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California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (CCDAA)
CDP Reporting Framework
CSRD Compliance: EU & Non-EU Guide
International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)
Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF)
Understanding the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) is a global initiative focused on carbon accounting, providing a standardized framework for financial institutions to measure and disclose carbon emissions associated with their loans and investments. The PCAF standard promotes consistent carbon accounting practices, helping organizations improve carbon emissions reporting and meet Scope 3 emissions disclosure requirements.

Although voluntary, the PCAF framework is widely accepted and is referenced in some mandatory frameworks related to Scope 3 reporting, establishing its credibility. Financial institutions can use PCAF to strengthen institutional credibility, attract sustainability-focused investors and support alignment with global climate goals.

  • Banks and lending institutions that need to measure and disclose financed emissions and Scope 3 emissions from loans and credit facilities using the PCAF methodology.
  • Asset managers and firms managing mutual funds to calculate emissions associated with their investment holdings in line with the PCAF framework.
  • Asset owners, such as pension funds, to understand and report the carbon footprint of their portfolios using PCAF standards.
  • Insurance companies to account for emissions from invested assets following the PCAF framework.
  • Public financial institutions seeking to align climate reporting with global disclosure frameworks and Scope 3 emissions requirements.

PCAF reporting does not have a single, fixed submission date and there are no formal PCAF deadlines. However, organizations using the PCAF framework should align their reporting timelines with other regulatory frameworks that include deadlines for Scope 3 emissions disclosure and broader climate-related reporting requirements.

Companies must disclose their Scope 3 emissions and financed emissions in line with the PCAF framework to ensure consistent and transparent carbon accounting. This includes reporting emissions associated with loans, investments and other financed activities, as well as emissions linked to supply chains and portfolio holdings. Using the PCAF methodology helps organisations improve the accuracy and comparability of emissions disclosure across their financial activities.

  • Apply the PCAF methodology to support accurate carbon accounting and ensure alignment with PCAF standards.
  • Quantify and calculate financed emissions to strengthen PCAF reporting and Scope 3 emissions disclosures.
  • Implement systems and tools to track, manage and report emissions data across portfolios.
  • Engage with portfolio companies to collect the necessary data and develop calculation methodologies aligned with the PCAF methodology.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to communicate commitments to transparent carbon accounting and climate reporting.
  • Support your organisation in joining the PCAF initiative to access resources, guidance and industry best practices for PCAF reporting.

Whether you’re preparing your first Scope 3 emissions report or need support with PCAF reporting, Sphera can help you collect, calculate and disclose emissions data in line with the PCAF framework. Contact us to learn how we can support your carbon accounting and emissions reporting efforts.

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