FREE FACTSHEET: Why does Scope 3 matter for sustainable business?

The concept of "Scopes" 1, 2, and 3 emissions comes from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), which is a widely recognised international standard for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The GHG Protocol was created through a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in the late 1990s. It was developed to provide businesses and governments with a comprehensive framework for tracking, reporting, and reducing greenhouse gases across various levels of operations.

Here’s a quick overview of the three scopes as defined by the GHG Protocol:

1. Scope 1 (direct emissions): These are emissions that come directly from sources owned or controlled by the organisation, such as fuel combustion in company-owned vehicles or emissions from on-site manufacturing processes.
2. Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy): This scope covers emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling used by the company. These are indirect emissions because they occur at the utility provider level rather than within the company itself.
3. Scope 3 (other indirect emissions): Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions resulting from a company's activities that aren’t covered by Scope 2. This category is often the largest and most complex, encompassing emissions from the entire value chain, including suppliers, transportation, product use, waste, and employee travel.

Why are Scope 3 emissions so important? 

For many organisations, Scope 3 emissions account for over 70% of their total emissions footprint, making them a crucial area for impactful climate action. Reducing Scope 3 emissions can improve a company's environmental impact significantly but requires a close collaboration with suppliers, partners, and even customers.

Our new Scope 3 Emissions Factsheet is designed to make this journey easier. It provides guidance on what’s in and out of scope,  upstream and downstream emissions overview, and what data you need to accurately measure your Scope 3 emissions. 

Moving the needle on Scope 3 is challenging, but it’s one of the most impactful ways to align with global climate goals. By focusing on emissions beyond our immediate operations, we can help build a sustainable future for all.

Explore the factsheet today and join us on the path to decarbonising the entire value chain!