ESG reporting for commercial real estate has moved from "nice to have" to "table stakes." Here's how to do it well.
The Framework Landscape
The main frameworks relevant to Canadian CRE: - GRESB — the de facto standard for real estate ESG benchmarking - GHG Protocol — the foundation for emissions calculations - TCFD/ISSB — climate risk and financial disclosure - ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager — EPA's benchmarking tool
Scope 1 and 2: Getting It Right
Scope 1 (Direct): On-site combustion. Track natural gas, diesel (generators), and refrigerant leaks. Use emission factors from Environment and Climate Change Canada's National Inventory Report.
Scope 2 (Indirect): Purchased electricity and steam. Use location-based factors from your provincial grid, and consider market-based factors if you purchase RECs or green power.
Data Quality Matters
The biggest challenge isn't methodology — it's data: - Ensure 100% meter coverage (no estimated readings) - Reconcile with utility invoices - Account for tenant-metered areas - Document all assumptions
Key Takeaway
Start with good data, use established frameworks, and be transparent about methodology. EdiMono handles the calculations — you focus on the narrative.