Why Construction Emissions Reporting Is Changing—And How a New Tool Makes It Simple
Why Construction Emissions Reporting Is Changing—And How a New Tool Makes It Simple
What Has Changed: From Construction Firms to Every Business
Historically, tracking construction-related carbon emissions was primarily the domain of property companies. These teams had access to detailed project data and were the only ones actively measuring and managing the embodied carbon impacts of their work.
However, with the introduction of mandatory Scope 3 emissions reporting, this responsibility has expanded far beyond the property sector. Now, many organizations across industries—including banks refurbishing branches, logistics companies expanding warehouses, and retailers renovating stores—must account for the carbon emissions associated with their construction activities. This shift means that businesses without deep construction expertise are suddenly required to understand and report on construction emissions as part of their annual reporting requirements.
The Old Way: Complexity, Cost, and Uncertainty
Until recently, estimating construction emissions required complex data inputs—detailed inventories of materials, supply chain tracking, and project-specific documentation—information typically only available within property companies. Non-property companies faced significant barriers: either hiring costly consultants to develop custom calculations or relying on generic overseas benchmarks that fail to reflect the Australian context accurately.
This complexity and lack of accessible tools have made compliance difficult and slowed progress toward sustainability goals.
The New Way: Instant, Evidence-Based Emissions Estimates
To address this challenge, a new dollar-spend-based calculator has been developed. By using familiar financial data such as P&L or budget figures, finance and ESG teams can now instantly generate reliable estimates of construction-related emissions—no need for detailed inventories or specialist carbon accounting expertise.
This approach is a breakthrough for organizations that undertake construction as a supporting activity rather than their core business. It simplifies compliance, accelerates reporting, and supports better decision-making.
Why This Tool Is Unique—And Why It Matters Now
This tool is built on the largest and most comprehensive Australian construction carbon emissions database, developed by Slattery’s dedicated carbon accounting team. Slattery, a respected construction cost consultancy, has leveraged insights from hundreds of projects to create a reliable, evidence-based reference number tailored to the Australian market.
For the first time, this trusted data is available instantly and free of charge—helping businesses across sectors meet their new reporting obligations with confidence. As Tom Dean, Director of Carbon Planning at Slattery, explains:
“Not everyone has the expertise—or the desire—to go through a super detailed carbon inventory process. By creating a reliable reference number based on our exceptional database, we can help the industry move forward with confidence, making credible emissions reporting accessible for all projects.”
How Different Teams Can Benefit
Finance Managers can quickly meet Scope 3 reporting requirements using data they already have, without costly external support.
Management Accounting Firms can enhance their advisory services with a best-practice, evidence-based solution for construction emissions.
ESG Teams can improve the accuracy and transparency of Net Zero or Carbon Neutral reporting, staying ahead of evolving market and regulatory demands.
With reliable, instant emissions estimates, these teams can better forecast, set targets, and communicate progress—unlocking insights that were previously difficult or impossible to obtain.
Why Slattery Is Leading the Way
Recognizing the growing need for accessible, transparent and credible construction emissions data beyond the construction sector, Slattery developed this tool to fill a critical market gap. By sharing their unmatched expertise and data, Slattery is empowering organizations across industries to accelerate their sustainability journeys.
As Scope 3 reporting becomes the new standard, this tool is not just a convenience—it’s an essential resource for building a more sustainable future for Australia.
