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Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence

Policies, Regulations & Standards


The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a comprehensive global standardized framework to measure and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from private and public sector operations, value chains, and mitigation actions. It was established in 1998 through a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
In the United States of America, the climate-related disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission mandates registrants to supply information about climate-related risks that have had a material effect or could have material effect on the company in terms of its business strategy, operational results, or financial situation.
Starting with large companies on 1 January 2025, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Act 2024 mandates the presentation of an annual Sustainability Report with data on greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related information detailed in the Act.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has introduced a package of sustainability disclosure rules to assist buyers of financial products and services in navigating the market for sustainability-related investment products and services. These rules, which apply to all FCA-authorized firms in the UK, generally aim at addressing the problem of greenwashing, protecting consumers against misinformation about the sustainability characteristics of investment products and services.

USA - Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

Federal Regulations for the Mandatory Reporting of GHG Emissions
The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) was established by the EPA in 2009 to track large sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. It requires facilities emitting 25,000 metric tons or more of CO₂-equivalent gases annually to report their emissions. The program covers power plants, manufacturers, fuel suppliers, and waste facilities, among others. Data collected helps inform climate policies, regulatory actions, and emissions reduction efforts.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), in force since 5 January 2024, is a European Union (EU) regulation that sets sustainability reporting requirements for companies. It expands the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) by requiring more detailed ESG disclosures, covering a broader range of businesses, in and outside the EU. It aligns with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to improve transparency, accountability, and comparability in corporate sustainability efforts.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU regulation introduced in 2023 to prevent carbon leakage by imposing a carbon cost on imported goods from high-emission industries. It requires importers to report embedded greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and purchase CBAM certificates. Initially covering steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity, noncompliance can lead to significant financial penalties. Full implementation begins in 2026.
The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework, effective in the UK since April 2019, requires eligible companies—quoted companies, large unquoted companies, and LLPs meeting certain criteria—to disclose Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, and other energy-related information in their annual reports. The SECR aims to improve transparency, promote energy efficiency, and support the UK’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and enforcement by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) or Companies House.
The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (CCDAA), enacted in California in 2023, mandates that, starting from 2026, large companies with over $1 billion in annual revenue publicly disclose their externally verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It applies to a wide range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, energy, retail, and finance, covering both public and private companies. Noncompliance can result in fines of up to $500,000 per year, with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) overseeing enforcement.

United Kingdom - Procurement Policy Note

Sustainability in Government Procurement
The Procurement Policy Note (PPN 06/21), introduced in June 2021, requires suppliers bidding for UK government contracts with an anticipated value of over £5 million annually to submit a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP). The CRP must state the supplier’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, disclose current carbon emissions as well as environmental management measures for the contract. This policy ensures government procurement supports the UK’s climate goals.
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Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence


Navigating the ever-changing landscape of policies, regulations, and standards can feel overwhelming. Yet, staying informed and compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about creating opportunities to innovate, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. Here’s what you need to know to make sense of it all.

Why Policies, Regulations, and Standards Matter

In today’s market, sustainability policies are no longer optional. Governments, industry groups, and global organizations are implementing rules to address environmental challenges, and businesses must adapt or risk falling behind. Regulations impact areas like:

  • Energy Usage: Mandates to reduce emissions and adopt renewable sources.

  • Reporting Requirements: Transparency in carbon accounting and environmental disclosures.

  • Product Standards: Ensuring sustainable materials and ethical sourcing.

By understanding and adhering to these frameworks, your business doesn’t just remain compliant—it positions itself as a leader in the green economy.

Key Categories of Policies and Standards

To navigate effectively, it’s helpful to categorize the rules you need to follow:

  • Global Initiatives: Agreements like the Paris Accord or ISO environmental standards provide overarching guidance.

  • Regional Regulations: Directives such as the EU’s Green Deal or US SEC climate risk disclosures impact localized markets.

  • Industry-Specific Rules: Sectoral requirements, like LEED certifications for construction or sustainable packaging mandates, can vary widely.

Understanding which rules apply to your business ensures your focus is strategic and impactful.

How to Stay Ahead

  1. Invest in Tools and Expertise: Use software and consultants that specialize in compliance and carbon tracking.

  2. Monitor Updates: Regulations evolve quickly. Stay connected with industry groups and government notifications.

  3. Integrate Compliance into Strategy: Instead of treating compliance as a cost center, align it with broader goals like cost savings or market differentiation.

The Bottom Line

Engaging with policies, regulations, and standards doesn’t just help your business avoid fines or legal issues. It positions you to innovate, enhance your reputation, and capture the growing demand for sustainable goods and services.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the specific frameworks that shape your industry on this page, and start building compliance into your competitive advantage.