Build a defensible Scope 2 electricity dataset, understand location vs market-based reporting, and make renewable claims safely.
For most real estate organizations, Scope 2 (purchased electricity) represents the largest and most controllable emission source. It is also the foundation for renewable energy claims, investor disclosures, and regulatory compliance. Getting Scope 2 right is not optional—it is the credibility baseline for everything else.
Often 50-80% of operational emissions for real estate.
Renewable procurement only works if baseline data is solid.
CSRD, SEC, and local benchmarking all require Scope 2.
Scope 2 emissions come from the electricity, steam, heating, and cooling you purchase and consume. For real estate, this almost always means electricity from the grid. The emissions happen at the power plant, not at your building—but you are responsible for them because you bought the power.
Simple rule: If you pay an electricity bill, you have Scope 2 emissions. The size depends on how much you use (kWh) and how the grid generates power (emission factor).
Uses average grid emission factors for your region. Shows physical reality of local grid mix.
Reflects contractual instruments (RECs, PPAs, green tariffs). Shows impact of procurement choices.
If you are new to Scope 2 reporting, follow this sequence:
Build a clean electricity dataset with billing period dates, kWh values, and evidence links for every entry. Without this foundation, calculations and claims will not survive scrutiny. Start with the Scope 2 Utility Data Pipeline Starter Kit.
Build a defensible kWh dataset (with billing dates + evidence) that doesn't collapse under scrutiny.
What they mean, when to use them, and how to talk about claims safely.
Make renewable claims safely: what you can say, what you should avoid, and what evidence you need.
Who pays, who controls, who has the data — and how to map it fast.
Calculate location-based and market-based Scope 2 emissions from electricity consumption.
Calculate your renewable energy coverage percentage and identify gaps.
Turn a utility bill into simple metrics: $/kWh, demand share, and cost drivers.
Once you have Scope 2 under control, consider these next steps:
Inventory direct emissions from combustion and refrigerants.
Understand supply chain emissions and where to start.
Full guided workflow from messy bills to defensible claims.
Scope 3 Categories 8 and 13 for tenant and landlord emissions.
v1.0 (2026-01): Latest release