References & Standards
Learn how Tracenable’s Climate Targets dataset aligns with the GHG Protocol, Paris Agreement, SBTi, EU CSRD, GRI, CDP, TCFD, SASB, and PCAF for global comparability.
Foundational References
These are the authoritative sources we rely on to define terms, set classification rules, and resolve edge cases.
Why it matters: The GHG Protocol is the globally recognized framework for measuring and reporting GHG emissions. It defines Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 categories, sets organizational boundary rules, and provides calculation guidance used by regulators, companies, and investors worldwide.
What we adopt:
Core scope definitions (Scope 1 direct, Scope 2 energy-indirect, Scope 3 value chain).
Coverage of all seven Kyoto gases expressed in CO₂-equivalent (tCO₂e).
Category mapping for Scope 1, 2, and 3 to ensure alignment with official definitions and company disclosure practices.
Guidance on organizational boundaries and Scope 2 accounting (location-based and market-based).
Related Reporting Frameworks & Standards
While the GHG Protocol defines how emissions are measured, several global frameworks expand upon it to guide how companies set, disclose, and evaluate their GHG reduction targets. Tracenable bridges these standards by mapping corporate climate targets to the GHG Protocol’s foundational concepts, ensuring each target is comparable, time-bound, and aligned with recognized global frameworks for corporate decarbonization.
Regulatory Frameworks
Why it matters: The Paris Agreement is the cornerstone of global climate ambition. It commits countries (and by extension, corporations) to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue 1.5°C. Corporate GHG reduction targets often reference this alignment, framing their goals in terms of “Paris-aligned” or “1.5°C-aligned” pathways.
What we adopt:
Context for capturing both absolute and intensity-based reduction targets in line with global decarbonization pathways.
Tracking of baseline and target years to measure company alignment with the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals.
Why it matters: The CSRD introduces mandatory climate disclosures across Europe, including GHG reduction targets, progress, and transition plans, under the ESRS E1 standard.
How we align:
Alignment with ESRS E1 requirements for target-setting, including baseline year, target year, and reduction magnitude.
Standardization of scope coverage (1, 2, and 3) and inclusion of both absolute and intensity-based targets.
Voluntary Global Frameworks
Why it matters: The SBTi provides the leading global methodology for setting corporate GHG reduction targets in line with climate science. It defines what constitutes a “science-based target” and sets sector-specific pathways for 1.5°C alignment.
What we adopt:
Standardized capture of baseline, target years, and reduction magnitudes to assess consistency with SBTi criteria.
Recognition of both near-term and long-term science-based targets.
Why it matters: GRI 305 remains one of the most widely adopted frameworks for corporate GHG disclosure and includes clear expectations for reporting emissions reduction targets and progress.
How we align:
Direct mapping of disclosed targets and performance data to GRI 305-5 (“Reduction of GHG emissions”).
Consistent expression of reduction magnitudes and intensities in line with GRI reporting definitions.
Why it matters: TCFD requires companies to disclose climate targets and performance against them as part of broader climate risk and governance reporting.
How we align:
Capture of both short-term and long-term emissions reduction targets within a standardized framework.
Enables TCFD-aligned reporting through traceable metrics that show progress toward stated goals.
Why it matters: CDP collects self-reported data from companies on emissions, reduction targets, and progress as part of its annual questionnaire.
How we align:
Integration of company-disclosed targets, baseline data, and achievement updates aligned with CDP fields.
Consistent normalization of absolute and intensity targets for comparability across respondents.
Sector- and Finance-Specific Frameworks
Why it matters: SASB standards require industry-specific climate targets and metrics that enable investors to assess performance in a comparable way.
How we align:
Mapping of reduction targets and progress metrics to sector-specific SASB requirements.
Harmonization with IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and S2).
Why it matters: PCAF complements the GHG Protocol by providing a framework for measuring financed emissions and related targets in the financial sector.
How we align:
Capture of GHG reduction targets related to investments and portfolio emissions (Scope 3, Category 15).
Alignment with PCAF guidance for financial institutions tracking financed emissions reduction goals.
Takeaway:
Tracenable’s Climate Targets dataset is built on the GHG Protocol and aligned with key regulatory frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and EU CSRD (ESRS E1).
It is fully compatible with leading voluntary standards such as the SBTi, GRI 305, TCFD, and CDP.
It extends to sector- and finance-specific frameworks, including SASB/IFRS and PCAF, ensuring relevance across industries and asset classes.
The result: globally consistent coverage of corporate GHG reduction targets, with standardized baselines, years, and reduction magnitudes, providing full traceability to company disclosures and audit-ready comparability for compliance, benchmarking, and investment analysis.