Introduction: Climate Compliance as a Corporate Compass The climate crisis isn’t just a backdrop anymore—it’s reshaping the entire corporate landscape, especially through new regulatory compliance standards. Picture these rules as a compass, guiding companies through the complex terrain of climate responsibility.
GRI’s New Climate and Energy Reporting Standards Unveiled Just this June, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) unveiled new Climate Change and Energy Standards aimed at creating a transparent and accountable framework for companies worldwide. These aren’t just any regulations—they represent a shift towards deeper transparency about how businesses impact the climate and manage energy use.
The revamped standards emphasize more than carbon emissions; they include principles of “just transition,” which means companies must report on how their climate actions affect workers and communities, especially those vulnerable in the shift to greener economies.
The standards also require firms to disclose their strategies for phasing out fossil fuels and explain how their plans align with scientific climate targets. It’s like opening the company’s playbook on climate action for all stakeholders, including investors who are increasingly interested in sustainable practices.
California’s Bold Move: SB 253 and SB 261 Compliance Meanwhile, in California, state laws SB 253 and SB 261 push businesses towards mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting and climate risk disclosure. The state government perceives voluntary reporting as insufficient, demanding hard data to combat the climate crisis.
Companies are encouraged to start preparing now, even though official guidance may lag until late 2025. The approach is pragmatic: regulators will exercise enforcement discretion for firms making a good faith effort to disclose emissions properly. It’s a gradual onboarding process for businesses, nudging them toward full compliance with transparency principles like those in the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
EPA’s Regulatory Reevaluation: A Double-Edged Sword On the regulatory front, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reevaluating several major rules on clean power, oil and gas emissions, greenhouse gas reporting, and other key climate policies. This review stems from an executive order to revisit federal regulations.
While some perceive this as a step back—such as the recent repeal of the methane emissions charge for petroleum and natural gas—it also highlights the dynamic nature of climate regulatory compliance. Companies must stay alert to evolving rules that affect operational and reporting requirements.
What This Means for Businesses and Stakeholders The key takeaway? Climate compliance is becoming more than checkbox reporting; it’s an integral part of corporate strategy and risk management. Transparent disclosure enables businesses to build trust and resilience in a world facing climate uncertainties.
For practitioners, experts advise early preparation, integrating climate risk assessment and emissions tracking into everyday operations. Offering clear, credible disclosures is not just regulatory compliance but a pathway to staying competitive and aligned with global sustainability goals.
In Summary:
- The GRI’s new standards enforce comprehensive climate and energy transparency, including social impacts.
- California’s SB 253 and SB 261 are pushing for mandatory emissions and risk reporting, with flexible early enforcement.
- EPA is reviewing major climate rules, signaling potential shifts in regulatory expectations.
- Businesses need to adopt proactive compliance strategies to navigate this evolving landscape.
By embracing these regulations as tools rather than hurdles, companies can lead the way on climate accountability – a journey that benefits people, planet, and profit.
References:
- https://www.esgtoday.com/gri-releases-new-climate-and-energy-reporting-standards/
- https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com
- https://www.iss-corporate.com/resources/blog/california-climate-accountability-getting-started-on-sb-253-and-sb-261-reporting/
- https://www.oahornets.org/87568_3
- https://www.clearygottlieb.com/news-and-insights/publication-listing/climate-energy-eu-policy-regulation-update-2025-06-25
- https://help.webex.com/en-us/article/o6f77s/O-novo-para-os-supervisores-em-Webex-Contact-Center
- https://greencentralbanking.com/2025/06/24/us-pressure-for-laxer-climate-rules-puts-world-at-greater-financial-risk-experts-say/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/help/
