Better Buildings partners from the commercial sector recently participated in a peer exchange to discuss common challenges to data management. Partners including Colorado State University, University of Chicago, Mayo Clinic, and Boston Medical Center shared their experiences and valuable insights. Key topics of discussion included emissions tracking data tools, how their organization defines their emissions reporting boundary, and tracking scope 3 emissions.
Current Challenges
A key component of data management is collecting and processing data so it is organized, easily accessible, and able to be analyzed. However, partners shared that finding a tool that can track not only emissions data, but also utility and billing data, poses challenges. For one partner, the best option was to use several tools to track their data to ensure they get the results they need.
Tracking data is also getting more complex as scope 3 emissions become an increasingly common focus area. One partner noted the difficulties in tracking emissions from leased spaces and from employee commuting. Additionally, several partners commented on the difficulties in tracking emissions from procured items; it can be a large undertaking, especially for outsourced materials.
Another challenge raised by several partners was how to respond to changes in emissions inventory protocol when it expands to include emissions that were previously unaccounted for. DOE’s data team clarified that although the emissions were not previously being accounted for directly in the inventory, they were always there. Therefore, the next step would be a recalculation of the base year to ensure these changes are accounted for. Otherwise, an organization will show an increase in emissions even though that may not be the case. It is best practice to set recalculation thresholds so it is clear when to recalculate the base year. A recalculation threshold can be specified within an Inventory Management Plan.
Future Trends
As decarbonization continues to gain attention among organizations and their stakeholders, data reporting and data management will adapt. One noteworthy trend in data management is the increase in regulatory requirements for emissions disclosures. One partner on the call described their experience as they’re located within a jurisdiction that requires organizations to report energy usage and meet emission reduction targets. This partner noted that they have found it useful to have an open line of communication between their organization and the city to discuss ways they can work together. This was echoed by another partner located in a different state that has similar requirements from their city’s Building Performance Standards as well as state-prescribed emissions reduction requirements.
Achieving Successful Data Management
Many commercial sector partners that participated in this peer exchange are making great progress in their data management. Review the presentation to learn more about the strategies discussed.