Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
What you need to know.
Scope 1, 2 and 3 is a way of categorising the different kinds of carbon emissions a company creates in its own operations, and in its wider value chain.
The term first appeared in the Green House Gas Protocol of 2001 and today, Scopes are the basis for mandatory GHG reporting in the UK.
If you’re hearing about Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for the first time, it’s unlikely to be the last. Think of it in terms of three categories of emissions;
- Scope 1 emissions— This one covers the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions that a company makes directly — for example while running its boilers and vehicles.
- Scope 2 emissions — These are the emissions it makes indirectly – like when the electricity or energy it buys for heating and cooling buildings, is being produced on its behalf.
- Scope 3 emissions — Now here’s where it gets tricky. In this category go all the emissions associated, not with the company itself, but that the organisation is indirectly responsible for, up and down its value chain. For example, from buying products from its suppliers, and from its products when customers use them. Emissions-wise, Scope 3 is nearly always the big one.
Five things you need to know about Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions:
Scope 1 and 2 are most within an organisation’s control.
In some cases, the solutions exist to deliver net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Scope 3 is often where the impact is.
Businesses also have less control on how Scope 3 emissions are addressed.
Committing to reach net zero will involve tackling your Scope 3 emissions.
Keep learning
For more insight and inspiration on how to approach your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, explore our collection of articles below.
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