This report examines the contribution that corporate reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions makes to the UK meeting its climate change objectives. Current research shows that businesses are considering their environmental impact at the highest level. 62 per cent of FTSE all-share companies reported quantified figures on climate change or energy use in their 2009 annual reports. Measuring emissions, then reporting, enables enabling target-setting which leads to emissions reductions. There is significant and growing interest from investors in GHG emissions data and investor pressure is one of the main drivers for reporting. Though there are costs in the reporting process, the research found additional benefits for companies in areas such as reputation, brand value, improving investor relations and being able to respond to shareholder requests.

This review evaluates the extent to which the EPA¿s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) voluntary programs can significantly reduce future GHG emissions, and whether their data is complete and reliable. The set of voluntary GHG programs reviewed use outreach efforts to recruit program partners and reduce GHG emissions. The greatest barriers to participation were the perceived emission reduction costs and reporting requirements. It is unlikely that these voluntary programs can reduce more than 19% of the projected 2010 GHG emissions for their industry sectors. If EPA wishes to reduce GHG emissions beyond this point, it needs to consider additional policy options. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.