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GRI 305: Emissions 2016 · Topic Standard · Cross-sectoral
Disclosure GRI 305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) 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
Disclosure focus

This disclosure asks an organisation to report the greenhouse gas emissions linked to the electricity, heat, steam or cooling it buys and uses, rather than emissions it creates directly on site. In practice, it is about showing the climate impact of purchased energy in a way that is clear, consistent and based on the organisation’s reporting boundary.

The practical focus is usually on coverage across the organisation’s operations, not just a few flagship locations. Readers will want to understand whether the figure includes all relevant sites and activities, how the organisation has treated different energy sources, and whether the reporting approach is consistent from one period to the next.

* 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
DatapointWhat to captureEvidence hintOwner
Location-based Scope 2 totalThe total greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy reported using the location-based method, in tonnes of CO2e, for the reporting period.Energy and carbon inventory, utility data, emissions calculation workbook, and the final disclosure pack.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Market-based Scope 2 applicabilityWhether the organisation can report a market-based energy indirect emissions figure for the period, based on the data available.Carbon accounting policy, supplier contract evidence, renewable electricity instruments register, and the reporting checklist.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Market-based Scope 2 totalThe total greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy reported using the market-based method, in tonnes of CO2e, for the reporting period.Energy and carbon inventory, supplier-specific electricity evidence, emissions calculation workbook, and the final disclosure pack.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Gases includedWhich greenhouse gases were included in the calculation, if that information is available.Calculation methodology note, emissions inventory workbook, and any factor or tool documentation showing the gas set used.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Base year start dateThe first date of the base year period used for comparison and recalculation purposes.Emissions baseline policy, baseline approval paper, and the original base year calculation file.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Base year end dateThe last date of the base year period used for comparison and recalculation purposes.Emissions baseline policy, baseline approval paper, and the original base year calculation file.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Base year reasonA short explanation of why that base year was selected as the reference point.Baseline methodology note, board or management approval, and any transition or acquisition papers supporting the choice.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Base year emissionsThe emissions total for the chosen base year, in tonnes of CO2e, on the same basis used for the current reporting.Archived baseline calculation, prior-year disclosure, and the controlled version of the baseline workbook.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Recalculation contextThe explanation of any major emissions change that led to the base year being recalculated.Recalculation memo, acquisition or disposal papers, methodology change log, and the revised baseline workbook.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Emission factor sourceWhere the emission factors used in the calculation came from.Factor library, calculation workbook references, supplier or government source files, and version control records.Sustainability / ESG reporting
GWP sourceThe warming potential values used in the calculation, or the source document they were taken from.Calculation methodology note, factor library, and the source reference for the warming potential values.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Emissions consolidation basisThe basis used to combine emissions across the group, showing which entities or operations are included in the total.Group reporting boundary paper, consolidation policy, legal entity list, and the emissions consolidation workbook.Finance / Group reporting
Calculation method detailsThe standards, methods, assumptions, and any calculation tools used to produce the emissions figure.Methodology document, assumptions log, tool output, and version-controlled calculation files.Sustainability / ESG reporting
Show GRI 305-2 sub-elements (LRA working checklist)
  • State whether market-based Scope 2 emissions are relevant for the reporting period.
  • Set out the boundary method used to combine emissions data across the organisation.
  • Report the emissions figure used for the chosen base year.
  • Give the opening date for the base-year period.
  • Provide the location-based Scope 2 emissions total.
  • Provide the market-based Scope 2 emissions total.
  • Where relevant data exists, identify which gases were included in the calculation.
  • Name the source used for the emission factors.
  • Describe the methods, assumptions, standards and calculation tools applied.
  • Give the closing date for the base-year period.
  • Explain what changed materially and why that led to a base-year restatement.
  • State the warming potential values used, or point to the source they came from.
  • Explain why that base year was selected.

LRA working checklist - paraphrased; see official source

How to prepare
  1. Set the reporting boundary first: decide which operations and energy purchases sit inside the calculation, and make the consolidation method explicit so the figures are built on one consistent basis.
  2. Define what you will count in the two Scope 2 views. Prepare the location-based total, then check whether a market-based total applies and, if it does, calculate and record that figure separately.
  3. Gather the supporting records for the calculation inputs. Keep the emission-factor source, the global warming potential values used or where they came from, and the standards, methods, assumptions, and tools behind the numbers.
  4. Compile the output in the required formats. Report the emissions total for the base year, include the base-year start and end dates, and state the gases used in the calculation where that information is available.
  5. Explain the base-year choice and any later restatements. Note why that year was selected, and describe the circumstances behind any major emissions change that led you to recalculate the base-year figure.
  6. Check the draft against the source records before sign-off. Confirm the numbers, dates, and narrative all align with the underlying evidence and that nothing material has been omitted or mis-stated.
Want to do this on a real report? Practise GRI social disclosures live with Dr. Kurinko — GRI Standards Certified Training. Explore →
Request the site electricity and emissions data from Operations

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

What are our purchased-energy emissions for the reporting period, and what method details do we need to explain how they were calculated and whether any prior-year figures need updating?

Use your organisation’s own terms first, then map them to the reporting disclosure. For example, ask for site power, utility, and emissions calculation data in the language your teams already use, rather than using framework labels in the first ask.

Weak request

Please provide the Scope 2 GHG emissions disclosure data, including location-based and market-based emissions, base year information, emission factors, GWPs, consolidation approach, and methodologies.

Why it fails: It uses framework language first, which may not match how the operational team stores or talks about the data. It also does not tell the owner what systems, sites, period, or supporting evidence to pull, so the response is likely to be incomplete or hard to use.
Better request

Please send the electricity and emissions figures your team already tracks for [reporting period] for [sites/business unit], plus the supporting export or workbook. Include the total emissions figure in tCO2e, any supplier-based figure if available, the gases included, base-year dates and rationale, any recalculation explanation, the factor source, the GWP source or reference, the boundary used, and the calculation notes/tools. Return it in your usual format and we will map it into the reporting pack.

Formal email template
Subject: Request for site electricity and emissions data for [reporting period]

Hi [name/team],

We are preparing the sustainability reporting pack and need your help with the electricity and emissions data for [reporting period]. Please send the figures and supporting notes for the sites in your area, using the way your team normally tracks this information.

Please include:
- the total emissions figure for the period from purchased electricity and any other energy we track in this area, in tCO2e
- whether a supplier-based or other contract-based figure is available as well as the location-based figure
- the gases included in the calculation, if your tool records this
- the base-year start and end dates, the base-year emissions figure, and the reason that year was selected
- any changes that mean the base-year figure was updated, with a short explanation of what changed
- the source used for emission factors
- the global warming values or the source reference used in the calculation
- the boundary or consolidation approach used
- the standards, assumptions, and calculation tools used
- the source file or report extract that supports the numbers

If it is easier, you can return this in your own format and we will map it into the reporting pack. Please check the official source before sign-off.

Thanks,
[preparer name]
Short Teams / Slack version
Hi [name] — could you send the electricity/emissions figures for [reporting period] for [sites/business unit]? Please include the total in tCO2e, any supplier-based figure if you have one, the base-year details, factor source, method notes, and the supporting export/file. Happy to take it in your usual format and map it across. Please check the official source before sign-off.
Industry examples
Retail

Context. A chain with stores, depots, and head office space tracked through utility bills and a carbon workbook.

Adapted request. Please send the electricity and emissions data for [reporting period] across stores, depots, and head office. Include the total tCO2e for grid electricity, any supplier-backed figure if tracked, the base-year details, factor source, GWP reference, boundary used, and the workbook or export behind the numbers.

Example response. Attached workbook with site list, meter totals, location-based emissions, supplier-backed emissions where available, base-year dates, rationale, recalculation note for two new stores, factor source, and calculation assumptions.

Manufacturing

Context. A plant-based business with site energy data from meters and an internal sustainability spreadsheet.

Adapted request. Please provide the plant electricity figures for [reporting period], plus the emissions calculation file. Include the total tCO2e, any contract-based figure if used, the gases included, base-year dates and reason for that year, any update to the base-year figure, the factor source, the GWP source, the boundary approach, and the calculation method notes.

Example response. CSV export from the energy system, spreadsheet calculation file, note confirming the plant boundary, base-year set at first full operating year, explanation for recalculation after meter correction, and references for factors and GWPs.

The full request pack — response form, data table, evidence metadata and sign-off — is in the Download Centre.

Draft your disclosure

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

Method note

Set out the gases counted, the organisational boundary approach used, the emissions factors and warming values applied, the calculation method or tool relied on, and the dates and reason for the chosen comparison year.

Context note

Explain what the reported electricity-related emissions figures represent, including whether both accounting bases are relevant and how the chosen reference year and current period help readers interpret the result.

Fluctuation statement

If the comparison year was revised, briefly explain the operational or methodological change that caused the restatement and how that affects the reported trend.

Content index entry

GRI 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions — [location / page] / [notes]

Assurance readiness
For each claim, check the evidence
ClaimRiskEvidence to check
I prepared the coverage figure using the same organisational boundary and reporting period as the rest of the report, so the number is comparable with our other reported data.The assurer may find the figure was built on a different boundary, period, or entity set from the rest of the report, which would make the number inconsistent or misleading.Boundary memo; reporting-period calendar; consolidation notes; source data extracts showing which entities and sites were included; reconciliation to the wider report.
I checked whether a market-based view was relevant for this year’s reporting, and where it was used I kept the basis for that decision on file.The assurer may question whether the market-based figure was appropriate to include, or whether the decision to treat it as applicable was supported and applied consistently.Methodology note on applicability; internal decision paper; contracts or supplier evidence used to support the approach; working papers showing how the figure was derived or why it was not reported.
I retained the working papers behind the market-based number, including the activity data, conversion inputs, and any adjustments made before finalising the figure.The assurer may suspect the number was assembled from incomplete inputs, unsupported adjustments, or weak source data.Calculation workbook; activity data extracts; invoices or meter records; adjustment logs; version history; reviewer sign-off on the final calculation.
Where the calculation needed a list of gases, I documented which ones were included and kept the supporting calculation basis with the file.The assurer may challenge whether the gas set was complete, whether exclusions were justified, or whether the calculation basis was traceable.Calculation model; gas list used in the workbook; source methodology note; technical references held by the preparer; review comments confirming the list was checked.
I recorded the opening and closing dates for the comparison year and kept the source records that show those dates were applied consistently.The assurer may find the comparison year was defined incorrectly, or that the dates used in the disclosure do not match the underlying records.Base-year schedule; prior-year report or archive; source data period labels; internal sign-off showing the dates used in the calculation.
I kept a short note explaining why that comparison year was selected, so the choice can be traced back to the reporting file.The assurer may see the selected comparison year as arbitrary or unsupported, especially if the organisation has changed structure or operations.Rationale memo; board or management paper; prior reporting policy; evidence of the year’s relevance to the organisation’s reporting history.
Evidence pack to prepare
  • The governing policy or written commitment behind this disclosure
  • A methodology / definition note setting out how the disclosure was scoped and prepared
  • Source-system exports the figures or facts were drawn from
  • The internal approval / sign-off record for the disclosure before publication
  • Minutes or records evidencing the relevant engagement or consultation
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.
Examples
Illustrative examples

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

Manufacturing · synthetic · written by LRA

Synthetic illustration only. We have used a 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 base period, chosen because it was the first year with complete energy and emissions data after we expanded our reporting boundary. Our base-year emissions were 48,000 tCO2e; after a 2023 acquisition and a correction to electricity data, we recalculated that figure to 51,200 tCO2e, and the change was driven by the new sites and improved meter coverage.
- For the current year, our location-based Scope 2 total was 22,400 tCO2e, and market-based reporting also applies for us; the market-based figure was 19,600 tCO2e.
- We included carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the calculation, used emission factors from the UK Government conversion factors and supplier-specific electricity data where available, applied 100-year warming values from the IPCC assessment report, and calculated emissions on a financial-control basis using spreadsheet models with activity data from utility bills and meter reads.

This example shows how a reporter can explain the base year, any recalculation trigger, the gases counted, the factor sources, the warming-value source, the consolidation basis, and the methods/tools used, while also stating both Scope 2 totals and whether market-based reporting is relevant.
Retail · synthetic · written by LRA

Synthetic illustration only. We set 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 as our base period because it aligned with the first year in which our store portfolio and leased offices were measured on a consistent basis. That base-year total was 12,300 tCO2e; following a 2024 restatement linked to lease boundary updates and corrected landlord electricity data, we revised it to 13,050 tCO2e.
- Our current location-based Scope 2 emissions are 5,800 tCO2e, and market-based reporting is relevant for us; the market-based result is 4,900 tCO2e.
- The calculation covered carbon dioxide and methane, drew on national grid factors plus contractual electricity information, used 100-year warming values from the latest IPCC report, applied an operational-control consolidation approach, and relied on an emissions workbook built from invoices, landlord statements, and site energy records.

This example demonstrates a second plausible reporter with a different base period, a different recalculation reason, and a different consolidation approach, while still covering the same required data points in narrative form.
Draft output & visualisation ideas

How to turn the collected data into a draft disclosure. Suggested visuals and a GRI content-index line generated from this disclosure's datapoints.

Suggested visuals

  • Scope 2 emissions by accounting basis — bar: A side-by-side comparison of the two electricity-related emissions figures, where both are available, so readers can see the location-based and supplier/contract-based results next to each other.
  • Which gases are included in the calculation — table: The greenhouse gases counted in the emissions calculation, with a simple list or matrix showing the gases used in the reported figure.
  • Base year and reported year emissions — line: The starting reference period and the current reporting period, with the emissions value for each so readers can see the change over time.
  • Why the reference year was chosen — table: The reason the chosen starting year was used as the comparison point, presented as a short explanatory note rather than a numeric trend.
  • Factors behind any base-year restatement — stacked bar: The main drivers that led to revising the earlier comparison figure, split into categories so the contribution of each change can be seen.
  • Calculation approach and inputs used — table: The source of emissions factors, the warming values applied, the organisational boundary method, and the standards, assumptions, and tools used to produce the result.
From a number to a disclosure

What separates a figure from a disclosure.

Basic

We reported 1,250 tCO2e of electricity-related emissions.

Better

We reported 1,250 tCO2e on a location-based basis, and our market-based figure was 980 tCO2e.

Best

We reported 1,250 tCO2e using the grid-average method and 980 tCO2e using supplier-specific data for the year ended 31 December 2025; our base year ran from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020, and we restated it from 900 tCO2e to 940 tCO2e after a site acquisition changed our footprint.

From company reports
Real published reports Compare side by side →Get it free

Real reports where this topic is disclosed. The confidence label shows how closely each match maps to GRI 305-2 — these are report practice, not exact disclosure examples.

CompanySector · CountryYearMatchPageReportAssurance
Indra Sistemas, S.A. Software and Services · Spain 2025 Exact p. 72 →p. 73 →p. 74 → Sustainability Report 2025 →
Evidence in Indra Sistemas, S.A.’s report

What the report shows

Indra Sistemas, S.A.'s Sustainability Report 2025 provides reported values for gross Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in tCO2e, including both location-based and market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as detailed on page 74. Additional references to gross Scope 1 and location-based Scope 2 emissions, as well as total gross indirect Scope 3 emissions, appear on pages 247 and 248. However, the report lacks quotable narrative explanations or methodological details for these emissions data, with several narrative and methodological items not found or unclear throughout the document.

Evidence-based summary of this company’s own report — not a disclosure template to copy, and not a compliance verdict.

Datapoint coverage

DatapointStatusPage
Location-based Scope 2 totalA reported value was found on this page (tCO2e). covered p. 74
Market-based Scope 2 applicabilityNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Market-based Scope 2 totalA reported value was found on this page (tCO2e). covered p. 74
Gases includedNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Base year start dateNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year end dateNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year reasonNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year emissionsNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Recalculation contextNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Emission factor sourceNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
GWP sourceNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Emissions consolidation basisNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Calculation method detailsNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear

Source trail

  • p. 74Gross Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (tCO2e) Total location-based GHG emissions
  • p. 248gross Scope 1, Scope 2 (location-based) GHG emissions and total
  • p. 248emissions and total gross indirect GHG emissions (Scope 3). Total market
  • p. 247Scope 1 GHG emissions (tCO2e) Gross scope 1 GHG emissions
  • p. 247GHG emissions (tCO2e) Gross location-based Scope 2 GHG emissions 19,075 6,665 12,537 88% - - - -34.3% Gross
  • p. 247GHG emissions Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions Retrospective Milestones
  • p. 72based Scope 2 emissions (International Energy Agency (IEA) emission factors based
  • p. 248Scope 1 GHG emissions (tCO2e) Gross Scope 1 GHG emissions
  • p. 248GHG emissions (tCO2e) Gross location-based Scope 2 GHG emissions 8,211 7,211 6,583 6,665 12,537 88% Gross
  • p. 74Gross market-based Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (tCO2e
  • p. 251GHG emissions Indra Group calculates its GHG emissions based on the GHG
REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais, SGPS, S.A. Water Utilities · Portugal 2025 Partial p. 176 →p. 635 →p. 656 → REN Integrated Report 2025 → bsi
Evidence in REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais, SGPS, S.A.’s report

What the report shows

REN's Integrated Report 2025 provides specific data on Scope 2 location-based greenhouse gas emissions, with figures detailed on page 181, including a noted 11% increase in these emissions attributed to exceptional circumstances (p.181, p.180). The report includes a narrative on climate change and carbon footprint reduction linked to Scope 2 emissions (p.656), but lacks clear or quotable information on other emissions categories or related narrative items elsewhere in the document. Several expected narrative disclosures and emissions values, particularly for other scopes or methodological explanations, are not found or remain unclear in the report.

Evidence-based summary of this company’s own report — not a disclosure template to copy, and not a compliance verdict.

Datapoint coverage

DatapointStatusPage
Location-based Scope 2 totalA reported value was found on this page. covered p. 181
Market-based Scope 2 applicabilityNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Market-based Scope 2 totalNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Gases includedA reported value was found on this page. covered p. 3
Base year start dateNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year end dateNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year reasonNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year emissionsNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Recalculation contextNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Emission factor sourceNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
GWP sourceNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Emissions consolidation basisNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Calculation method detailsNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear

Source trail

  • p. 181SCOPE 2 GHG EMISSIONS Scope 2 location-based GHG emissions
  • p. 181GHG EMISSIONS Total location-based GHG emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) (CO2eq
  • p. 181GHG EMISSIONS Scope 2 location-based GHG emissions (CO2eq) - - 83,686 63,503 98,574 32% - - Scope
  • p. 680ANNEXES CONTACTS GLOSSARY ENERGY WITH COMMITMENT ANNEXES III I II 680 Glossary
  • p. 180energy efficiency measures. Scope 2 emissions increased by 11% (+7.674 tCO₂eq), mainly due to the exceptional
  • p. 656emissions 4.2.1 Climate change – Carbon footprint reduction - - - 11.1.5 305-2 Indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions
  • p. 182emissions The system used to calculate emissions that best suits representativeness is a mixed model. 33  The value
  • p. 185Scope 3 GHG emissions The 2% reduction (1,141 tCO₂eq) in scope
  • p. 629GLOSSARY CONTACTS ANNEXES ENERGY WITH COMMITMENT ANNEXES III I II 629 Annexes
  • p. 3I II III 03 INTEGRATED REPORT 2025 I INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT REPORT II CONSOLIDATED AND INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS III CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT ANNEXES 01. OUR ACTIVITY 15 02. STRATEGY AND RISK MANAGEMENT 85 03. GOVERNANCE 115 04. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 124 05. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND PROPOSED…
SCB X Public Company Limited Banks / Diverse Financials / Insurance · Thailand 2024 Partial p. 113 →p. 127 →p. 130 → 2024 Sustainability Report → EY
Evidence in SCB X Public Company Limited’s report

What the report shows

SCB X Public Company Limited’s 2024 Sustainability Report provides specific reported values for gross location-based and market-based energy indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions on page 113. The report also includes targets for GHG reduction, such as a 50% reduction by 2027 and achieving net zero by 2030, mentioned on pages 10, 77, and 78. However, there is no clear narrative or methodological explanation for these emissions figures, and several expected narrative items and emissions data points are not found or remain unclear in the report.

Evidence-based summary of this company’s own report — not a disclosure template to copy, and not a compliance verdict.

Datapoint coverage

DatapointStatusPage
Location-based Scope 2 totalA reported value was found on this page. covered p. 113
Market-based Scope 2 applicabilityNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Market-based Scope 2 totalA reported value was found on this page. covered p. 113
Gases includedNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Base year start dateNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year end dateNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year reasonNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Base year emissionsNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Recalculation contextNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Emission factor sourceNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
GWP sourceNo quotable evidence was found in this report. not found
Emissions consolidation basisNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear
Calculation method detailsNo quotable evidence was found (methodology/narrative). unclear

Source trail

  • p. 113Gross location-based energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions
  • p. 78GHG Reduction 50% by 2027 GHG Net Zero by 2030 NET ZERO 2022 2024 2023 2026 2028 2027 2029 2030 2025 63,147 31,576 3,158 GHG
  • p. 130Scope 1) GHG emissions o GRI 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope
  • p. 77GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. • Achieve Net Zero Financed Emissions by 2050. SCBX
  • p. 55GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency across 63 SMEs in various industries. SCBX SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
  • p. 10Emissions Scope 1-2 15% Reduction in Non-Hazardous Waste 20% Reduction in Plastic Bottle Waste Through
  • p. 128Energy 2016 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization 86, 112 302-4 Reduction of energy
  • p. 113Gross market-based energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions
  • p. 109GHG Emissions (Scope II) Indirect GHG emissions (GHG Scope
  • p. 80GHG Reduction Target (%) GHG Emissions EV Fleet Energy Efficiency Improvement Renewable Energy
Check your understanding
A group finance team has one UK office on a supplier-backed electricity contract and two leased sites on standard grid power. The sustainability lead has calculated 1,240 tCO2e using the location-based method, but the market-based figure is still being checked because one contract certificate is missing.What should the preparer do about the market-based figure and the related narrative if the contract-backed calculation is not yet supportable?
Model answer. They should not present a market-based number as if it is settled. First confirm whether that method can be used for the reporting period; if it can, report the figure only once the evidence is complete and explain the basis used. If it cannot be supported, the report should make that clear rather than implying a value that is not evidenced. The location-based total, 1,240 tCO2e, can still be reported with its supporting method.
Why this matters. Do not publish a market-based result unless the underlying evidence and method are ready to stand behind it.
A preparer is updating the prior-year comparison after a site acquisition doubled electricity use mid-year. The base period was 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, and the original base-year total was 860 tCO2e; after the acquisition, the recalculated base-year figure is 1,030 tCO2e.How should the preparer explain the base-year information and the reason for the change?
Model answer. They should give the base-period dates, state why that year was chosen, and show the original base-year emissions alongside the recalculated amount if the change was significant. The explanation should link the revision to the acquisition and make clear that the earlier figure was updated because the organisational boundary or activity profile changed. In this case, the narrative should explain why 2023 was selected and why the base-year total moved from 860 tCO2e to 1,030 tCO2e.
Why this matters. When a major change alters the comparison year, explain both the original base figure and why it had to be updated.
A reporting team has used a UK government grid factor for purchased electricity and a separate supplier-specific factor for one renewable tariff. Their draft note says only that 'standard conversion factors were applied', and it does not mention the warming values used for methane and nitrous oxide.What level of method detail should be added before sign-off?
Model answer. The note should identify where the emission factors came from and describe the calculation approach clearly enough for a reader to understand how the total was built. It should also state the warming values used, or point to the source for those values, rather than leaving that part out. A vague statement such as 'standard conversion factors were applied' is not enough on its own.
Why this matters. Readers need enough method detail to trace the calculation, including the factor source and the warming values used.
A multinational has emissions from subsidiaries that are fully controlled in some countries and proportionally shared in others. The team has calculated 4,500 tCO2e on one basis and 3,900 tCO2e on another, but the draft report does not say which consolidation approach was used or which calculation tools supported the result.What should the preparer disclose so the Scope 2 figure can be understood properly?
Model answer. They should state the consolidation approach used for the emissions total and describe the standards, assumptions, and tools that shaped the calculation. If the organisation used a control-based approach, equity share, or another internal rule, that should be made clear in plain language. The report should also explain the calculation tools or spreadsheets relied on so the 4,500 tCO2e or 3,900 tCO2e figure can be interpreted in context.
Why this matters. The same emissions data can mean different things depending on the consolidation basis, so that basis must be made explicit.
Analyse this disclosure across real reports

See how companies actually report GRI 305-2 — drawn from their own published reports, with the exact pages, and an LRA AI-assistant that works through it with you. Available to LRA Community members and to students throughout their platform access.

Related framework references

How this disclosure maps across the major reporting frameworks.

GRIPrimary
GRI 305-2
within GRI 305: Emissions 2016
Open official source →
ESRSRelated
ESRS E1
Climate Change — closest topical match (post-Omnibus ESRS catalogue).
IFRSNo equivalent
No direct IFRS S1/S2 topical equivalent.
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Questions this page answers
What do I need to gather before drafting GRI 305-2 emissions data for this page?

Start with the datapoints listed on the page: location-based Scope 2 total, whether market-based Scope 2 applies, market-based Scope 2 total if relevant, gases included, base year dates and reason, base year emissions, recalculation context, emission factor source, GWP source, consolidation basis, and calculation method details. The page also gives a step-by-step preparation section to help you organise the work. ↑ section

How do I use the step-by-step 'how to prepare' section for GRI 305-2?

Use it as a practical checklist to move from raw emissions information to a draft disclosure. It is designed to help you prepare the data, set the scope and methodology, and get the disclosure into a report-ready shape. ↑ section

Which data owner should provide the Scope 2 emissions inputs for GRI 305-2?

The page is set up for practitioner use, so the right owner is whoever holds the emissions data, methodology details, and supporting evidence in your organisation. It is useful for sustainability/ESG managers, HR or data owners, and assurance reviewers to coordinate on the same workbook and evidence pack. ↑ section

What evidence should I keep to make a GRI 305-2 emissions disclosure assurance-ready?

The page includes an evidence pack with five items to support assurance readiness, plus six assurance claims to verify. Use those together so you can show the source data, methodology, and supporting records behind the numbers. ↑ section

What are the six assurance claims I should check for GRI 305-2 emissions?

The page says there are six assurance claims to verify, each with a claim, risk, and evidence prompt. Use them as a review checklist to test whether the disclosure is complete, consistent, and backed by evidence before it goes into the report. ↑ section

What are the common mistakes or reporting gaps to avoid in a GRI 305-2 emissions disclosure?

The page lists common reporting gaps and mistakes so you can spot issues before drafting. Use that section to check for missing datapoints, weak methodology notes, or gaps between the figures and the evidence pack. ↑ section

How do I turn the GRI 305-2 emissions data into a draft disclosure?

The page includes a draft-output section with visualisation ideas, narrative starters, and a GRI content-index line. That gives you a practical starting point for turning the prepared data into report text and a simple presentation of the numbers. ↑ section

Is there an example I can copy when drafting GRI 305-2 emissions?

Yes, the page includes synthetic illustrative example disclosures, including a quantitative data table. They are there to show how the disclosure can look in practice, but they are clearly illustrative rather than real company data. ↑ section

How do I use the Prep & Assurance workbook for GRI 305-2 emissions?

The Download Centre includes a Prep & Assurance workbook in .xlsx format and a printable Library Card in .pdf format. Use the workbook to organise the datapoints, methodology, and evidence needed to build a draft and support assurance. ↑ section

What is the printable Library Card for GRI 305-2 emissions used for?

The Download Centre provides a printable Library Card in PDF format alongside the workbook. It is there as a quick reference for the disclosure page content, so you can keep the key preparation points and evidence prompts to hand. ↑ section

Can I reuse my GRI 305-2 emissions data for ESRS E1 climate reporting?

The page notes ESRS E1 (Climate Change) as the closest correspondence, so the data may be reusable across both contexts. It does not say the requirements are identical, so you should still check the other framework’s own needs before relying on the same dataset. ↑ section

More questions this page can help with
  • GRI 305-2 emissions workbook how to fill in location-based Scope 2 total
  • GRI 305-2 market-based Scope 2 applicability when do I include it
  • GRI 305-2 base year emissions and recalculation context what should I document
  • GRI 305-2 emission factor source and GWP source what evidence do I need
  • GRI 305-2 emissions consolidation basis explained for reporting teams
  • GRI 305-2 calculation method details what should be included in the draft
  • GRI 305-2 assurance evidence pack what documents should I keep
  • GRI 305-2 common mistakes in emissions reporting to check before submission
  • GRI 305-2 example disclosure synthetic data table how to use it
  • GRI 305-2 content index line how to draft it
  • GRI 305-2 download centre workbook pdf what is included
  • GRI 305-2 emissions data owner checklist for sustainability reporting
Dr Ross Kurinko
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Sources, status and disclaimer

This LRA assistance tool is designed for educational and internal data-collection purposes. It is not an official interpretation of the GRI Standards, IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards or EU CSRD/ESRS requirements. When applying these frameworks in professional practice, users should consult and double-check the official standards, guidance and applicable regulatory sources.