What do Americans think about global warming, how has the U.S. made an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability across the country, and what do Americans do on an everyday basis to fight global warming?

What do Americans Think about Global Warming?

Americans are a special breed of their own with an abundance of flaws and good qualities. Many view Americans to be living in a type of la-la-land – where their resources are superior to the rest of the world, and a country where being able to buy the newest iPhone means you are more successful than your peers.

On the flip side, as an American living abroad, it can be said that there is one indispensable quality to be had of almost all Americans – our diligence and worth ethic remains unmatched to many countries in the world. 

However, given the popular perception of most Americans around the world, many believe that Americans are oblivious to the impacts of global warming – but is that really the case?

💡 According to a study by Yale, a whopping 72% of Americans believe climate change is happening and 61% believe it is affecting the weather across the climate-diverse country.

As global climate change, warming temperatures, and extreme weather events persist – such as the recent hurricanes in the southeast, extreme heat, sea level rise, and the controversial 2024 presidential election –  climate resilience in the United States is a major topic of discussion.

What do Americans think about global warming, how has the U.S. made an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability across the country, and how do Americans make the effort to fight global warming on a daily basis?

What do most countries think about Americans?

Being American used to be a subject of envy for most: encapsulated by the T.V. shows and singers that originated from the United States – but as of recently, many cultures have begun to question their fascination for Americans and their culture in the first place.

💡As the United States continues to emit massive amounts of carbon dioxide despite the climate risks delineated in the Fifth National Climate Assessment, other nations around the world are starting to question if Americans are aware of their impacts of climate change.

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:05 Asking Strangers, Part I
05:52 Personal Theories
08:26 Asking Strangers, Part II
11:20 Conclusion


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Why Do Europeans Dislike Americans So Much?

Many countries cannot understand how Americans can have so much opportunity, but fail to use their resources for greater causes such as global warming – with major celebrities in the U.S. using their paychecks to pollute the planet even more with their private jets or fail to find ways to make their concerts more sustainable.

Most people who aren’t American, or haven’t met Americans personally, also tend to categorize Americans and forget how massive the country and its population is – totaling at almost 335 million people. In other words, not all Americans are the same – with opinions varying depending on which political party they belong to or where in the U.S. they live. The values of someone from New York City are likely to differ from someone who lives in the middle of Texas, and neither are good or bad – just different, as the United States is a melting pot of different cultures and ideas.

Ultimately, the discrepancies in how heat waves, relative sea level rise, and global average temperatures impact human health across the United States make the nation's view on the changing climate anything but unified.

Some of the most hated qualities of Americans include their constant desire to work, negating the importance of vacation time or pursuing hobbies, the expensive education system Americans remain in debt for years after receiving their degree, and the American healthcare system.

👉 However, this being said, there are assets that many cultures continue to admire about Americans: such as the continuous technological advances made by the country, the media produced by Americans (think Taylor Swift’s music and all those Netflix movies watched around the world), and the military system many Americans continue to support and respect.

How has the U.S. and Americans tackled global warming?

In recent years, the United States has upped its game in fighting against climate change with new environmental legislation in states like California and New York to facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy – as well as the Biden administration passing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to incentivize Americans to pick the more sustainable or energy efficient option when shopping for new appliances or vehicles. 

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

On the government side of things, the U.S. is starting to require companies to comply with more stringent transparent measures to ensure that greenwashing doesn’t happen – such as with the new SEC climate disclosure rule that will require all public companies to share their emissions data, climate related risks, and their future plans to combat greenhouse gas emissions and climate change as a whole.

💡 The U.S. has also made great strides with their Clean Air Act to help improve the Air Quality Index, Montreal Protocol, and the Endangered Species Act. In addition to this, the U.S. has been a part of the Paris Climate Agreement to help encourage reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. 

How do Americans feel about all of these newfound efforts to fight against climate change and promote sustainability?

Do most Americans value fighting against global warming?

Unbeknownst to most, especially those who already don’t perceive Americans well – the majority of Americans view global warming as a pressing issue that needs to be addressed immediately and effectively, with a whopping 

💡 In fact, almost 70% percent of Americans want the U.S. to continue taking steps towards carbon neutrality, with the same number of Americans believing that making use of renewable energy sources is pivotal and more imperative than seeking new fossil fuel projects or encouraging the production of other finite resources. 

Contrary to what many think, both major political parties are supportive of fighting against climate change – with 90% percent of Democrats supporting the efforts to become more sustainable and reduce overall emissions produced by the country, and with 44% percent of Republicans feeling the same way towards global warming. 

Here are some more statistics on how Americans feel about climate change: 

If you were in a room with 6 Americans, 5 of those Americans would believe that climate change is happening – and only 1 would argue that it isn't;

49% of Americans are sure climate change is happening, whereas only 8% are unsure;

46% of Americans feel that climate change is affecting their everyday lives;

As many as 10% of Americans, or over 30 million people, have thought of moving to avoid natural disasters caused by climate change;

71% of Americans believe that climate change will harm plant and animal species;

Nearly one third of Americans, 29%, believe that climate change is occurring as a result of natural processes;

74% of Americans are concerned with air pollution, 70% extreme heat, 67% water pollution, 63% droughts, 52% wildfires, 56% tornadoes, and 39% hurricanes;

Only 58% of Americans believe that climate change is caused by humans, despite the most recent IPCC report stating that the biggest reason for rising world-wide emissions is a direct result of increased human activity.

👉 However, despite the overwhelming consensus that Americans do indeed care about addressing climate change – the extent to which Americans care greatly depends on which political party they belong to: as Republicans are more likely to compromise on a potentially negative environmental business proposition if it means stimulating the economy, whereas Democrats tend to prioritize the planet. In addition to this, younger generations such as Millennials and those in Generation Z are more likely to be concerned about climate change than older generations.

The opinion of climate change from the perspective of Americans is subject to be influenced by various things such as scientific discoveries, how climate change is presented in the media, news coverage of natural disasters, or public statements from well-known political figures or celebrities.

What are some things that Americans do that show they aren’t concerned about global warming?

Despite the fact that the majority of studies show that Americans do care about climate change, Americans are also known to have a few infamous habits that could come off to the rest of the world as being ignorant about global warming – despite having access to information on climate change such as via the Global Change Research Program.

For instance, Americans have lifestyles that result in a large carbon footprint – such as driving big vehicles, needing to travel by plane to get around the United States, or living in big houses that require a lot of energy to power. 

💡 In the United States, everything is bigger and better – but when it comes to rising global temperatures, bigger and better doesn’t help the cause.

The U.S. also has an odd dependency on fossil fuels, with even the most recent debt ceiling deal somehow persuading the Biden administration to follow through with a new fossil fuel pipeline project. Despite the country’s ability to make use of renewable energy sources, Americans still often opt for gasoline powered cars and finite energy sources – even as Biden implores Americans to choose energy efficient options.

Some Americans go to the extent of disregarding scientific studies that prove climate change is real, and is getting worse as human activities and mass production continue at full-speed ahead. In fact, even long-time American senators are often able to convince Americans otherwise. 

Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) displays and tosses a snowball in the Senate.  Watch more here: http://www.c-span.org/video/?324568-2/us-senate-legislative-business&live=

Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) Snowball in the Senate (C-SPAN)

Americans are also often accused of not having a government that is worried enough about the ongoing and future effects of climate change, and there not being enough engagement to encourage Americans to take action towards a brighter future – such as the fact that many Americans view voting in the next presidential election as “pointless” as their vote “may not make a difference” in the midst of over 300 million other Americans casting their ballots.

👉 Ultimately, most Americans live a lifestyle that is not conducive to fighting against climate change. Countries like Spain and Italy are used to leaving their clothes hanging outside to dry, whereas Americans will lose their minds if they don’t have an in-unit washer and dryer. This is one of the many examples of how a higher standard of living, such as demonstrated by Americans, may not come off as the most eco-friendly.

Will Trump's presidency influence how Americans feel about climate change?

While Trump may not be able to convince all Americans that the economy takes precedent over climate change, it is likely that the divide regarding Americans' opinion on climate change will get stronger under his presidency – as Republicans will rejoice priority over the economy while Democrats will grow more frustrated. 

There are some reasons to believe that despite Trump's influence and opinions on climate change, that Americans will grow more concerned about the impacts of climate change in the coming years. 

Here are just a few reasons why rising temperatures could cause Americans to become increasingly worried about climate change:

Impacted Coastal Communities – Towns alongside the Gulf of Mexico and more are profoundly affected by climate change, with some of these cities being some of the most beloved tourist destinations and residential places in the country alike – such as Miami, Nantucket, the Hampton's, and more. 

Global Sea Level Rise – Rising sea levels could impact properties alongside beach cities such as Miami, and ultimately harm the housing market – which could cause Americans to realize the impact of their activities on climate change, especially as it has already become increasingly difficult to buy a home in the country.

Melting Sea Ice – As glaciers around the world continue to melt, American business owners of ski resorts or other snowy destinations could grow concerned that climate change could have an impact during peak-season of tourism – in addition to the scare freshwater resources.

Human Induced Climate Change – The increase in travel post-pandemic, weather related disasters, and more could elicit Americans to re-think their actions as intense climate-change induced events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts continue.

Home & Health Insurance – Americans will not like the increase in price, supply & demand, how climate risks will cost them more amidst the climate crisis

👉 Overall, the Trump administration is set to implement economic tactics which will only exacerbate the current issues caused by climate change – which could spur even worse natural disasters and heat waves that could cause Americans to rethink global emissions and what causes these climate disasters.

The table below will depict some of the ways Trump's presidency will impact both nationwide and global efforts to reduce climate change:

<table border="1">
  <tr>
    <th>Category</th>
    <th>Impacts</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Nationwide Climate Policies</td>
    <td>
      - Possible rollback of emissions standards.<br>
      - Increased support for fossil fuel industries.<br>
      - Reduced federal funding for renewable energy projects.<br>
      - Challenges to environmental regulations like the Clean Power Plan.
    </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Global Climate Agreements</td>
    <td>
      - Potential withdrawal from or weakening of U.S. commitments to the Paris Agreement.<br>
      - Decreased leadership in international climate negotiations.<br>
      - Negative ripple effects on global cooperation efforts.
    </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Environmental Conservation</td>
    <td>
      - Reduced protection for federal lands and endangered species.<br>
      - Expansion of oil drilling and mining operations in sensitive areas.
    </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Economic Impact</td>
    <td>
      - Boost to fossil fuel jobs, but possible long-term costs from ignoring climate risks.<br>
      - Loss of global competitiveness in renewable energy markets.
    </td>
  </tr>
</table>


How could Americans change their lifestyles to fight global warming without giving up classic American values?

Much of the difficulty of Americans seeking to fight against global warming or becoming more sustainable is that it goes against much of the inherent values of the United States: such as mass consumption, opting for convenient single us plastics, and throwing massive parties for holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, and Christmas – all of which create a substantial carbon footprint.

💡Think about it: American candies, fast fashion, and constantly upgrading to the newest iPhone are all present in American culture – and all are bad for the environment. 

Given the United States and Americans are built around mass production and consumerism, it is easy to understand why it’s difficult for Americans to change their ways to be more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Luckily, not all hope is lost. There are definitely a few things that Americans can do to alter their lifestyles to be more environmentally friendly without giving up on their classic American lifestyle.

For instance, Americans could opt to purchase green cars to keep the beloved tradition of Americans to do a cross-country road trip without polluting the planet with greenhouse gas emissions. Not only will this help to lessen the environmental impact created by Americans (where 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are due to transportation – but Americans will be subject to a tax reduction in line with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Another big part of the lifestyle of Americans is excessive waste, such as wrapping gifts of the holiday season where a lot of paper and packaging materials end up getting thrown away instead of recycled. Therefore, Americans could benefit from choosing sustainable packaging when gifting presents – especially during the holiday season. Americans are also big on online orders and deliveries, so major American shopping retailers and meal kit delivery services would benefit from seeking to sustainably packaging their products as well.

Alter the traditional "SAD" American diet

Lastly, Americans could help to reduce their carbon footprint by opting for a vegan meal every once in a while. Vegan options in the U.S. are abundant and often cooked so you can’t even realize you’re not eating meat.

Overall, Americans aren’t as oblivious or indifferent about climate change as you might think – but they also have a long way to go to be considered the most sustainable culture in the world.

If reading this article about what Americans think about global warming has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

It can be hard to keep track of all of the news happening around the world, such as what Americans think about climate change – but don’t worry, Greenly is here to keep you up to date on all of the latest climate news. 

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

The UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulation requires more companies to report their carbon emissions. Find out if it affects your business.

Our Guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)

As businesses face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, compliance with the UK's Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulation has become essential. SECR aims to enhance climate transparency and drive energy efficiency improvements, positioning UK companies to address both legal requirements and stakeholder expectations.

The urgency is clear: climate change not only threatens the environment but poses a significant economic risk. Swiss Re, a leading reinsurance firm, projects that without decisive action, global GDP could shrink by up to 18% by 2050. For UK businesses, this makes transparency in energy use and carbon emissions not just a regulatory obligation but a competitive advantage.

Since its introduction in 2019, SECR has transformed how companies report on energy consumption and emissions. By expanding the scope of carbon accounting and modernizing disclosure rules, it equips investors with the high-quality data they need to align financial and environmental considerations in their decisions.

👉 In this article we'll explore what the SECR is, why it was introduced, and what it means for companies operating in the UK.

What is the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting policy (SECR)?

The UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulation requires certain companies - such as quoted companies, large unquoted companies, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) - to annually report their energy emissions and Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. 

The UK's Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy was introduced on 1 April 2019 as a major step forward in enhancing corporate accountability for energy use and carbon emissions. Designed to simplify reporting requirements while expanding their scope, SECR replaced the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme and brought many more businesses under its purview.

Unlike the CRC, which applied to fewer organizations, SECR mandates that approximately 11,900 large UK-based companies now disclose their annual energy use, carbon emissions, and any energy-efficiency measures they’ve implemented. This broader scope ensures greater transparency and incentivizes action across a wider range of industries.

SECR also aligns closely with the UK’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050. By requiring companies to report on their energy efficiency efforts, SECR supports the national transition to a low-carbon economy and provides investors with critical data to guide sustainable decision-making.

It’s important to note that SECR operates alongside, rather than replacing, other emissions reporting requirements, including:

The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS): Focuses on energy audits and recommendations for large businesses.

Climate Change Agreements (CCA) Scheme: Provides tax benefits for energy-intensive industries.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS): Targets carbon trading for certain sectors.

Mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting for publicly quoted companies.

By modernizing and unifying reporting requirements, SECR makes it easier for businesses to integrate emissions tracking into their sustainability strategies, helping the UK move closer to its climate commitments.

Find out in detail what the UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting SECR is, its background, who needs to comply with it and various other aspects of the legislation including assurance, reporting period and disclosure methodology.

UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting SECR explained

The SECR aims to create harmony between fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Through carbon accounting, it enables businesses to trim costs, boost transparency via carbon disclosures, and enhance energy efficiency. In turn, this helps companies curtail their greenhouse gas emissions and combat the repercussions of climate change by endorsing energy-efficient practices. 

Furthermore, the SECR fosters greater awareness regarding the implications of climate change and the intricacies of energy expenditure within organizations. It not only sheds light on the monetary aspect of energy but also enlightens stakeholders about a company's role in climate change. 

For investors, the data on carbon emissions and energy usage that the SECR mandates is invaluable. As companies focus on augmenting energy efficiency and diminishing carbon emissions, investors are equipped with sharper insights. This helps investors to make more informed investment choices in a world gravitating towards sustainability. 

The SECR impacts an estimated ​​11,900 companies incorporated in the UK. These businesses fall under three main categories. All companies that meet the following criteria are obligated to report their emissions and energy consumption unless they fall under one of the exemptions:  

Quoted companies of any size: These are companies listed on a public exchange. Such companies are already subject to existing greenhouse gas reporting regulations, so the 2019 update doesn’t significantly affect them. 

Large unquoted companies: The term "large", as defined by the Companies Act 2006, applies to a company that fulfills at least two of the following criteria:

More than £18m in total assets on the balance sheet

Large limited liability partnerships (LLPs): LLPs are considered to be large where they fulfill the same criteria outlined above as per the Companies Act 2006.

Charities and not-for-profit organizations: Where an organization meets the Companies Act 2006 definition of large it will also fall under the scope of SECR, even where it operates under a charitable structure.

Public bodies: Public bodies do not fall under the scope of SECR, however, they may have other carbon reporting obligations. It’s worth noting that not all organizations providing a public service are officially defined as such, and therefore some bodies owned by the NHS or a UK University may still fall under the scope of SECR.

SECR includes several possible exemptions, these include: 

If you're reporting at a group level and a subsidiary wouldn't be subject to SECR when reporting individually, you have the discretion to exclude the energy and carbon data about that subsidiary.

If your organization consumes 40MWh or less energy during the financial year, it is deemed a "low energy user". This designation means you're not obligated to include all the specifics typically required in an SECR report. However, it's still essential to tally the organization's total energy consumption (covering gas, electricity, and transport fuel) to ensure you're below the set threshold. In such instances, your directors' report should clarify that this is the rationale behind the absence of a comprehensive SECR report.

If obtaining your company's energy and carbon details is either commercially confidential or genuinely unfeasible, you may seek an exemption based on these reasons. An accompanying explanation will be necessary.

<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>Company Type</th>
            <th>Criteria</th>
            <th>Reporting Obligations</th>
            <th>Exemptions</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>Quoted Companies</td>
            <td>Listed on a UK stock exchange</td>
            <td>Must report energy use and efficiency measures globally.</td>
            <td>None</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Unquoted Companies</td>
            <td>Meets two of the following: turnover &gt; £36M, balance sheet &gt; £18M, &gt; 250 employees</td>
            <td>UK-based energy use and efficiency measures only.</td>
            <td>Exempt if energy use is &lt; 40 MWh per year</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)</td>
            <td>Same as unquoted companies: meets two of the following: turnover &gt; £36M, balance sheet &gt; £18M, &gt; 250 employees</td>
            <td>UK-based energy use and efficiency measures only.</td>
            <td>Exempt if energy use is &lt; 40 MWh per year</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>


How does it work for group and subsidiary-level reporting?

In some cases, a group-level report is required. A group-level report should contain the energy use and carbon emissions data for the parent group and all subsidiaries. 

As outlined above under the section on exemptions, if a subsidiary would not otherwise be required to report under SECR independently from the group, it may omit its energy and carbon details in the group report.  

❗ Reporting companies should note that this specific guideline is treated differently than in the ESOS and the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. 

Note that when subsidiary companies subject to SECR have already reported their energy and carbon information in a parent’s group-level report, filing a separate energy and carbon report isn't necessary.

SECR reporting requirements vary depending on the type and size of the business or organisation. Below we’ve outlined how quoted companies, large unquoted companies, and LLPs should present their energy and carbon reporting.

Quoted companies are already required to report their Scope 1 and 2 worldwide GHG emissions. The emissions should be reported in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) covering the seven gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol. 

Companies are strongly recommended to report Scope 3 emissions if they are essential to business operations, however, for now reporting on Scope 3 emissions is not mandatory, and is voluntary only. 

💡GHG emissions that must be reported include: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).

Quoted companies should also report their selected emissions intensity ratios for the current and previous years. This should be stated in their Directors' report. 

❓ Emissions intensity ratios define GHG emissions in relation to the scale of business operations. Intensity metrics help regulators compare companies’ energy efficiency with counterparts of a similar size. Examples of intensity metrics include tonnes of CO2e per sales revenue or per square meters of total floor space.

Beyond emissions, listed companies should report their annual energy use. Companies should specify both their UK energy use and their offshore energy use in other countries. 

If the first year of SECR reporting has passed, quoted companies also need to report a comparison between the current and previous reporting years.

SECR requires quoted companies to describe whether or not they implemented measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions throughout the course of the year. They should disclose a narrative description of their energy-efficient activities in their annual report, and how successful those measures have been in improving energy efficiency or reducing energy consumption.

Companies should outline the methodology used. While there is no specific recommended methodology, SECR recommends selecting one that is widely used, comprehensive, and transparent. 

Quoted companies should report these details in their Director’s Reports for financial years beginning from April 1, 2019. 

Here’s a quick SECR reporting checklist for quoted companies: 

Annual Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (Scope 3 is optional but recommended)

Narrative report of energy efficiency measures

SECR requires large unlisted companies and large LLPs to report on the following information: 

UK energy use (including the UK offshore area) in three categories: electricity, gas, and fuel for transport.  

Associated GHG emissions from these activities should also be reported, with at least one emissions intensity ratio included.

❗ Note: When reporting transport energy use, businesses should report their direct fuel purchases for company vehicles, but there is no need to report fuel used from a third-party operator. Fuel used in flights, trains, public transport, taxi trips, freight, or shipping for services contracted to a third party is also excluded. 

Like quoted companies, large unquoted companies and large LLPs also need to provide a narrative description of their energy efficiency activities and details on the methodology they used. 

Also similar to quoted companies, large unquoted companies should provide the required information in their Directors’ Reports, or Strategy Reports alongside an explanation. 

Large LLPs should report the information in their Energy and Carbon Report (a new obligation that was brought in with SECR).  

Here’s a quick SECR reporting checklist for large unquoted companies and large LLPs: 

UK energy use for electricity, gas, and directly consumed transport fuel (includes UK offshore area)

The SECR guidelines set a foundational benchmark for successful GHG reporting to mitigate the impacts of climate change, but there's room to go beyond the basics. Here's what's additionally recommended:

Full Disclosure: Companies should share details about all significant sources of energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions, even those not specified in the guidelines. This includes Scope 3 emissions, which are the indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain.

Science-backed Targets: Companies should aim to align their reporting with science-based goals, such as aiming to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100.

Future-focused Analysis: The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) suggests companies look ahead and analyze how climate change might affect them. This involves: 

These projections should reflect potential climate-related challenges across various warming scenarios.

Risk Assessment: The TCFD encourages companies to evaluate climate risks, both direct (like storms or rising sea levels) and indirect (like changes in policies, markets, technologies, potential lawsuits, or harm to their reputation).

In certain situations, companies might find it challenging to include their energy and carbon emissions data in their annual streamlined reports. Reasons could range from facing exceptional difficulties in gathering the data to concerns that sharing such information might harm the company's interests. 

Companies choosing to withhold such data should clearly state their reasons for doing so. However, they're also expected to make efforts to fully comply in subsequent reports.

Failing to comply with SECR reporting requirements can have significant repercussions for businesses, affecting both their financial standing and reputation. Here are the key risks of non-compliance:

Non-compliance with SECR can lead to fines and enforcement actions by the UK Government. While the exact penalty depends on the nature and severity of the breach, companies that fail to submit accurate and timely reports risk facing financial sanctions. This adds an unnecessary expense that could otherwise be avoided with proper compliance. 

In today’s business landscape, transparency is critical for maintaining trust among stakeholders. Non-compliance with SECR may signal a lack of commitment to sustainability, damaging a company’s reputation with investors, customers, and employees. This can lead to lost business opportunities and decreased brand loyalty.

Missed opportunities for efficiency savings

SECR compliance often uncovers inefficiencies in energy use that, when addressed, can result in significant cost savings. Failing to report and act on this data means companies miss opportunities to reduce their operational expenses and carbon footprint, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.

Increased scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders

Non-compliance can attract unwanted attention from regulatory authorities, leading to audits or more stringent oversight. Additionally, sustainability-conscious investors may question a company’s reliability and commitment to addressing climate risks.

To avoid these risks, companies should ensure their compliance processes are robust and aligned with SECR requirements. The UK Government’s official SECR guidelines provide detailed instructions on reporting obligations and methodologies, which businesses should follow closely. Companies unsure about their compliance status can seek expert advice to streamline their reporting processes and minimize risks.

For further information and support on SECR compliance, consider exploring the following resources:

UK Government SECR Guidance: The official guidance provides detailed information on SECR requirements, reporting methodologies, and compliance procedures.

Government Resources on Energy Efficiency

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero: Offers resources and support for businesses aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Carbon Trust: Provides advice and support on energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies.

Greenly’s Services Related to Emissions Reporting

Greenly Carbon Management Solutions: Discover how Greenly can assist your business with emissions tracking and sustainability reporting.

Book a Demo: Learn how Greenly's platform simplifies carbon accounting and reporting.

While SECR is a UK-specific regulation, it may apply to American companies with significant operations or subsidiaries in the UK that meet the criteria for reporting. For example, a US-based parent company with a UK subsidiary listed on a UK stock exchange or one that qualifies as a "large company" under SECR thresholds would be required to comply. 

These businesses must report UK-based energy use and carbon emissions to meet SECR obligations. Understanding international regulations like SECR is crucial for American companies operating globally, as these frameworks often influence investor expectations and align with broader sustainability reporting trends.

Why companies should consider Scope 3 reporting under SECR

SECR only mandates Scope 1 and Scope 2 reporting, however, it is strongly recommended that companies also adopt Scope 3 reporting. Let’s take a closer look at the different Scopes and what they encompass below: 

The GHG Protocol defines the three emissions reporting Scopes as follows: 

Scope 1 covers the direct GHG emissions from a company’s operations. 

Scope 2 refers to GHG emissions from purchased energy and electricity from a utility used in the course of business operations. 

Scope 3 encompasses the broader value chain emissions for both upstream and downstream activities.

Scope 3 emissions are an important part of most companies’ carbon footprint, making up around 80% of their total carbon emissions. While there is currently no requirement to report on Scope 3 emissions, this may change in the future.

❓Scope 3 emissions data is more challenging for companies to collect, as they aren't created by the company themselves. It includes the supply chain emissions created when manufacturing and shipping products, as well as the emissions caused by the end-users when consuming the products, goods, or services. 

👉 To find out more about the different Scopes, why not read our article on the topic. Or if you'd like to learn more about carbon accounting take a look at our blog. 

Working with specialized carbon accounting experts like Greenly can improve the quality of your reporting across all 3 Scopes, so why not get in touch with us today? 

At Greenly, we specialize in making carbon management accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes. Our suite of carbon management services is designed to help your company effectively measure, track, and reduce emissions, enabling you to achieve sustainability goals while staying ahead of regulatory requirements like SECR.
Here’s what we offer:

 Emissions Tracking
Greenly’s intuitive platform tracks Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across your operations, providing you with real-time insights into your carbon footprint.

Carbon Accounting
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Why produce a CSR report? What should the extra-financial report contain and how should it be presented? This article provides all the answers!

Why Produce a CSR Report and How Should it be Presented?

While implementing a CSR policy is essential for your company, CSR reporting is just as important. It is a key factor in improving transparency and gaining credibility in the eyes of your stakeholders! There are many different options for writing and presenting your report. 

👉 In this article, we'll explain what CSR reporting is, why your company should produce a CSR report, and how you can get started with your CSR report.

A CSR report or extra-financial report is a document published by a company periodically (usually annually) to provide evidence of their actions towards improve CSR and their results.

As a reminder, CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility - is the contribution companies create in regards to the challenges of sustainable development. A company that practices CSR aims to have a positive impact on society while remaining economically viable.

The main goal of a CSR report is to provide stakeholders with clear data that summarizes the available information on the company's sustainable actions in a transparent way.

#CSR #ESG & #Sustainability Reporting & Communications. A huge opportunity, but too often missed or blundered.

Prof. Wayne Dunn discusses smart strategy & tactics that will create value & impact. #SDGs #ESG

This video will be interesting for you if you want to learn more about how to CSR and Sustainability Communications and Reporting can be used to create value, competitive advantage and impact.

The CSR Training Institute has programs on CSR Communications and Reporting. Learn more http://bit.ly/CSRLearn

The CSR Training Institute is a private, mission driven organization. It began from a lifelong passion for developing ground-breaking ways that business can serve both shareholders and society.

We are a small, committed team focused on helping organizations of all types to create and capture value at the intersection of business and society.

 Learn how to use CSR, ESG and SDG engagement to create value for your business and society.

See upcoming programs at http://bit.ly/CSRLearn
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/CSR-LinkedIn
Twitter @CSRInstitute https://bit.ly/CSR-Tweet
Instagram: @CSRTraining https://bit.ly/Insta-CSR
Facebook @CSRTrainingInstitute: https://bit.ly/CSR-on-FB
CSR Knowledge Centre: https://bit.ly/CSR-Knowledge-Ctr
Reviews and Comments: https://bit.ly/CSR-WhatTheySay
YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/CSR-YouTube
Website: http://bit.ly/CSR-Value
Info Updates: https://baraka.icu/3V1zJm4

CSR Reporting And Communication

The CSR report is aimed at the company's stakeholders. These internal or external stakeholders can be divided into six main categories: 

For each of these groups, the CSR report aims to provide transparency with regard to the company’s operations and their commitment to the environment and society.

In 2010, the Grenelle II Law redefined the regulatory framework for CSR reporting. Publishing a CSR report is now a legal obligation for:

Companies with a turnover of over €100 million

In this regard, a CSR report serves as proof of a company’s environmental and social commitment.

When it comes to CSR, the legal obligation should be a secondary concern – because for CSR reporting to be effective, you should not simply produce a document to comply with legal obligations without having established a real strategy in advance.

This is because your company will then risk producing a report full of hollow proposals and half-baked initiatives. 

The climate emergency is real, so get ahead of the legislation and show your stakeholders that your company is sincere about wanting to do its part.

Conducting a carbon assessment for your company is a great way of demonstrating your commitment and adding substance to your CSR report. It provides an overall view of your emissions, enabling you to implement actions to reduce them. It is an excellent first step for companies that feel a little confused when faced with the countless possible strategies for action.

The idea of a personal carbon footprint was popularized by a large advertising campaign of the fossil fuel company BP in 2005. This piece of propaganda was designed to shift the responsibility of carbon emissions from the company to the public.

📝 Erratum: @3:30 the vertical axis of the graph should read "CO2 concentration" not temperatures, and the voice-over should say "CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is the highest it has ever been in 400,000." Temperature will follow but fortunately, they are not there yet. 

In this whiteboard animation, I explain what we mean by carbon footprint (definition), how it is calculated, why we need to reduce it and how to reduce it with lots of examples. I also suggest 3 carbon footprint calculators you can use:
If you are in the United States: https://coolclimate.org/calculator
If you are in the United Kingdom: https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/#/
If you are anywhere else: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

0:00 Intro
0:28 What is a carbon footprint?
2:09 How is the carbon footprint calculated?
3:11 Why do we need to reduce our carbon footprint?
3:43 How to reduce our carbon footprint?
6:38 How to support & thank you

Other videos mentioned in this one:
Ecological footprint: https://youtu.be/g_aguo7V0Q4
Climate change (ice core in Antarctica): https://youtu.be/8BgD9xul16g

**
I create engaging sustainability videos to learn & teach. More sustainability videos on www.sustainabilityillustrated.com & http://www.youtube.com/learnsustainability

Help us create more videos like this by becoming a patron: http://www.patreon.com/sustainability.
Subscribe to receive the latest videos: http://alturl.com/jc8u6
Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/7080080f1218/sustainability-illustrated

Videos are created by Alexandre Magnin using years of experience drawing and working as a sustainability consultant with businesses and communities: http://www.amcreative.org

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sustain_Illustr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sustainabilityillustrated
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandremagnin/
**
Resources & credits:
UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2020: https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2020
Tar sand footage from https://youtu.be/fIQkFmKjgEU
Large Low Boom sound effect by duckduckpony on https://freesound.org
Music/guitar: Alexandre Magnin inspired by Paul Davids’ finger picking https://youtu.be/m6b371mNkCw
**
THANK YOU to Chocolate Choice for being a major patron at the time this video was posted. Check out their website to learn about chocolate production and how to buy chocolate that does not involve child slavery during its production: https://chocolatechoice.ca/

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