If you’ve ever felt like ESG reporting is a maze of overlapping frameworks, you’re not alone. But the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) just dropped a major update that could help clear the path.
On June 26, GRI launched two new standards:
- GRI 102: Climate Change
- GRI 103: Energy
These aren’t minor tweaks. They represent a full overhaul of how companies are expected to report on emissions, transition strategies, energy use, and even the social impact of climate action.
What’s New in GRI 102 & 103?
GRI 102 dives deep into climate disclosures — covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, adaptation plans, science-based targets, and the role companies play in enabling a “just transition.” That means you’re not just reporting numbers—you’re accounting for how your climate strategy impacts workers, Indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups.
GRI 103, on the other hand, tackles energy use. It asks companies to go beyond total consumption and talk about efficiency, renewable vs. non-renewable breakdown, and energy intensity across the entire value chain.
Together, these two standards are designed to help organisations give a much clearer, more complete picture of their environmental footprint.
These updates, published on June 26, 2025, mark a significant evolution in how companies are expected to disclose climate and energy data—emphasising both emissions and the human impact of transition strategies.
Why This Matters (A Lot)
Here’s the standout part: these standards are built to work alongside other major frameworks like the GHG Protocol, ISSB’s IFRS S2, SBTi, and the EU’s ESRS. That means companies can stop duplicating work and start streamlining their disclosures.
It’s a big step toward the kind of interoperability the ESG world has been asking for. GRI even calls it “plug-and-play” reporting. And with rising expectations for transparency, that’s not just convenient—it’s crucial.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
The release of GRI 102 and 103 also sends a message: climate and energy reporting can’t ignore people. By building just transition disclosures into the core framework, GRI is pushing organizations to think beyond carbon and toward equity.
It also reflects the shift from voluntary ESG to mandatory, regulated sustainability disclosures—especially in markets like the EU and India, where alignment with global standards is rapidly becoming the norm.
Finally
If you’re in the sustainability space, GRI’s new standards aren’t just another update—they’re a signal. One that says the ESG reporting landscape is maturing, consolidating, and demanding more meaningful disclosures.
At EcoActive ESG, we stay on top of these shifts to help sustainability leaders stay ahead of evolving requirements—clearly, confidently, and with context.
