ESG Standards Playbook

Question 1

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)

Answer 1

Guidebook for companies on what ESG info to report to stay transparent.
💡 Use when discussing disclosure expectations.

Question 2

TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)

Answer 2

Focuses on climate risks & financial impacts — helps companies disclose risks to investors.
💡 Great for finance and risk roles.

Question 3

SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)

Answer 3

Sets standards to show investors financial and sustainability performance.
💡 Drop this when talking investor relations or ESG metrics.

Question 4

UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Answer 4

17 global goals to tackle big issues like poverty, climate, equality by 2030.
💡 Use to connect ESG efforts to global priorities.

Question 5

BREEAM

Answer 5

(UK-based) Certifies buildings on sustainability, energy efficiency, and materials.
💡 Flex in roles related to construction, real estate, or facilities management.

Question 6

Scope 1 Emissions

Answer 6

Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources — think company’s own smokestacks or fleet.
💡 Use this to show you get the direct impact side.

Question 7

Scope 2 Emissions

Answer 7

Indirect emissions from purchased energy — like electricity your company buys.
💡 Shows you understand energy sourcing impact.

Question 8

Scope 3 Emissions

Answer 8

All other indirect emissions in the value chain — from suppliers, product use, disposal, etc.
💡 Big flex when talking supply chains or lifecycle thinking.