Reporting
In order to establish a common ground to evaluate local government climate action and a common methodology for measuring and reporting emissions, the Global Covenant of Mayors have developed the common reporting framework in consultation with partners, cities and local governments globally. The common reporting framework consists of a set of recommendations which creates a common reporting language that ensures consistency, enabling some levels of comparison and amalgamation between city data. This data can then be used to inform policy decisions. Whilst this reporting framework aims to enable comparison, it is intended to remain flexible to meet specific local or regional needs.
In 2019, the reporting process was united under a unified reporting platform. Cities which were previously reporting through the Carbonn Climate Registry and/or CDP, now report under an enhanced reporting platform operated by CDP.
Timeline for reporting to GCoM
Within 2 years
Within 1 year
Review
Within 3 years
First year -
GPC Inventory for CO2 in two sectors - stationary energy and inboundary travel
Hazard reporting
Second year -
Target
Activity data?
Vulnerability assessment
Third year -
GPC Inventory with 3 gases & activity data
Climate mitigation plan
climate adaptation plan
Reviews
Complete an updated inventory every 4 years and the inventory year may be no more than 4 years prior to reporting year.
Step by step Guide to Reporting to GCoM
Although there is a recommended progression path in GCoM. GCoM signatories can opt to report for one or several badges at anyone time. The list of questions for each badge is outlined below.
The requirements for each question is outlined in the GCoM reporting guide 2020.
Further resources for mitigation reporting -
Inventories
The Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Inventories (GPC) provides a robust framework for accounting and reporting municipality-wide greenhouse gas emissions.
TARGET
All councils and cities must register a municipality-wide emission reduction target to reduce local GHG emissions, within two years from making a commitment.
The GHG Protocol Mitigation Goal Standards provides guidance for designing national and sub-national mitigation goals, established a standardised approach for assessing and reporting mitigation targets.
Further GCoM Reporting Resources
CLIMATE & ENERGY ACCESS PLAN - GUIDELINES:
GCoM is currently developing Climate and Energy Access Plan which will be included in GCoM reporting in the near future.
