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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

The reporting level determines which meters to include in calculating scope emissions.
  • 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 vs. 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.
Energy TypeSubtype
ElectricElectric
ElectricElectric on Site Solar
ElectricElectric on Site Wind
FuelNatural Gas
FuelDiesel
FuelFuel Oil No 1
FuelFuel Oil No 2
FuelFuel Oil No 4
FuelFuel Oil No 5 or 6
DHCDistrict Steam
DHCDistrict Hot Water
DHCDistrict Chilled Water - Absorption Chiller using Natural Gas
DHCDistrict Chilled Water - Electric-Driven Chiller
DHCDistrict Chilled Water - Engine-Driven Chiller using Natural Gas
DHCDistrict Chilled Water - Other

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.
Reporting LevelEnergy typeGHG ScopeMeters Used
Whole Building (Landlord Controlled)FuelScope 1All in-metric meters
Whole Building (Landlord Controlled)DH&CScope 2All in-metric meters
Whole Building (Landlord Controlled)ElectricityScope 2All in-metric meters
Whole Building (Tenant Controlled)FuelScope 3All in-metric meters
Whole Building (Tenant Controlled)DH&CScope 3All in-metric meters
Whole Building (Tenant Controlled)ElectricityScope 3All in-metric meters

Split (Landlord vs. Tenant) Scope Mappings

When the reporting level is set to Split (Landlord vs. 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.
Space TypeControl Type
Base Building - Common AreasLandlord
Base Building - Shared ServicesLandlord
Tenant Spaces - Landlord ControlledLandlord
Tenant Spaces - Tenant ControlledTenant
Outdoor/Exterior/Parking - Landlord ControlledLandlord
Outdoor/Exterior/Parking - Tenant ControlledTenant
EV ChargingN/A
Exclude from AnalysisN/A
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 vs. 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.
Space TypeEnergy TypeGHG ScopeMeters Used
Shared ServicesFuelScope 1All meters assigned to space type.
Shared ServicesDH&CScope 2All meters assigned to space type.
Shared ServicesElectricityScope 2All meters assigned to space type.
Common AreasFuelScope 1All meters assigned to space type.
Common AreasDH&CScope 2All meters assigned to space type.
Common AreasElectricityScope 2All meters assigned to space type.
Tenant Spaces (Landlord Controlled)FuelScope 1All meters assigned to space type.
Tenant Spaces (Landlord Controlled)DH&CScope 2All meters assigned to space type.
Tenant Spaces (Landlord Controlled)ElectricityScope 2All meters assigned to space type.
Tenant Spaces (Tenant Controlled)FuelScope 3All meters assigned to space type.
Tenant Spaces (Tenant Controlled)DH&CScope 3All meters assigned to space type.
Tenant Spaces (Tenant Controlled)ElectricityScope 3All meters assigned to space type.

Outdoor / Exterior / 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:
  • Only electricity & fuel can be assigned to outdoor spaces.
  • When Reporting Level = Whole Building, only out-of-metric meters can be assigned to outdoor areas because all in-metric meters are used for whole building reporting.
Space TypeEnergy TypeGHG Scope
Outdoor / Exterior / Parking (Landlord Controlled)ElectricityScope 2
Outdoor / Exterior / Parking (Landlord Controlled)FuelScope 1
Outdoor / Exterior / Parking (Tenant Controlled)ElectricityScope 3
Outdoor / Exterior / Parking (Tenant Controlled)FuelScope 3