California’s climate disclosure laws are now real. We’ll get you compliant.
SB 253 emissions disclosures and SB 261 climate-related financial risk reports, managed end to end. We build the inventory, prepare the disclosure package, and file with CARB on your schedule.
Two laws. Different thresholds. Both apply if you do business in California.
SB 253 (Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) requires US-formed entities with over $1B in annual revenue doing business in California to publicly disclose Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. CARB adopted initial implementing regulations in February 2026, the first reporting deadline for Scope 1 and 2 is November 10, 2026. Scope 3 reporting requirements are still in proposal stage for 2027+.
SB 261 (Climate-Related Financial Risk Act) requires entities with over $500M in annual revenue to file biennial reports on climate-related financial risks, aligned with TCFD recommendations. First reports were due January 1, 2026 however, enforcement is currently on pause due to active federal litigation.
Both laws apply regardless of where the company is headquartered. Penalties run up to $500,000 per reporting year for SB 253 non-filing or late filing.
SB 253 compliance begins with a GHG Protocol-aligned inventory, see our carbon accounting service.
From determination of scope to CARB filing.
We determine your reporting obligations
Revenue thresholds, “doing business in California” determination, consolidated entity reporting, subsidiary aggregation. We map exactly what SB 253 and SB 261 require for your specific entity structure.
We build the disclosure package
For SB 253: an auditable Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions inventory aligned to the GHG Protocol & CARB requirements. For SB 261: a TCFD-aligned climate risk assessment with governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics disclosed.
We file with CARB on your timeline
We prepare the final disclosure documents, coordinate third-party assurance where required, and file. Then we update the program annually as CARB issues new rulemaking, your workflows update automatically.
The Greenplaces team provided critical support to help us navigate California SB 253 and 261 requirements. They made data collection and report generation a stressless process. Much more than a technology platform, Greenplaces is our business partner.
The same GHG inventory is a foundational step for several reporting and target frameworks including CDP, SBTi, Ecovadis, GRI, and others.
What people ask us first.
We’re not headquartered in California. Does this still apply?
Yes, if you meet the revenue threshold and “do business in California”, which is interpreted broadly. Most companies above the threshold with even modest California presence (sales, employees, customers) are in scope. We make the legal determination during scoping.
What’s the penalty for non-compliance?
SB 253 carries administrative penalties up to $500,000 per reporting year for non-filing or late filing. SB 261 penalties are still being finalized by CARB. Reputational risk for a public filing miss is often the bigger cost.
When do we need to start?
Now. SB 253 Scope 1 and 2 disclosures are due November 10, 2026. Building a defensible emissions inventory takes months, especially Scope 3. Companies starting after Q2 2026 are likely to miss the deadline or file incomplete data, both carry penalty risk.
Can we reuse this for CDP and SBTi?
Yes, this is the core argument for working with us. The Scope 1, 2, and 3 inventory required for SB 253 is the same data CDP scores, that SBTi validates against, that EcoVadis evaluates. Build it once with us, deploy to every framework.
SB 253 deadline: November 10, 2026. Be ready.
30-minute strategy call. We’ll determine your scope, identify gaps, and map a path to CARB-ready disclosure. No cost, no commitment.