity (definition based on the GHG Protocol). Examples include combustion of fuels in boilers, machinery or vehicles controlled by the Entity, emissions from industrial processes and fugitive emissions from Entity-controlled refrigeration equipment.
Scope 2 emissions
GHG emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity and steam, heating and cooling consumed by the Entity (definition based on the GHG Protocol).
Scope 3 emissions
All indirect GHG emissions not included in scope 1 or 2 that occur in the value chain of the entity, including both upstream and downstream emissions (definition based on the GHG Protocol). Scope 3 emissions are typically divided into categories to facilitate reporting.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
The unit of measurement to express the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of a greenhouse gas, relative to the GWP of 1 unit of carbon dioxide (definition based on the GHG Protocol).
Data Coverage
The part of the asset for which data is available. Data coverage represents an estimated percentage considering all material data related to all facilities and activities within the entity’s reporting boundary for the full reporting year.
Validation: What evidence is required?
Data: GRESB automatically validates data in the performance tables.
Evidence: The evidence of third-party review of reporting-year Scope 1 and location-based Scope 2 GHG emissions performance will be subject to manual validation for relatively large assets (as determined in the GRESB Materiality Assessment (RC7)).
The provided evidence must:
Confirm the existence of the third-party GHG data review. This should clearly indicate that the reviewed data reflects the data reported in this indicator.
Confirm the type of third-party review (checked, verified, or assured), and a formal statement with the verification or assurance standard used (when applicable).
Prove that the data review was performed for the reporting entity.
*Prove that the data assurer/verifier is an independent third party to the reporting entity (when applicable).
*Third-party Independence: Beginning in 2026, GRESB will request additional documentation from a random sample of participants to confirm the third-party independence of their data assurance/verification provider (as defined in the Terminology section above). GRESB may reject an entity's evidence if it cannot confirm third-party independence.
Ongoing Verification: If verification/assurance for the current reporting year is in progress but has not yet been finalized, evidence documents from the previous year are acceptable if it is explicitly stated that the process is still ongoing as of the date of submission.
First-Time Verification: For entities undergoing data assurance or verification for the first time, GRESB accepts a confirmation from the auditor indicating that assurance or verification is in progress and valid for the respective reporting year. The confirmation letter must specify the standard against which the data is being assured or verified. All other validation requirements remain applicable.
Non-Alignment of Reporting Years: If verification/assurance does not align with the chosen reporting year, for example, data assurance is based on a calendar year, but GRESB reporting is based on a fiscal year, two verification statements are required to ensure that 100% of the data reported was verified/assured.
Scoring
Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?
Materiality-Based Scoring
The relevance of the 'Greenhouse gas emissions' issue (determined by the GRESB Materiality Assessment) defines this indicator's maximum score.
For more details, refer to the Asset Scoring Basics page or download the Asset Materiality & Scoring Tool.
Scoring of Metrics
The scoring of this indicator depends on the entity's primary sector and the material relevance of the third-party data review (as determined by indicator RC7). Please refer to the table below for a summary of scoring based on the entity's characteristics.
Sector
Scoring Summary
Renewable Power
Only the Emissions avoided metric in the Total greenhouse gas emissions table is scored. For this metric, the following fields must be completed to earn points as follows:
75% of the indicator score: based on the reporting of a value in Reporting-year performance
12.5% of the indicator score: based on the reporting of a target in the Reporting-year target section.
The scoring is based on whether a target was set, not on whether the target was achieved.
12.5% of the indicator score: based on the reporting of a target in the Future-year target section.
The scoring will be based on whether a target was set, not on whether the entity is on track to achieve the target.
All Other Sectors: Third-Party Review NOT Material (determined by RC7)
Only the Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2 location-based) metric in the Total greenhouse gas emissions table is scored. Note that location-based Scope 2 emissions are mandatory for scoring under Indicator GH1. Participants who fail to report location-based emissions will not score points for this indicator, even if market-based emissions are reported.
For Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2 location-based), the following fields must be completed to earn points as follows: Performance Data & Targets
28.125% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of a value in the Reporting-year performance.
4.6875% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of a target in the Reporting-year target. The scoring will be based on whether a target was set, not on whether the target was achieved.
4.6875% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of a target in the Future-year target. The scoring will be based on whether a target was set, not on whether the entity is on track to achieve the target.
Data Coverage
The value reported for data coverage acts as a multiplier to the points available for this metric.
31.25% of the total indicator score will be based on the reporting of data coverage level for Scope 1
31.25% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of data coverage level for Scope 2 location-based
All Other Sectors: Third-Party Review IS Material (determined by RC7)
Only the Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2 location-based) metric in the Total greenhouse gas emissions table is scored. Note that location-based Scope 2 emissions are mandatory for scoring under Indicator GH1. Participants who fail to report location-based emissions will not score points for this indicator, even if market-based emissions are reported.
For Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2 location-based), the following fields must be completed to earn points as follows: Performance Data & Targets
9.375% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of a value in the Reporting-year performance.
1.5625% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of a target in the Reporting-year target. The scoring will be based on whether a target was set, not on whether the target was achieved.
1.5625% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of a target in the Future-year target. The scoring will be based on whether a target was set, not on whether the entity is on track to achieve the target.
Data Coverage
The value reported for data coverage acts as a multiplier to the points available for this metric.
31.25% of the total indicator score will be based on the reporting of data coverage level for Scope 1
31.25% of the total indicator score: based on the reporting of data coverage level for Scope 2 location-based
Third-party review The validation status of third-party review evidence affects its score. Note that 'Externally checked' carries no scoring weight (i.e., participants only earn points towards third-party review for verification and/or assurance).
12.5% of the total indicator score: based on external assurance/verification of the Scope 1 reporting-year performance.
12.5% of the total indicator score: based on external assurance/verification of the Scope 2 location-based reporting-year performance.
Notes
Participants must input a target year under the "Future-year target" and a numeric value in the underlying scored metric to score for this indicator.
Not all scored cells/metrics are mandatory. If a scored (light green) cell is not outlined in dark green, leaving it blank will still result in a negative scoring impact. This applies to the following metrics:
For participants whose primary sector is “Renewable Power”: Emissions avoided (export of renewable energy): Reporting-year target; Future-year target
For all other sectors: Net GHG emissions (Scope 1 + 2) location-based: Reporting-year target; Future-year target
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I calculate data coverage for performance data?
GRESB does not mandate a specific data coverage calculation methodology. Participants should report data coverage as an estimated percentage of the entity’s material facilities and activities within its reporting boundary (i.e. RC3 – Sector & Geography, and RC4 – Ancillary Activities) for which data was collected for the entire reporting year.
References
CDP Climate Change 2024 - Technical note on science-based targets
Eurostat - Environment Glossary
Science-based Targets Initiative - Tools and resources
IIGCC Net Zero Investment Framework 2.0
WRI - GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance
WRI & WBCSD - Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard
WRI & WBCSD - Technical Guidance for Calculating Scope 3 Emissions
WRI & WBCSD - The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard
US EPA - AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool (AVERT)
QUICK START GUIDE FOR ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Alignment with External Frameworks
CDP Climate Change 2021 - C4 Targets and performance
CDP Climate Change 2021 - C5 Emissions methodology
CDP Climate Change 2021 - C6 Emissions data
CDP Climate Change 2021 - C7 Emissions breakdown
SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) - 4.1.1 EP - Direct Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Scope 1)
SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) - 4.2.4 Climate-related Targets
SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) - 4.2.6 Scope 3 GHG Emissions
GRI Standards 2016 - 305: Emissions
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
Get Support: Solution Providers
GRESB Solution Providers are independent, third-party organizations within the GRESB Partner network that offer specialized products, tools, and services to support sustainability performance outside the GRESB Assessment process.
The organizations below deliver commercially available solutions designed to help drive improvement for this indicator. Engagement is managed directly between the reporting entity and the Solution Provider.
GRESB will continue to update this section as the GRESB Solution Provider network grows. Please check back regularly to find GRESB Solution Providers who can support your sustainability performance.
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