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ESRS E1: Climate Change · 2026-5010-final
Disclosure Requirement E1-8

Gross scope 1, 2, 3 GHG emissions

Practical guidance for preparing this disclosure. Use this card to identify datapoints, verify claims and organise supporting evidence. For exact requirements, always refer to the official EFRAG source.

Dr Ross Kurinko, Sustainability Reporting Trainer
Reviewed by Dr Ross Kurinko · Sustainability Reporting Trainer LRA educational guidance · Not issued or endorsed by EFRAG
To prepare this disclosure
Disclosure focus

This disclosure asks an organisation to report its gross greenhouse gas emissions across the full reporting boundary, split into Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3. In practice, the emphasis is on showing the total emissions picture before any offsets or removals are considered, so readers can understand the organisation’s direct emissions, purchased energy emissions and wider value-chain emissions in a consistent way.

The practical focus is breadth and completeness rather than a few selected sites or activities. An organisation should think about whether its reporting covers all relevant operations and entities in the boundary, and whether the Scope 3 picture captures the material upstream and downstream sources that drive its footprint. The aim is to give a clear, comparable view of the organisation’s overall emissions profile, not just its best-performing or most visible locations.

This LRA educational guidance supports disclosure preparation. For the exact requirements, always refer to the official EFRAG source.

Before you start

A quick mental checklist before you prepare this disclosure — tick each as you settle it.

Preparation

Key datapoints to prepare

Datapoint What to capture Evidence hint Owner
Inventory boundary The organisational and operational limits used to decide which emissions sources sit inside the inventory, including any exclusions or partial coverage. Boundary memo, consolidation policy, entity list, operational control or equity share assessment, and inventory workbook mapping. Sustainability / Environmental reporting
Reporting period The exact start and end dates for the emissions data set being reported, and whether the figures are for a full year or another defined period. Reporting calendar, close timetable, source-system extract dates, and the period stated in the emissions file. Sustainability reporting / Finance control
Direct emissions by source A source-by-source split of direct emissions, showing each emission source type and its corresponding amount. Fuel logs, process records, refrigerant registers, fleet data, and the emissions calculation workbook with source mapping. Environmental reporting / Operations
EU ETS share The portion of direct emissions that falls within the EU emissions trading scheme coverage, expressed as a share of total direct emissions. EU ETS installation list, permit or registry records, allocation schedule, and the calculation showing the covered subset against the total. Environmental compliance / Sustainability reporting
Direct emissions total The total direct greenhouse gas emissions for the reporting period, before any offsets or removals, in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Consolidated emissions workbook, source activity data, emission factors, and review sign-off from the reporting owner. Environmental reporting / Finance control
Electricity contract basis The contractual arrangements used to determine the indirect electricity emissions figure, including the instruments relied on and how they were applied. Power purchase agreements, supplier contracts, certificates, residual mix evidence, and the market-based calculation file. Energy procurement / Sustainability reporting
Grid-based electricity emissions The indirect emissions from purchased electricity calculated using the relevant grid-average approach for the reporting period. Metered electricity consumption, grid emission factor source, calculation workbook, and period-end utility statements. Sustainability reporting / Energy management
Contract-adjusted electricity emissions The indirect emissions from purchased electricity after applying the chosen contractual approach for the reporting period. Metered consumption, contractual instrument schedule, residual mix or supplier factor evidence, and the market-based calculation workbook. Energy procurement / Sustainability reporting
Indirect emissions by category A category-by-category split of indirect emissions, with each included category and its amount shown separately. Scope 3 category workbook, activity data by category, emission factors, and the consolidation file used to build the total. Sustainability reporting / Supply chain reporting
Included indirect categories Which indirect emissions categories are included in the reporting set, and which are not, for the period reported. Scope 3 boundary note, category inclusion matrix, materiality assessment, and reporting checklist. Sustainability reporting / ESG governance
Indirect emissions method The calculation approach used for indirect emissions, including the main data sources, estimation steps, and any assumptions applied. Methodology note, calculation model, emission factor library, supplier data hierarchy, and review approvals. Sustainability reporting / Technical accounting
Indirect emissions total The total indirect greenhouse gas emissions for the reporting period, before any offsets or removals, in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Consolidated Scope 3 workbook, category totals, source activity data, and final review sign-off. Sustainability reporting / Finance control
+ Show E1-8 sub-elements (LRA working checklist)

How to prepare it

1Set the reporting perimeter first. Confirm which entities, operations and activities are included in the greenhouse gas inventory, and make that boundary clear before you start compiling figures.
2Fix the reporting window next. Use one consistent period for the emissions data and keep that period aligned across all parts of the disclosure.
3Gather the source evidence for each emissions stream. For direct emissions, separate the totals by source and keep the support for the overall amount, the share linked to EU ETS where relevant, and the basis used to calculate it. For purchased energy, retain the contractual-instrument information and the support for both the location-based and market-based totals. For value-chain emissions, collect the category-level breakdown, the list of categories you have included, and the method used to estimate them.
4Assemble the reported numbers and narrative in a single working file. Check that each required figure is present, units are shown where needed, and the text explains the approach used for Scope 2 and Scope 3 in a way that matches the evidence on file.
5Record any exclusions, changes or judgement calls. If parts of the inventory were left out, or if the boundary, methods or category coverage changed from the prior period, note what changed and why so the final disclosure can be traced back to the working papers.
6Review the draft against the official source before sign-off. Confirm that the boundary, period, breakdowns, methods and totals all match the underlying evidence and that nothing required by the disclosure has been missed or described inconsistently.
Request the data

Request the emissions data pack from the operational carbon owner

Translate the disclosure into an internal business question — then adapt it to your organisation's own language.

What are our gross greenhouse gas emissions for the reporting period, and what boundary, methods, and source data support the figures for direct emissions, purchased energy emissions, and value-chain emissions?

Use your organisation’s own labels first, then map them to the reporting categories. For example, ask for the carbon file, energy and fuel records, supplier emissions inputs, and the method note in the terms your teams already use. This is a training template only; adapt it to your organisation and check the source disclosure before sign-off.

Weak request

Please provide the Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 data for ESRS E1-8, including the gross emissions, the boundary, the contractual instruments, the location-based and market-based figures, and the category breakdowns.

Why it fails: It uses framework language that many operational owners will not use day to day, so it is harder to action. It also bundles the ask in reporting terms rather than the team’s own data objects, which makes it easier to miss the source files, method note, and mapping needed to verify the figures.

Better request

Please send the latest carbon file for [reporting period] covering the sites/entities in scope, plus the source files behind it. We need the direct emissions split by source, the electricity figures under both the grid-average and contract-based views, the value-chain split by category, the list of categories included, the method note, and any gaps or estimates. Please use your team’s own labels and add a short mapping note to the reporting pack.

Formal email template
Subject: Request for the emissions data pack for [reporting period]\n\nHi [name/team],\n\nPlease could you share the latest emissions data pack for [reporting period] for the operations and activities you cover?\n\nWe need the underlying file(s) and a short note covering:\n- which parts of the business are included\n- the period covered\n- the source system(s) or workbook(s) used\n- the method or calculation basis\n- the direct emissions split by source\n- the electricity emissions figures using both grid-average and contract-based views, where available\n- the value-chain emissions split by category\n- the categories included in the value-chain view\n- the method used to estimate any value-chain items\n- any exclusions, estimates, or data gaps\n- the supporting evidence or links to it\n\nPlease return the data in the attached response form, using your own internal terms where possible and adding a short mapping note so we can align it to the reporting pack. This is a possible LRA training template only; please adapt it to your organisation and check the source disclosure before sign-off.\n\nThanks,\n[preparer name]
Short Teams / Slack version
Hi [name/team] — could you send over the latest emissions data pack for [reporting period]? We need the boundary, period, source files, method note, direct emissions split, electricity figures, value-chain category split, categories included, any estimates/gaps, and links to the supporting evidence. Please use your team’s own labels and add a short mapping note. This is a possible LRA training template only; adapt it to your organisation and check the source disclosure before sign-off.
Industry examples
Manufacturing

Context. The plant team holds fuel, process, electricity, and logistics data in separate trackers.

Adapted request. Please share the plant carbon pack for [reporting period], including the site boundary, fuel and process emissions by source, electricity figures under both the grid-average and contract-based views, freight and other value-chain categories you track, the method note, and links to meter reads, invoices, and supplier files.

Example response. Boundary: 4 plants and 1 warehouse. Direct emissions by source: natural gas, diesel, process gases. Electricity: grid-average and contract-based views provided. Value-chain categories included: inbound freight, outbound freight, purchased materials, business travel. Method note: activity data x factors, with supplier estimates for two materials. Evidence links: utility invoices, fuel cards, freight reports, supplier statements.

Retail

Context. The estates and logistics teams manage stores, depots, electricity, refrigerants, and transport data.

Adapted request. Please send the retail emissions pack for [reporting period], covering stores, depots, and offices in the boundary, with refrigerant and fuel emissions by source, electricity figures under both views, logistics and other value-chain categories, the categories included, the calculation note, and the supporting files.

Example response. Boundary: all trading stores, 3 depots, head office. Direct emissions by source: gas, fleet fuel, refrigerants. Electricity: grid-average and contract-based views provided. Value-chain categories included: purchased goods, upstream transport, waste, business travel, customer delivery. Method note: meter data and invoices used where available; estimates applied to 2 small sites. Evidence links: utility portal exports, fleet cards, waste contractor reports, delivery logs.

Draft your disclosure

Notes that turn data into a disclosure

LRA training templates — adapt them to your organisation, and check the official source before sign-off.

Method note

State the reporting period, explain which parts of the business were counted, and describe the calculation approach used for the value-chain figures, including any contract-based electricity instruments and the categories that were included.

Context note

Explain what the numbers represent by separating direct emissions from electricity-related indirect emissions and wider value-chain emissions, and note whether the direct-emissions total includes any share linked to the EU trading scheme.

Fluctuation statement

If any figure moved materially, point to the operational or methodological driver behind the change, such as a shift in the business boundary, a different mix of sources or categories, or a change in the electricity calculation basis.

Content index entry
E1-8 Gross scope 1, 2, 3 GHG emissions — [location / page] / [notes]
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Preparation tools & forms

Professional preparation tools for E1-8 — free with an LRA Community membership. Register once (it's free) and every download unlocks, together with the Disclosure Library, templates and the LRA AI-assistant.

Free · Community members
Go deeper · E1-8
Learn to prepare this disclosure end-to-end

This guide covers one Disclosure Requirement. The ESRS / CSRD Reporting course walks the full European workflow — double materiality, datapoints, evidence and assurance — with exercises on your own data.

Available as Guided Flex, Live Cohort, 1:1 Expert Mentorship or Corporate Programme.

Assurance readiness

For each claim, check the evidence

ClaimRiskEvidence to check
We set the coverage figure using the group and operational lines we applied in the calculation, and we can show why any entities, sites or activities were left out.Assurer checks whether the boundary was chosen consistently, whether exclusions were justified, and whether the same perimeter was used across the figures.Boundary memo; consolidation map; list of included and excluded entities/sites; rationale for exclusions; sign-off from the reporting owner.
We prepared the emissions figure using the measurement approach described in our reporting notes, and we kept the working papers that show how the method was applied.Assurer probes whether the method was actually used as described, whether the approach is complete, and whether the narrative matches the calculations.Methodology paper; calculation model; source data extracts; internal guidance on the chosen method; reviewer comments and approval trail.
We tied the reporting period to the same dates used in the published figure, and we can evidence how the cut-off was applied to the underlying data.Assurer checks whether the period is correct, whether late or early transactions were handled consistently, and whether the disclosed dates match the source records.Reporting calendar; period-end cut-off instructions; data extraction timestamps; ledger or activity records; reconciliation to the published period.
We used the same year-end window for the disclosed emissions total and for the supporting calculations, and we can show the date range used in each dataset.Assurer probes whether the period is internally consistent across systems and whether any data outside the stated window was included or omitted.Period definition note; system export dates; inventory workbook; exception log for out-of-period items; management review evidence.
We broke down the direct emissions figure by source type, and the split is supported by the underlying activity records and conversion steps.Assurer checks whether the source split is complete, whether categories are sensible, and whether the totals reconcile back to the headline figure.Source-category mapping; activity data; emission factor file; calculation workbook; reconciliation from source lines to total.
Where we provided extra splits, we used the same underlying total and then allocated it by the relevant business lens we chose for the report.Assurer probes whether the extra disaggregation is based on a defensible basis, whether allocations are consistent, and whether the subtotals add up.Disaggregation logic; allocation keys; segment or site reports; subsidiary mapping; subtotal-to-total reconciliation.

Evidence pack to prepare

Common reporting gaps

Figures are stated without the supporting narrative, or narrative without figures.Scope is inconsistent between the text and the numbers.The reporting boundary is left undefined.Material changes since the previous period are not disclosed.Estimates and measured values are not distinguished.Source records for the figures are not identified.
Common gaps

Mistakes to avoid when collecting the data

Wrong owner chased
The request goes to the wrong team, so the person who holds the fuel, electricity, or supplier records never sees the data call.
Framework language used too early
People ask for the figures using reporting-framework terms instead of the business names used in day-to-day operations, and the source team cannot map the request to its own records.
Boundary left vague
No one states which sites, entities, or activities sit inside the collection set, so different teams pull different populations.
+ Show 6 more

Where judgement is often needed

Set the reporting perimeter after a buy-in or sale
Decide whether the year includes the acquired or disposed operations from the date control changes, then explain the cut-off used and any restatement approach so the perimeter is clear.
Handle mixed country methods with one group policy
Where local data systems or emission factors differ by country, pick one group-wide approach for combining them or explain any country-specific treatment and why it was needed.
Draw the line for shared or partly controlled activities
For joint ventures, leased assets, outsourced services or other borderline activities, state the rule used to decide inclusion or exclusion and describe any material items near the edge of the perimeter.
+ Show 6 more
Examples

Illustrative examples

Synthetic, written by LRA — not from a company report, not text from any standard.

Illustrative (synthetic) example — Manufacturing

: we report our greenhouse-gas figures for the 12 months ended 31 December 2025, using a boundary that covers the company and the operations it controls. Our direct emissions are split by source, with a small share linked to EU carbon trading coverage, and our indirect electricity emissions are shown on both a grid-average and a supplier-contract basis; the wider value-chain total is set out by category, with the methods used to estimate each category noted.

Illustrative only; prepared for human review. This example shows how a reporter can describe the reporting boundary, the period covered, the split of direct emissions by source, the share exposed to EU ETS, the two electricity-based indirect measures, and the value-chain categories and methods used.

Illustrative (synthetic) example — Retail

: for the year ended 30 June 2025, we present emissions for the parts of the business we control, together with the indirect electricity figures under two calculation bases. We also list the value-chain categories we included, explain that supplier-specific data were used where available and otherwise spend- or activity-based estimates were applied, and break the totals into the main source groups.

Illustrative only; prepared for human review. This example shows a different sectoral profile, while still covering the reporting period, boundary, source split for direct emissions, EU ETS share, both electricity-based indirect measures, the included value-chain categories, and the estimation approach used for those categories.

Company reportsReal published reports
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How companies report E1-8 in practice

Real reports where this topic is disclosed. These are report practice, not exact disclosure templates to copy.

Snam S.p.A.
Gas Utilities · Italy · 2025
Open report →
Snam S.p.A.'s 2025 Annual Report provides covered data on Scope 1 gross greenhouse gas emissions, with specific values reported on pages 305, 307, 443, and 444. Market-based Scope 2 GHG emissions are also disclosed with a reported value on page 295. However, the report lacks clear or quotable evidence on the GHG inventory boundary, reporting period, Scope 1 breakdown by source, EU ETS share, Scope 2 contractual instruments, and detailed Scope 3 emissions data, with some unclear context on location-based Scope 2 emissions found on page 310.
Italgas S.p.A.
Gas Utilities · Italy · 2025
Open report →
Italgas S.p.A.'s 2025 Integrated Annual Report provides a clear disclosure of gross Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions, with specific data presented on page 140. The report also references Scope 1 emissions covered by regulated emissions trading schemes as zero percent on page 139. However, the report lacks clear disclosures on the GHG inventory boundary, reporting period, Scope 1 breakdown by source, and Scope 2 emissions by contractual instruments or location-based methods. Additionally, the Scope 2 market-based emissions and Scope 3 gross emissions are mentioned but not clearly disclosed, with related context found on pages 128 and 139 respectively.
DSV A/S
Ground Transportation — Trucking · Denmark · 2025
Open report →
DSV A/S’s 2025 Annual Report provides reported values for scope 1 gross GHG emissions on page 61 and scope 2 location-based GHG emissions on page 62. The report also references scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting and includes a full scope 3 GHG emissions inventory on page 52 and emissions data on page 63. However, the report lacks clear disclosures on the GHG inventory boundary, reporting period, scope 1 breakdown by source, scope 2 contractual instruments, scope 2 market-based emissions, and detailed scope 3 breakdowns or estimation methodology.
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Scenarios to work through

A preparer is compiling the year-end climate data pack for a group with several subsidiaries and one joint operation. The draft totals currently mix the whole group, but the reporting note is meant to cover only the entities and activities that sit inside the chosen reporting boundary for the year.

QHow should the team decide what to include before finalising the emissions figures?
Reveal model answer →

A finance manager has the annual electricity and fuel data ready, but the emissions workbook still shows last year’s calendar-year period. The current reporting cycle is a 15-month transition year, so the dates in the note no longer match the underlying activity data.

QWhat should the preparer check before signing off the disclosure?
Reveal model answer →

A manufacturing business has calculated direct fuel use from boilers and company vehicles, plus purchased electricity under both a location view and a contract-based view. The draft note shows only one electricity number and leaves out the contract information because the team thinks the market-based figure is enough on its own.

QWhat is the right way to present the electricity-related emissions information?
Reveal model answer →

A group has mapped its value chain and identified several upstream and downstream emission sources, but only three categories are material. The draft narrative says the remaining categories were ignored, and the spreadsheet gives one combined total without showing which categories were included or how the estimates were built.

QWhat should the preparer do before the note is approved?
Reveal model answer →
Framework references

Related framework references

How this disclosure maps across the major reporting frameworks.

ESRS
E1-8
within ESRS E1: Climate Change
Open official source →
Primary
Related & explore
Go deeper · E1-8
Learn to prepare this disclosure end-to-end

This guide covers one Disclosure Requirement. The ESRS / CSRD Reporting course walks the full European workflow — double materiality, datapoints, evidence and assurance — with exercises on your own data.

Available as Guided Flex, Live Cohort, 1:1 Expert Mentorship or Corporate Programme.

FAQ

Questions this page answers

How do I prepare the E1-8 disclosure using this page step by step?+
What data do I need to collect for E1-8 before I start drafting?+
How should I set the inventory boundary and reporting period for E1-8?+
What should I ask the emissions data owner to provide for the direct emissions section of E1-8?+
How do I handle electricity data for the E1-8 disclosure?+
What indirect emissions information do I need for E1-8?+
What evidence should I keep ready for assurance on E1-8?+
What are the common mistakes or reporting gaps to avoid in E1-8?+
How do I use the E1-8 workbook and printable library card?+
Can I use the synthetic example disclosures on the E1-8 page as a template for my draft?+
How do I turn E1-8 data into a draft narrative and content index line?+
More questions this page can help with
E1-8 ESRS E1 climate change practical checklist for data owners and assurance reviewE1-8 disclosure what evidence pack do I need for assurance readinessE1-8 how to calculate direct emissions by source and total for a draftE1-8 electricity contract basis grid-based emissions contract-adjusted emissions how to prepareE1-8 indirect emissions by category included categories method and total checklistE1-8 common reporting gaps mistakes to check before sign-offE1-8 workbook download how to use the prep and assurance xlsxE1-8 printable library card pdf how to use it in draftingE1-8 synthetic example disclosure how to adapt the table to my own dataE1-8 content index line and narrative starters for a first draftE1-8 inventory boundary and reporting period what should be fixed firstE1-8 EU ETS share where does it fit in the disclosure preparation
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