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GRI 102: Climate Change · 2025
Disclosure GRI 102-5

Scope 1 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 GRI source.

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

This disclosure asks an organisation to report its direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources it controls or operates. In practice, that means identifying the emissions that arise from activities within the organisation’s own operational boundary, rather than emissions from suppliers, customers, or other parts of the value chain.

The practical focus is on completeness and consistency across the organisation’s operations. Report the emissions coverage in a way that makes clear whether the figure includes all relevant sites, facilities, and activities, or only selected locations, and explain any exclusions so readers can understand the scope of the reported number.

This LRA educational guidance supports disclosure preparation. For the exact requirements, always refer to the official GRI 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
Scope 1 total The total direct greenhouse gas emissions for the reporting period, expressed in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Emissions inventory, calculation workbook, and source activity data tied back to the period. Environment / Sustainability
Gas-by-gas split Separate amounts for each gas in the direct emissions total: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride. Gas-level emissions schedule and calculation file showing each gas line item. Environment / Sustainability
Biogenic non-CO2 emissions Emissions of non-CO2 greenhouse gases from burning or breaking down biomass, reported separately from the main direct emissions total. Biomass combustion or biodegradation records, emissions factors, and calculation worksheet. Environment / Sustainability
Offsets and removals Any greenhouse gas removals, traded units, and avoided emissions that are being reported alongside the direct emissions information. Carbon credit registers, project documentation, and internal treatment notes for removals and avoided emissions. Environment / Sustainability
GWP basis The warming factors used to convert gases into CO2 equivalent, and confirmation that the factors are set on a 100-year basis. Methodology note or calculation tool settings showing the GWP source and time horizon. Environment / Sustainability
Gas-level totals A numeric breakdown of the direct emissions total by gas, with each gas shown as a separate amount in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Detailed emissions workbook with a gas-by-gas summary that rolls up to the reported total. Environment / Sustainability
Biogenic CO2 total Carbon dioxide from biomass combustion or biodegradation, reported as a separate numeric amount in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Biogenic CO2 calculation schedule and supporting source data for biomass activities. Environment / Sustainability
Base year date The year chosen as the starting point for the emissions comparison baseline. Climate baseline policy, target-setting paper, or board-approved emissions baseline note. Environment / Sustainability
Baseline choice reason The explanation for why that starting year was selected as the emissions baseline. Target-setting memo, methodology note, or governance paper explaining the baseline selection. Environment / Sustainability
Base year emissions The emissions figures for the chosen baseline year, reported separately for the relevant categories and in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Archived baseline inventory, prior-year emissions workbook, and any restated baseline schedule. Environment / Sustainability
Baseline restatement note An explanation of why the baseline emissions figures have been recalculated, including the trigger for the change. Change log, restatement memo, and governance approval for the recalculation. Environment / Sustainability
Prior baseline figures The emissions amounts that were reported for the baseline year before any recalculation or restatement. Earlier published report, prior baseline schedule, or archived disclosure pack. Environment / Sustainability
Boundary method The organisational boundary method used for direct emissions, and confirmation that the same method is applied consistently. Boundary methodology document, consolidation policy, and evidence of consistent application across the inventory. Finance / Sustainability
Calculation methods The standards, calculation methods, assumptions and tools used, including where the emissions factors or other source inputs came from. Methodology pack, calculation tool documentation, assumptions log, and source-factor references. Environment / Sustainability
+ Show GRI 102-5 sub-elements (LRA working checklist)

How to prepare it

1Set the reporting boundary first. Decide which operations and activities sit inside the Scope 1 total, and keep that boundary consistent with the way you have applied consolidation for this disclosure.
2Define what you will count in the calculation. Separate direct greenhouse gas releases from the related items that also need to be described: the gases included, any biogenic non-CO2 emissions from biomass combustion or decay, removals, trades, avoided emissions, and the warming factors used on a 100-year basis.
3Gather the source records and calculation support. Pull together meter data, fuel records, emission factors, working papers, and the tools or models used, including where the factor values came from.
4Build the reported figures and supporting narrative. Prepare the total Scope 1 amount in tCO2e, the gas-by-gas split, the biogenic CO2 figure, and the base-year information, including the reason that year was chosen and the related emissions figures.
5Record any changes, exclusions, or recalculations clearly. Explain the context for any base-year restatement and note any previously reported base-year figures so the reader can see what changed and why.
6Check the draft against the source material before sign-off. Confirm the numbers, units, labels, and explanations match the underlying evidence and the official disclosure source, and that the consolidation approach has been applied consistently throughout.
Request the data

Request the site emissions data and calculation pack

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

What is our organisation’s gross direct emissions total for the reporting period, and what supporting calculation details, base-year information, and method notes sit behind it?

Use your organisation’s own operational terms first — for example, your site, fleet, plant, refrigerant, fuel, or utilities language — then map those terms to the reporting disclosure before sign-off. This is a possible LRA training template; adapt it to your organisation and check the official source before sign-off.

Weak request

Please provide the Scope 1 GHG emissions disclosure data and all required evidence for GRI 102:GRI 102-5.

Why it fails: It uses framework language that many operational teams will not use day to day, so the owner may not know which files, systems, or figures are being asked for. It also does not point them to the practical inputs needed to rebuild the number or explain the base-year and method choices.

Better request

Please send the direct emissions total for [reporting period] from [sites / fleet / plant / boundary], plus the gas split, any biomass-related emissions, the base year and any later restatements, the boundary used, and the calculation notes, factor source, and file links.

Formal email template
Subject: Request for direct emissions data and supporting pack for [reporting period]

Hi [name],

Could you please send over the direct emissions figures and the supporting calculation pack for [reporting period] for [business unit / sites / fleet / operations boundary]?

Please include:
- the total direct emissions figure for the period, in tCO2e
- the split by gas type used in the calculation
- any emissions linked to biomass combustion or biodegradation, if applicable
- the base year used for comparison, with the reason it was chosen
- any later restatements of the base year and the reason for those changes
- the boundary or consolidation approach used for the figures
- the calculation method, assumptions, factor set, and tool version/source
- the source files or system extracts behind the numbers

If helpful, please return the information in the attached table and add links to the source files. This is a possible LRA training template; adapt it to your organisation and check the official source before sign-off.

Thanks,
[preparer name]
Short Teams / Slack version
Hi [name] — could you share the direct emissions numbers for [reporting period] plus the backup files? Please include the total in tCO2e, the gas split, any biomass-related emissions, the base year and any restatements, the boundary used, and the method/factor/tool notes. A table plus source links is fine. Thanks — [preparer name]
Industry examples
Manufacturing

Context. A plant team tracks gas use, process equipment, refrigerant top-ups, and backup generators in separate logs.

Adapted request. Hi [name] — please send the plant direct emissions pack for [reporting period]. Include the total in tCO2e, the split across fuel combustion, process equipment, and refrigerant losses, any biomass-related emissions, the base year and any restatements, the boundary used, and the calculator/factor source plus file links.

Example response. Attached: plant emissions workbook, fuel ledger export, refrigerant register, generator log, factor sheet, and a note confirming the base year and the current boundary.

Transport / Logistics

Context. A fleet team holds fuel card data, telematics summaries, and vehicle maintenance records.

Adapted request. Hi [name] — could you share the fleet direct emissions figures for [reporting period] and the supporting files? Please include the total in tCO2e, the split by fuel type or vehicle group, any biomass-related emissions if relevant, the base year and any restatements, the boundary used, and the method, factor set, and source extracts.

Example response. Returned: fuel card export, fleet summary table, emissions calculator, factor source note, base year file, and a short explanation of the fleet boundary and any changes since last year.

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 measurement basis used for the direct-emissions figures, including the gases covered, the warming factors applied, the organisational boundary approach, the reference year chosen, any reason for that choice, any later restatement of the baseline, and the methods, assumptions and calculation tools used.

Context note

Explain what the numbers represent in practice: the organisation’s direct climate impact from the gases included in the inventory, shown in carbon-dioxide-equivalent terms, with any biogenic items and other related adjustments identified separately where relevant.

Fluctuation statement

If the figures move materially, explain whether the change is linked to activity levels, the mix of gases, boundary or calculation updates, or a revised baseline, and note any restated prior-year numbers so readers can compare like with like.

Content index entry
GRI 102-5 Scope 1 GHG emissions — [location / page] / [notes]
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Preparation tools & forms

Professional preparation tools for GRI 102-5 — 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 · GRI 102-5
Learn to prepare this disclosure end-to-end

This guide covers one disclosure. The GRI Standards Certified Training — taken as a bundle with an ESRS course — walks the full workflow: datapoints, evidence, drafting 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 prepared the coverage figure from the emissions records we held for the reporting period, using the organisation boundary and site list we applied consistently across the report.The assurer may test whether the figure leaves out parts of the business, double counts sites, or uses a different boundary from the one used elsewhere.['Boundary memo or reporting policy showing the entity and site coverage used', 'Consolidation workbook or population list for the period', 'Reconciliation between source records and the reported figure', 'Review notes showing any exclusions and the reason for them']
We split the disclosed emissions into the named gas groups from the underlying activity data and conversion factors, rather than estimating the total only.The assurer may probe whether each gas was identified correctly, whether any gas was omitted, and whether the split can be traced back to source data.['Calculation file with gas-by-gas workings', 'Source activity records and supplier data used in the calculation', 'Emission factor library or reference table used', 'Internal review showing the gas split was checked before issue']
We separated the emissions linked to biomass-related combustion or decay from the rest of the inventory before finalising the figure.The assurer may question whether biomass-related emissions were identified consistently and whether they were kept distinct from fossil-based emissions.['Source records showing biomass fuel or feedstock identification', 'Working papers showing the separate treatment of those emissions', 'Method note explaining the classification approach', 'Evidence of review of the split before publication']
We kept removals, traded units, and avoided-emission claims outside the main emissions total and disclosed them on a separate basis.The assurer may check whether these items were excluded from the headline total, whether they were measured on a comparable basis, and whether the labels used are supportable.['Schedule showing removals, trades, and avoided-emission items separately', 'Method note explaining how each item was treated', 'Supporting contracts, certificates, or project records where relevant', 'Review sign-off confirming the items were not netted into the main total']
We used a single set of warming factors on a 100-year basis for the calculation and kept a record of the source we relied on.The assurer may test whether the same factor set was used throughout, whether the source is current and appropriate, and whether any changes were controlled.['Emission factor or GWP reference table used in the calculation', 'Version control or source log for the factor set', 'Calculation workbook showing the factors applied', 'Approval note confirming the factor source before release']
We prepared the gas-by-gas split from the same source records used for the main figure and checked that the parts add back to the total.The assurer may look for arithmetic errors, missing gases, or a split that does not reconcile to the headline number.['Detailed calculation sheet showing each gas line item', 'Reconciliation proving the split sums to the reported total', 'Source data extracts used for each gas', 'Independent check or review evidence']

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
Asking the sustainability team first, instead of the facilities, fleet, or operations lead who holds the fuel and refrigerant records, often leaves the data pull incomplete.
Framework language only
Requesting figures in reporting jargon rather than the organisation’s own site, vehicle, or plant terms can send people looking in the wrong system or folder.
No boundary check
Starting the data request without agreeing which sites, vehicles, and controlled activities sit inside the reporting boundary leads to missing or extra emissions sources.
+ Show 5 more

Where judgement is often needed

Acquisitions and disposals during the year
Decide whether to include bought-in or sold-off operations for the full period or only from the change date, and explain the cut-off used so the year-on-year figure can be understood.
Different country rules for the same activity
Where local reporting rules or emission factors differ across countries, use one documented approach for the group and state how you handled any local differences.
Operations close to the boundary
For sites, vehicles, plant, or other sources that sit near the inclusion line, set out the rule you used to include or exclude them and why that rule fits your operating model.
+ 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 have prepared this synthetic example to show how a manufacturing group could describe its direct climate figures for the year. In our chosen 100-year warming factors, the source set is the latest assessment basis we applied consistently, and our direct emissions total 12,450 tCO2e, made up of 11,900 tCO2e of carbon dioxide, 420 tCO2e of methane, 95 tCO2e of nitrous oxide, 18 tCO2e of HFCs, 7 tCO2e of PFCs, 6 tCO2e of SF6 and 4 tCO2e of NF3; within that total, 160 tCO2e came from non-CO2 gases linked to biomass burning or decay, and 310 tCO2e was biogenic carbon dioxide from biomass combustion or biodegradation. Our base year is 2020 because it was the first year with a stable reporting boundary after a site acquisition, and the base-year figure was 12,100 tCO2e, split into 11,550 tCO2e for carbon dioxide, 390 tCO2e for methane, 92 tCO2e for nitrous oxide, 40 tCO2e for the other fluorinated gases combined, and 28 tCO2e of biogenic carbon dioxide; after a boundary review, we restated the previously published base-year total of 11,980 tCO2e to keep the comparison on the same consolidation basis. We apply an operational control approach across all sites, and we use emission factors, calculation methods, assumptions and software from our internal inventory tool and the national conversion-factor set; for completeness, this example also notes 1,200 tCO2e of removals, 85 tCO2e of traded allowances and 140 tCO2e of avoided emissions, all shown separately from gross Scope 1.

Synthetic illustration only. Shows a practitioner-style narrative that covers the direct-emissions breakdown, biomass-related elements, base-year selection and restatement, consolidation basis, and the calculation sources used.

Illustrative (synthetic) example — Food and beverage processing

This second synthetic example shows how a food and beverage processor might explain its direct climate inventory in plain language. Using the same 100-year warming values throughout the group, our gross direct emissions were 4,860 tCO2e, comprising 4,520 tCO2e of carbon dioxide, 210 tCO2e of methane, 58 tCO2e of nitrous oxide, 34 tCO2e of HFCs, 12 tCO2e of PFCs, 8 tCO2e of SF6 and 18 tCO2e of NF3; of this, 240 tCO2e related to non-CO2 gases from biomass combustion or biodegradation, and 190 tCO2e was biogenic carbon dioxide from biomass use. We set 2021 as the base year because it is the first year after a major plant closure that gives a stable comparison point, and the base-year emissions were 4,730 tCO2e, with 4,390 tCO2e of carbon dioxide, 205 tCO2e of methane, 55 tCO2e of nitrous oxide, 52 tCO2e of the fluorinated gases together, and 28 tCO2e of biogenic carbon dioxide; following a change in how we draw the reporting boundary, the earlier published base-year total of 4,680 tCO2e was recalculated on the same basis. We report under an operational control consolidation method, and our figures come from our internal calculation model, site meter data and the country conversion-factor library; separately, we note 620 tCO2e of removals, 40 tCO2e of trades and 75 tCO2e of avoided emissions.

Synthetic illustration only. Demonstrates a different sector with the same required content, including gas-by-gas direct emissions, biomass-related emissions, base-year rationale and recalculation, consolidation method, and calculation inputs/tools.

Company reportsReal published reports
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How companies report GRI 102-5 in practice

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

Kasikornbank Public Company Limited
Banks / Diverse Financials / Insurance · Thailand · 2025
Open report →
Kasikornbank Public Company Limited’s 2025 Sustainability Report provides reported emissions values, including emissions from operations, carbon insetting, and carbon offsetting for Scope 3 emissions on page 53. The report also includes a base year 2020 emissions value and performance comparisons for 2025 and targets for 2030 on page 80. However, detailed narrative explanations for several disclosure items, including methodology and percentage values, are either partially covered or not found, with some narrative elements remaining unclear or missing throughout the report.
TECO Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
Electrical Equipment and Machinery · Taiwan · 2024
Open report →
TECO Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.'s 2024 sustainability report provides a covered datapoint on Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, noting that the company began assessing these emissions from 2019 based on its motor business (p.54). The report also mentions Scope 1 and 2 emissions assessments conducted at sites in Taiwan, China, and the US (p.53). However, the report lacks detailed narrative explanations, percentage values, and additional emissions data for Scope 3, as well as methodology descriptions, leaving several disclosure elements unclear or not found.
Valterra Platinum
Mining — Rare Minerals / Precious Metals / Gems · South Africa · 2025
Open report →
Valterra Platinum’s Sustainability Report 2025 provides a covered value for greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with specific references on page 63 and reported totals marginally below a target of 4.33 million tonnes CO2e on page 25. The report also states on page 122 that emissions are balanced by removals or credible offsets, resulting in no net contribution to atmospheric emissions. However, several narrative items and detailed emissions values are not found or unclear, including methodology explanations and percentage values, limiting a full understanding of the emissions disclosure.
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Scenarios to work through

A group finance team has finished its year-end greenhouse gas file. Direct fuel use at sites, refrigerant leaks, and a small amount of on-site biomass combustion have all been measured, but the draft note only shows one total figure.

QWhat extra detail should the preparer add before sign-off so the reader can see how the direct-emissions total was built up?
Reveal model answer →

A manufacturer changed its reporting boundary after buying a new subsidiary. The sustainability team wants to keep the old comparison year unchanged because the earlier figure was already published, even though the new boundary makes the old and current totals no longer comparable.

QHow should the preparer decide whether the comparison year needs to be updated, and what should be explained if it is changed?
Reveal model answer →

An energy company has a spreadsheet that converts methane and nitrous oxide into carbon dioxide equivalent using factors from a recent assessment. The file also contains a separate tab with the software name, but not the assumptions or the source of the factors.

QWhat should the preparer include so the calculation method is transparent enough for review?
Reveal model answer →

A logistics business reports direct emissions for the first time. The draft includes a total in tCO2e and a note saying the figure is based on the group’s current reporting boundary, but it does not say whether that boundary has been applied the same way in earlier years or whether the base-year figure was recalculated after an acquisition.

QWhat judgement should the preparer make about consistency and base-year explanation before publishing?
Reveal model answer →
Framework references

Related framework references

How this disclosure maps across the major reporting frameworks.

GRI
GRI 102-5
within GRI 102: Climate Change
Open official source →
Primary
Related & explore
Go deeper · GRI 102-5
Learn to prepare this disclosure end-to-end

This guide covers one disclosure. The GRI Standards Certified Training — taken as a bundle with an ESRS course — walks the full workflow: datapoints, evidence, drafting 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 a GRI 102-5 Climate Change disclosure using this page step by step?+
What data do I need for GRI 102-5 Climate Change on this page?+
How do I decide the scope and methodology for GRI 102-5 Climate Change?+
Who should own the GRI 102-5 Climate Change data and sign-off?+
What evidence pack do I need to make GRI 102-5 Climate Change assurance-ready?+
What are the common mistakes in GRI 102-5 Climate Change reporting on this page?+
How do I use the Prep & Assurance workbook for GRI 102-5 Climate Change?+
What is the printable Library Card PDF for GRI 102-5 Climate Change used for?+
How do I turn the GRI 102-5 Climate Change data into a draft disclosure?+
Does the GRI 102-5 Climate Change page give an ESRS, CSRD or ISSB mapping?+
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