Introduction
As the ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI) enters the 2026 reporting cycle, a targeted set of updates has been introduced to further strengthen data quality, comparability, and practical usability. Building on feedback from GPs, LPs, and portfolio companies, the 2026 changes focus on refining existing metrics, expanding optional reporting capabilities, and improving methodological clarity across the submission process.
Below, we summarise the most important updates to help you prepare for the 2026 EDCI submission with confidence.
See 2026 EDCI guidance here
Summary of Key Changes for 2026
Enhanced Clarity in Core Metrics Guidance
Fund-Level Consistency: The “year of initial investment” has been shifted from GP-level to fund-level, improving consistency and enabling clearer year-on-year analysis.
Workforce Definitions: A formal definition of Average FTEs has been added, alongside clearer guidance on how to calculate net new hires and turnover using standardised formulas.
Scope 3 Materiality Indicator: A new optional yes/no field allows organisations to indicate whether Scope 3 emissions are material, supporting more transparent climate disclosures.
Expanded Climate and Emissions Reporting
Attribution Factor (Optional): A new optional field has been introduced to support the calculation of financed emissions, aligning EDCI reporting more closely with PCAF methodologies.
Decarbonisation Target Validation: Updated response options now allow organisations to indicate whether short-term emissions reduction targets have been externally validated (e.g. by SBTi).
Renewable Energy Methodology: Additional detail has been added to clarify acceptable approaches and calculations for renewable energy consumption reporting.
New and Evolving Metrics
Cybersecurity Metric (Optional): A new optional KPI on cybersecurity testing has been introduced, reflecting growing investor focus on governance and operational resilience.
Commercial Outcomes Pilot: An optional new section enables interested GPs to explore how progress on EDCI metrics may link to commercial outcomes such as cost savings, revenue growth, or risk reduction.
Template and Classification Updates
Industry Mapping Enhancements: Sub-industry options have been refined, with clearer guidance on maintaining consistent industry classifications over time unless a genuine business model change has occurred.
Improved Template Usability: Auto-populated (grey) columns have been moved to the end of the template, improving navigation and data entry efficiency.
Why These Changes Matter
The 2026 updates reflect the EDCI’s continued evolution from a foundational reporting framework toward a more decision-useful ESG dataset. By improving methodological clarity, aligning with leading climate standards, and introducing optional metrics in areas such as cybersecurity and commercial outcomes, the initiative enables participants to generate more robust insights while maintaining flexibility across diverse strategies and asset classes
Conclusion
The 2026 EDCI changes are designed to support higher-quality, more comparable ESG data without increasing unnecessary reporting burden. By familiarising yourself with these updates and integrating them into your data collection processes, you can ensure a smoother submission cycle and contribute to a more meaningful and actionable ESG benchmark across private markets