What Are Scope 3 Emissions?

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Unpacking Scope 3 carbon emissions by first defining what Scope 3 emissions are, with examples, then sharing three ways to manage these indirect emissions.

Carbon emissions classification often comes in three major scopes—Scope 1, 2, and 3—each reflecting a different level of organizational influence and control over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Scope 1 and 2 emissions are typically easier to quantify, largely representing an organization’s direct emissions from fossil fuel combustion and indirect emissions from purchased electricity, respectively. However, depending on the complexity of a company and its supply chain, the majority of a company’s carbon footprint can stem from Scope 3 emissions. These emissions are generated from all other indirect sources that occur due to an organization’s activities but originate from sources not owned or controlled by the organization. Understanding and accounting for Scope 3 emissions, and then ultimately reducing Scope 3 emissions, are crucial steps for businesses aspiring to develop a comprehensive sustainability program.

Scope 3 Emissions: A Deeper Look

Scope 3 emissions encompass a broad range of activities that aren’t directly owned or controlled by an organization. In its guidance for quantifying Scope 3 emissions, the GHG Protocol groups Scope 3 emissions into 15 distinct categories.

Here’s a brief definition of each category:

1. Purchased goods and services: Emissions from the production of goods and services bought by the company.
2. Capital goods: Emissions from the life-cycle of long-term goods (e.g., machinery, buildings).
3. Fuel-and energy-related activities: Emissions linked to the production of fuels and energy purchased by the company, not included in Scope 1 or 2.
4. Upstream transportation and distribution: Emissions from the transportation and storage of goods and materials purchased by the company, but transported by a third party.
5. Waste generated in operations: Emissions from disposal and treatment of waste generated by the company’s operations.
6. Business travel: Emissions from business travel undertaken by employees in vehicles not owned or controlled by the company.
7. Employee commuting: Emissions from employees commuting to and from work.
8. Upstream leased assets: Emissions from leased assets that the company doesn’t directly control or operate.
9. Downstream transportation and distribution: Emissions from the transportation, storage, and delivery of goods sold by the company, where this transportation is not controlled by the company.
10. Processing of sold products: Emissions arising from the processing of goods sold by the company (e.g., cooking of food sold by a retailer).
11. Use of sold products: Emissions from the use of goods and services sold by the company.
12. End-of-life treatment of sold products: Emissions from the disposal and treatment of goods sold by the company when those goods reach their end-of-life stage.
13. Downstream leased assets: Emissions from the operation of assets leased out by the company.
14. Franchises: Emissions from franchisees’ operations.
15. Investments: Emissions from the operation of investments not owned or controlled by the reporting company, but for which the company has financial investment.

To dig deeper into some specific areas, we have explored what potential emissions sources would be included in the following example categories:

Understanding and accurately categorizing and then quantifying the carbon from each of these emissions sources is important for an organization aiming to develop a comprehensive GHG accounting program across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. It not only ensures correct reporting and accurate disclosures but also helps in identifying significant sources of emissions, thereby informing effective mitigation strategies to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

Supply chains, in particular, can add a level of complexity to Scope 3 carbon emissions accounting. Consider the different tiers of suppliers: Tier I suppliers, who directly supply to the company; Tier II suppliers who supply to Tier I suppliers; and Tier III suppliers, who supply to Tier II suppliers. Each supplier within each tier can have its unique emissions profile, contributing to the overall Scope 3 emissions of an organization. Understanding this structure and how emissions propagate through the supply chain can prove challenging but is important in guiding effective strategies for emissions reduction.

Scope 3 Emissions: A Spend-Based Perspective

While the vastness of Scope 3 emissions can be overwhelming, a useful starting point for many companies is a spend-based perspective. This involves looking at procurement and purchasing decisions and evaluating GHG emissions associated with financial transactions, with a focus on its largest spending categories. For instance, a company that spends a large portion of its budget on air travel will likely find that this is a significant source of Scope 3 emissions.

However, while a spend-based approach can help highlight potential areas of significant emissions, it is not without its challenges. Estimates derived from this method tend to be rough and lack accuracy due to the broad assumptions made about GHG emission factors. Thus, they should serve as a tool for initial identification and subsequent detailed evaluation rather than a definitive quantification of emissions.

The Life Cycle Informed Approach

The life cycle-informed approach offers a more comprehensive perspective on Scope 3 emissions. It considers the emissions from all stages of a product or service's life cycle, from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling.

This approach can unveil less obvious but substantial sources of emissions that a spend-based approach might overlook. It also promotes a broader understanding of a product or service’s environmental impact, informing more strategic and impactful mitigation measures.

Supplier Specific Data

Diving deeper into the complexities of Scope 3 emissions, we find that supplier engagement plays a significant role, particularly in industries with complex supply chains. Therefore, implementing a supplier-specific approach is a robust strategy for managing Scope 3 emissions.

For example, supplier questionnaires can be a powerful tool for gathering data about suppliers' GHG emissions, environmental practices, and sustainability strategies. This approach enables an organization to quantify Scope 3 emissions accurately and helps identify potential areas for improvement and collaboration. This information can help companies create a comprehensive emissions profile, leading to more accurate tracking and better decision-making processes.

Integrating the emissions contributions from Tier I, II, and III suppliers into this discussion reveals an intricate web of relationships and emission sources that define Scope 3 emissions. Navigating complex supplier relationships, understanding the unique emissions profile from suppliers across each tier, and incorporating this data into carbon accounting practices can significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of your Scope 3 emissions management.

Conclusion

Accurately assessing and managing Scope 3 emissions requires a plan, stakeholder engagement, and significant volumes of data, which may feel overwhelming for many organizations. CarbonBetter offers support to ensure the proper implementation of GHG accounting methodologies, the correct categorization of emissions, and the establishment of repeatable processes for accuracy year after year. Don't tackle the complexities of Scope 3 emissions alone; we are here to help wherever you are in your sustainability journey. Contact us today to get started.

About the Author

Nicole Sullivan leads CarbonBetter’s climate practice, helping organizations measure, reduce, offset, and report on environmental impacts, including carbon emissions, water, and waste.

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