Here's a look back at the products, features, and improvements we added to Watershed over the last 3 months. We post an update each quarter to keep you informed about new functionality and improvements that could help your work. These updates were released since August 1, 2025.
California SB 261
Our report builder for California SB 261 went live to all in August. It includes a benchmark panel that lets you see how your peers have answered similar questions in their CDP reports. To help you draft this report, we have shipped AI suggestions in beta to identify missing or insufficient content in your report answers before submission. We’re also adding AI-assisted drafts, which will be available in beta in early November.
Note: for customers preparing for SB 261, we're offering weekly trainings with our policy experts to help you prepare: Sign up here (requires log-in).
Improved data lineage
We made improvements to our data lineage tools to help accelerate audits and enable you to answer more detailed questions about your footprints. With this release, you are able to:
- See every transformation from ingestion all the way to the final footprint.
- Examine any individual row to understand how a transformation affected it.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone is an open data initiative by Watershed, the Sustainable Solutions Lab at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and ERG, to maintain and expand public access to two critical emissions datasets: Open CEDA and the USEEIO. We launched the initiative in August with a commitment to update both datasets annually and eventually merge them into the most comprehensive open dataset available. Learn more and download the data here.
CEDA 2025
The 2025 CEDA update is now available as an option inside Watershed. Customers can opt to use CEDA 2025 for measurement. Updates also went live to Open CEDA and USEEIO, which are available for free on Cornerstonedata.org.
2025 database updates:
We've also updated the fuel-related and electricity-related databases across our methodology to use the latest data available as of October 2025. This will allow customers who use emissions factors like DEFRA 2025, NGAF 2025, etc to access those numbers.
Kyoto gas breakdown
At times, you need to report on specific Kyoto gasses (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3) in addition to overall tCO2e. We’re expanding our coverage of that methodology. Scope 1 + 2 tCO2e emissions can now be broken down by Kyoto gas. You can also upload your own Kyoto gas breakdowns. Learn more here.
EU data residency
EU data residency has been available in beta for a while, but in August 2025 it moved to general availability. Customers can choose to have Watershed run out of European data centers, including data ingestion, processing, and file storage.
Announced and available soon
In addition to the releases over the last few months, we announced two new products in alpha/beta that will be available to all customers soon.
Product Footprints
At New York Climate Week in September, Watershed announced AI-powered product footprints for faster, more accurate scope 3 data and measurement. Product Footprints uses AI to map your supply chain emissions, incorporating material, facility, and process details to deliver accurate insights that drive smarter product design and procurement decisions. While the general availability is slated for 2026, this upcoming release is available for beta-comfortable customers today. If interested, talk with your customer success manager.
SB 253 and the Guaranteed Assurance Program
On the heels of SB 261, Watershed is on schedule to have an SB 253 report builder in time for the June deadline. We’ve been in close conversation with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and we will release the SB 253 builder generally once CARB confirms the final template.
In addition, we have announced a Guaranteed Assurance Program for customers who use our standard methodologies and purchase a verification support package. When you sign up for our Guaranteed Assurance program, a Watershed expert will work with you and your auditor until you pass assurance for SB 253. If you don’t pass, we’ll waive fees for the following year, up to $250,000. More details here.
We hope you enjoy exploring these new capabilities! As always, Watershed customers can find more information and ongoing updates in the learning hub.
