--- title: Measure, manage, reduce and report on emissions date: 2024-02-14T14:45:00Z modified: 2026-03-25T10:15:41Z permalink: "https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/measure-manage-reduce-and-report-on-emissions/" type: guide status: publish excerpt: Commit to understanding and communicating emissions, and developing a transition plan to reduce them wpid: 2929 climate-or-nature-outcome: - Climate risk - Decarbonisation climate-solution: - Align corporate strategy with climate transition plan - Alignment with Paris Agreement - Measuring managing and reporting on emissions - Setting emissions reduction targets contract-lifecycle-stage: - Business decision and strategy application: - Universal application law-or-regulation: - National reporting and disclosure laws - Paris Agreement legal-concept-activity: - Board governance / decision-making - Corporate strategy practice-area: - Corporate - Mergers and acquisitions sector: - Any standard-or-framework: - GHG Protocol - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - Race to Zero - Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTI) tclp-principle: - Good climate governance use-case: - Articles of Association - Board minutes - Board paper - Commercial contract - Company policies - Governance documents - Investment obligations - Supply contract featured_image: "https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Measure-manage-reduce-and-report-on-emissions.png" --- ## This guide enables organisations to: - commit to measure, manage and report on their [greenhouse gas emissions](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Greenhouse_Gas_Emissions) - set legally binding and enforceable emissions-reduction targets - consider and comply with reporting and disclosure requirements, especially on [scope 3 emissions](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Scope_1,_2_and_3_Emissions) - commit to a plan to transition their business to align with [Paris Agreement goals](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Paris_Agreement_Goals). [ Download this guide as a DOCx file ](#)## Choose the appropriate documents This guide is for any type of organisation. The example wording in this guide is written for a board resolution of a company but it can be just as easily used in corporate constitutional documents and by organisations that are not companies. It can be more difficult to amend constitutional documents, but including climate wording in them may have more impact. It will be harder to remove and will affect corporate governance frameworks and bind directors to act in accordance with the relevant requirements (as directors have a duty to act in accordance with a company’s constitution). ## Commit to measure, manage and report on emissions at board level Ideally, an organisation will measure: - its own [greenhouse gas emissions](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/greenhouse-gas-emissions/) ([scope 1 and 2](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Scope_1,_2_and_3_Emissions)) - emissions from its supply and value chain ([scope 3](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Scope_1,_2_and_3_Emissions)). Agree a reporting standard or a common supplier to calculate the company’s emissions. Domestic law might mandate a reporting standard. Where there is no legal requirement, organisations should seek to use internationally recognised standards (for example, the [Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard](https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard)[)](https://www.ifrs.org/) (as amended or replaced). Measuring, managing and reporting on emissions should be approved by the board or the senior leadership team with ultimate responsibility for overseeing operations. Read our guide [Factor climate considerations into board decisions](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/factor-climate-considerations-into-board-decisions/). #### Example wording 1. \[The Company\] confirms that it measures, manages and reports its Greenhouse Gas Emissions in accordance with \[[The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, Revised Edition 2015](https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard), as amended or replaced periodically\]. 2. The directors of \[the Company\] nominate \[name of director\] to be responsible for ensuring that \[the Company\] measures, manages and reports on its Greenhouse Gas Emissions. ## Set emissions-reduction targets and timeframe Ideally, the emissions-reduction targets will: - define the scope of emissions covered by the target. Best practice is to set targets relating to an organisation’s own emissions ([scope 1 and 2](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Scope_1,_2_and_3_Emissions)) and emissions from its supply and value chain ([scope 3](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Scope_1,_2_and_3_Emissions)) include short- (annual) and medium-term (2 to 5 years) interim targets - be validated by the [Science Based Targets initiative](https://sciencebasedtargets.org/) or other applicable international standard - align with the [Paris Agreement goals ](https://glossary.chancerylaneproject.org/term/Paris_Agreement_Goals)and latest [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change](https://www.ipcc.ch/) findings. To affirm commitment to decarbonisation, organisations could also: - align their emissions-reduction targets with another internationally recognised standard for setting targets - join a campaign such as the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change’s [Race to Zero](https://www.climatechampions.net/campaigns/race-to-zero/) campaign. #### Example wording \[The Company\] confirms that it will: - reduce its scope 1 and 2 \[and 3\] emissions by \[●\] percent by \[short- or medium-term year\] from a \[year\] base year - set public annual emissions-reduction targets \[that are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative\] - join \[[Race to Zero](https://www.climatechampions.net/campaigns/race-to-zero/)\] within \[●\] months of entering into this \[agreement or resolution\]. ## Develop a transition plan See [Deliver a climate transition plan](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/deliver-a-climate-transition-plan/) guide. ## **Publish decarbonisation objectives and report on progress** See [Publish an annual progress report](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/deliver-a-climate-transition-plan/#h-publish-an-annual-progress-report) section of our Deliver a climate transition plan guide. #### **Updates** **December 2025** This guide was updated following a quality assurance review. ## Case studies using the contractual solutions in this guide Case study #### [ Cambridge University Press & Assessment ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/case-studies/cambridge-university-press-assessment/) Requiring alignment of net zero targets through the value chain, supported with emissions reporting and reductions ![Cambridge University](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/photo-1605470207062-b72b5cbe2a87-640x384.jpg) ## Related guides Guide #### [ Factor climate considerations into board decisions ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/factor-climate-considerations-into-board-decisions/) Ensure the board makes decisions that support rather than undermine its transition plan ![](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Factor-climate-considerations-into-board-decisions-640x384.png) Guide #### [ Deliver a climate transition plan ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/deliver-a-climate-transition-plan/) Use contracts to implement your organisation's transition plan ![](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/deliver-a-climate-transition-plan-640x384.png) Guide #### [ Introduce climate provisions to contract parties ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/introduce-climate-provisions-to-contract-parties/) Create the right conditions for using contracts to reduce emissions from the very beginning ![](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Introduce-climate-provisions-to-contract-parties-640x384.png) Guide #### [ Request climate information in due diligence questionnaires ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/guides/request-climate-information-in-due-diligence-questionnaires/) Assess the climate performance of other organisations and how they will impact your transition plan ![](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Request-climate-information-in-due-diligence-questionnaires-640x384.png) ## Clauses using the contractual solutions in this guide Ragnar’s Clause #### [ Green Company Articles ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/clauses/green-company-articles/) Jurisdiction: [England & Wales](https://chancerylaneproject.org/news/jurisdiction/england-wales/) Updated: 29 December 2025 Maintained Sebastian’s Clause #### [ Entire Business Net Zero Objectives ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/clauses/entire-business-net-zero-objectives/) Jurisdiction: [England & Wales](https://chancerylaneproject.org/news/jurisdiction/england-wales/) Updated: 22 April 2022 Not maintained Frank’s Clause #### [ Green Investment Obligations ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/clauses/green-investment-obligations/) Jurisdiction: [England & Wales](https://chancerylaneproject.org/news/jurisdiction/england-wales/) Updated: 22 June 2023 Not maintained Owen’s Clause #### [ Net Zero Target Supply Chain Cascade Clauses ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/clauses/net-zero-target-supply-chain-cascade-clauses/) Jurisdiction: [England & Wales](https://chancerylaneproject.org/news/jurisdiction/england-wales/) Updated: 22 March 2022 Not maintained David’s Clause #### [ SME’s Net Zero Objectives ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/clauses/smes-net-zero-objectives/) Jurisdiction: [England & Wales](https://chancerylaneproject.org/news/jurisdiction/england-wales/) Updated: 7 March 2023 Not maintained ## Glossary definitions used in this guide Glossary term #### [ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/greenhouse-gas-emissions/) Updated: 8 July 2025 Definitions: 3 Glossary term #### [ Just Transition ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/just-transition/) Updated: 14 August 2025 Definitions: 4 Glossary term #### [ Offsetting ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/offsetting/) Updated: 20 June 2025 Definitions: 1 Glossary term #### [ Paris Agreement Goals ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/paris-agreement-goals/) Updated: 19 June 2025 Definitions: 1 Glossary term #### [ Residual Emissions ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/residual-emissions/) Updated: 8 July 2025 Definitions: 2 Glossary term #### [ Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions and Total Emissions ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/scope-1-2-and-3-emissions-and-total-emissions/) Updated: 18 September 2025 Definitions: 3 Glossary term #### [ Transition Plan ](https://chancerylaneproject.org/glossary/transition-plan/) Updated: 18 September 2025 Definitions: 1 ## Topics **Climate or nature outcomes:** [Climate risk](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/climate-or-nature-outcome/climate-risk.md), [Decarbonisation](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/climate-or-nature-outcome/decarbonisation.md) **Climate solutions:** [Align corporate strategy with climate transition plan](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/climate-solution/align-corporate-strategy-with-climate-transition-plan.md), [Alignment with Paris Agreement](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/climate-solution/alignment-with-paris-agreement.md), [Measuring managing and reporting on emissions](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/climate-solution/measuring-managing-and-reporting-on-emissions.md), [Setting emissions reduction targets](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/climate-solution/setting-emissions-reduction-targets.md) **Contract lifecycle management stages:** [Business decision and strategy](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/contract-lifecycle-stage/business-decision-and-strategy.md) **Guide Applications:** [Universal application](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/application/universal-application.md) **Law or regulations:** [National reporting and disclosure laws](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/law-or-regulation/national-reporting-and-disclosure-laws.md), [Paris Agreement](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/law-or-regulation/paris-agreement.md) **Legal concept, activity or principles:** [Board governance / decision-making](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/legal-concept-activity/board-governance-decision-making.md), [Corporate strategy](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/legal-concept-activity/corporate-strategy.md) **Practice Areas:** [Corporate](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/practice-area/corporate.md), [Mergers and acquisitions](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/practice-area/mergers-and-acquisitions.md) **Sectors:** [Any](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/sector/any.md) **Standard or frameworks:** [GHG Protocol](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/standard-or-framework/ghg-protocol.md), [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/standard-or-framework/intergovernmental-panel-on-climate-change-ipcc.md), [Race to Zero](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/standard-or-framework/race-to-zero.md), [Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTI)](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/standard-or-framework/science-based-targets-initiative-sbti.md) **TCLP principles:** [Good climate governance](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/tclp-principle/good-climate-governance.md) **Use cases:** [Articles of Association](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/articles-of-association.md), [Board minutes](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/board-minutes.md), [Board paper](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/board-paper.md), [Commercial contract](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/commercial-contract.md), [Company policies](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/company-policies.md), [Governance documents](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/governance-documents.md), [Investment obligations](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/investment-obligations.md), [Supply contract](https://chancerylaneproject.org/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/use-case/supply-contract.md)