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Project Spotlight: GHG Inventory Automation

The Situation

A large real estate developer had been conducting its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory internally using a complex, spreadsheet-based calculation system. Over time, the workbook had become difficult to maintain, with numerous embedded rules, manual calculations, and limited documentation. Each reporting cycle required significant manual effort and carried risk of calculation errors. In addition, during the engagement, the company’s entire sustainability team transitioned out of the organization, leaving limited institutional knowledge of the existing inventory structure and no internal technical expertise on greenhouse gas accounting.

The Approach

We assessed the company’s existing GHG inventory methodology and underlying calculation structure to identify areas where manual processes and embedded rules created inefficiencies or errors. Building on this review, we designed and implemented an automated, Excel-based data management and calculation tool to streamline the inventory process and improve transparency in the underlying calculations. Maintaining the tool in Excel made it easier for the team to complete calculations without additional training or expensive software.

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The tool centralized and standardized activity data inputs, automated emissions calculations, and incorporated validation checks to improve consistency across reporting cycles. We structured the model to make key assumptions, emission factors, and calculation logic more transparent so that the inventory could be more easily maintained and audited. 

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Over multiple reporting cycles, we refined the tool to address evolving reporting needs. The tool was extended beyond GHG accounting to support broader ESG reporting, including automated calculation of key metrics disclosed in the company’s annual sustainability report and external frameworks such as SASB and GRESB.

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In addition to developing the system, we supported implementation during annual reporting cycles, providing technical guidance and helping new sustainability staff understand the structure of the inventory and reporting process following the turnover of the original sustainability team.

Outcomes and Deliverables

​This project helped the client:

  • Reduce manual effort and complexity associated with annual GHG inventory calculations

  • Improve transparency and consistency of emissions calculations through automated logic and validation checks

  • Expand automated reporting tools to support broader ESG disclosures, including metrics used in SASB and GRESB reporting

  • Have continuity and technical support across three reporting years during a period of full sustainability team turnover

Throughout the project, the client received: 

  • Automated Excel based GHG calculation and data management tool, including structured activity data input framework, automated emissions calculations and documentation of assumptions

  • Expansion of the system to support ESG reporting metrics including SASB and GRESB disclosures

  • Ongoing system updates and technical support across three reporting cycles

Why It Mattered

The automated reporting system transformed a difficult-to-maintain spreadsheet into a structured data management tool that could support both GHG accounting and broader ESG disclosures. This provided the company with a stable reporting foundation (despite internal staff turnover) and allowed new sustainability personnel to manage reporting with greater confidence and accuracy.

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This project represents one example of our work supporting companies with GHG accounting. We have completed similar projects with other companies, including developing comprehensive GHG inventories from scratch, updating and / or verifying existing inventories, developing inventory management plans and providing technical guidance to companies conducting GHG accounting in-house.

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