What are Scope 3 emissions and why do they matter?

What are Scope 3 emissions, how can they be measured and what benefit is there to organisations measuring them?

Truck on the motorway

What are Scope 3 emissions?

Greenhouse gas emissions are categorised into three groups or 'Scopes' by the most widely-used international accounting tool, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.

 

 

The GHG Protocol’s Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard identifies 15 categories. 

Why should an organisation measure its Scope 3 emissions?

There are a number of benefits associated with measuring Scope 3 emissions.  For many companies, the majority of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and cost reduction opportunities lie outside their own operations.  By measuring Scope 3 emissions, organisations can:

  • Assess where the emission hotspots are in their supply chain;
  • Identify resource and energy risks in their supply chain;
  • Identify which suppliers are leaders and which are laggards in terms of their sustainability performance;
  • Identify energy efficiency and cost reduction opportunities in their supply chain;
  • Engage suppliers and assist them to implement sustainability initiatives
  • Improve the energy efficiency of their products
  • Positively engage with employees to reduce emissions from business travel and employee commuting.

How can my organisation measure its Scope 3 carbon emissions and value chain carbon footprint?

We offer a range of services to help you measure and manage your value and supply chain emissions:

Value and supply chain sustainability

Includes building a low carbon strategy and supplier engagement.

Footprint measurement and analysis

Includes calculation of your organisation or product carbon footprint.  

An introductory guide to Scope 3 emissions

Includes the key considerations businesses and public bodies must bear in mind when measuring and reporting Scope 3 emissions. 
 

To find out more about any of the above, please contact us.

Read more about the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard at the GHG Protocol website.

 

 

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