GHG Reporting UAE 2025: A Crucial Step for UAE Businesses’ Sustainability

As the UAE continues to lead the Middle East in environmental and economic transformation, the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting cannot be overstated. In 2025, new requirements will emerge for all businesses in the UAE to report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a move that aligns with the UAE’s vision to create a sustainable and green economy. At Accurate Middle East Research and Consulting, we understand the challenges businesses face in adapting to these new regulations, and we are here to guide you through the entire GHG reporting process. Our green consulting services aim to provide you with not just compliance but efficiency, cost-saving, and optimization.

Why GHG Reporting 2025 is Crucial for Any Businesses in the UAE

The UAE government has been very proactive in positioning the country as a leader in sustainability, with bold initiatives like the UAE Green Agenda and the National Climate Change Plan. As part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the UAE has mandated that all businesses, regardless of size or industry, will need to track and report their greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2025. This shift is designed to align with the UAE Vision 2031 and broader international climate goals, ensuring that the country contributes to global sustainability efforts.

For UAE businesses, adopting ESG practices—including GHG reporting—offers much more than just compliance. It provides tangible benefits that can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance brand reputation. ESG audits help identify inefficiencies and areas where businesses can cut waste, optimize energy usage, and streamline operations—all of which can directly impact the bottom line.

In 2024 the UAE has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the International Standard Carbon Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Programme by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The MRV programme is designed to align with international best practices, ensuring that organizations can transparently measure and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By adopting this standardized framework, businesses operating in the UAE can not only enhance their sustainability practices but also contribute to the nation’s ambitious environmental goals, positioning the country as a leader in climate action within the region.

What is GHG Reporting in the UAE?

Greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting is the process of measuring, tracking, and disclosing the emissions of greenhouse gases that result from a company’s operations. GHGs, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), are critical to understanding a business’s environmental impact. As part of the UAE’s new regulations, all companies will be required to report their GHG emissions in line with international standards, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The GHG reporting system in the UAE will be mandatory for all businesses starting in 2025, meaning companies will need to track emissions from their operations, transport, energy use, waste, and more. Companies will also need to provide a breakdown of direct and indirect emissions, offering a comprehensive view of their environmental impact. This requirement aligns with global climate goals and is part of the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

In addition to the legal requirements, GHG reporting allows businesses to gain deeper insights into their operational carbon footprint, helping them make informed decisions about energy usage, resource management, and sustainability practices.

How to Prepare for GHG Reporting UAE in 2025

Preparing for GHG reporting can seem like a daunting task, especially for businesses that have not yet tracked their emissions. However, with the right approach, the process can be simplified. Here are the key steps to prepare for mandatory GHG reporting:

1. Conduct a Carbon Footprint Assessment: The first step is to understand the scale of your company’s emissions. This involves identifying the sources of emissions within your operations, such as energy consumption, transportation, and waste. Working with an ESG consultant or using carbon footprint calculators can help you measure and quantify your emissions.
2. Track and Collect Data: Once you know the sources of your emissions, you will need to collect and record relevant data. This includes energy bills, fuel consumption records, waste management reports, and transportation logs. Ensuring that this data is accurate and up to date is crucial for successful GHG reporting.
3. Use Standard Reporting Frameworks: GHG reporting is based on established frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064, which provide clear guidelines on how to measure and disclose emissions. These frameworks categorize emissions into three scopes:
   • Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., company vehicles, on-site energy use).
   • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting company.
   • Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, such as those from supply chain activities, product use, and waste disposal.
4. Prepare Your GHG Report: With the data collected and the emissions measured, the next step is to prepare the actual report. This should include your emissions breakdown by scope, any efforts made to reduce emissions, and future plans for achieving sustainability goals. The report will need to be submitted to the relevant regulatory bodies as required by the UAE government.
5. Engage an Expert Consultant: Given the complexity of GHG reporting, many businesses opt to work with professional ESG consultants, like Accurate Middle East, to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance. Consultants can also help businesses identify opportunities to reduce emissions and optimize operations.

Associated Costs of GHG Reporting UAE

The cost of preparing GHG reports in the UAE can vary depending on the complexity of your business operations and the extent of data collection needed. For SMEs, the basic costs are generally more manageable, while larger companies with complex operations may incur higher costs due to the volume of data and analysis required.

• Basic Carbon Footprint Assessment: Typically ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the company’s size and the scope of operations.
• Full GHG Emissions Report: For more detailed reporting that includes reductions strategies and alignment with regulatory standards, costs can range between AED 15,000 and AED 40,000.
• Software Tools for Tracking: Subscription to ESG reporting platforms can cost between AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 annually, depending on the tool’s capabilities.

These costs are an investment in your business’s future, ensuring that your company is compliant, efficient, and prepared for the sustainability requirements of the coming years.

How Accurate Middle East Can Help You in Development of Greenhouse Emissions Report

At Accurate Middle East Research and Consulting, we specialize in providing green consulting services that help businesses navigate the complexities of ESG reporting and sustainability practices. We are here to guide you through every step of GHG reporting in the UAE, ensuring that your company is fully compliant with the UAE’s new regulations.

Whether you are preparing your first GHG report or looking to improve your current sustainability practices, our team of experts is ready to assist. Our comprehensive services include carbon footprint assessments, sustainability strategy development, emissions reduction planning, and full GHG reporting. We also help companies identify areas for improvement, optimize operations, and reduce costs by becoming more energy-efficient.

Green Consulting Services We Provide:

• GHG Emissions Reporting
• Carbon Footprint Assessment
• Sustainability Strategy Development
• Environmental Risk Assessment
• Energy Efficiency and Cost Optimization
• ESG Compliance and Auditing
• Supply Chain Sustainability
• Waste Management and Resource Efficiency
• Green Certifications and Standards (ISO 14064, ISO 50001)

Reach Out to Our Team to Discuss Your Task

Are you ready to start preparing for mandatory GHG reporting in the UAE? Let’s discuss how Accurate Middle East can help you streamline the process and ensure your business remains compliant with the UAE’s sustainability regulations. Reach out to our team today via email team@meaccurate.com or via WhatsApp, and let’s start planning your company’s green future.