Skip to main content
Scope emissions calculations are driven by several factors that determine which meters are included in the analysis and how the associated consumption is categorized. This section describes how each factor contributes to the calculation of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions.

Energy Reporting Level

Each property’s Energy Reporting Level determines which meters to include in calculating scope emissions for that property:
  • Whole Building (Landlord Controlled) → Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions are driven by consumption from all in-metric meters and categorized based on energy type.
  • Whole Building (Tenant Controlled) → Scope 3 emissions are driven by consumption from all in-metric meters and always categorized as Scope 3.
  • Split (Landlord/Tenant) → Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions are driven by consumption from all meters assigned to a space type and categorized based on energy type.
Click here to learn how to set the energy reporting level. Energy Types: Energy meters are categorized into three primary types to determine whether the associated emissions are classified as Scope 1, Scope 2 or Scope 3.
Other (Energy) is not assigned an energy type, so it is not included in scope emissions.

Whole Building Scope Mappings

When the reporting level is set to whole building, all in-metric energy meters are included in scope emissions calculations, consistent with other whole building performance metrics. Emissions are then classified as Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3 based on the type of energy consumed and whether the building is landlord or tenant controlled.

Split (Landlord/Tenant) Scope Mappings

When the reporting level is set to Split (Landlord/Tenant), all energy meters that are assigned to a landlord or tenant space, regardless of whether they are in-metric or out-of-metric, are included in scope emissions calculations. Emissions are then classified as Scope 1, Scope 2 or Scope 3 based on the type of energy consumed and the space to which the meter is assigned. Click here to learn how to assign meters to spaces.
The table below illustrates how energy consumption is mapped to Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions when the reporting level is set to Split (Landlord/Tenant). In 2026, GRESB reclassified emissions associated with landlord controlled tenant spaces:
The 2026 Standard reclassifies GHG emissions from landlord-controlled tenant spaces as Scopes 1–2 and updates the reporting guidance and validation checks accordingly.

Outdoor / Exterior Areas / Parking Emissions

Scope 1,2,3 emissions associated with outdoor, exterior and parking space types are reported separately from building emissions, but they are still classified as Scope 1, Scope 2 or Scope 3 based on the type of energy consumed and the space to which a meter is assigned. A few notes about outdoor / exterior / parking emissions:
  • District Heating/Cooling cannot be assigned to Outdoor / Exterior Areas / Parking. Electricity, fuel, and water can.
  • The Assign Meters sheet does not block an in-metric meter from an outdoor space. On GRESB meter assignments, when reporting level is Whole Building, in-metric meters are hidden from the outdoor section.