Scope 3 Carbon Emissions Explained
Reducing carbon emissions is critical for businesses aiming for net zero.
It’s important to understand the three scopes of emissions and how they affect your business’s carbon footprint.
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Scope 1 Emissions:
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the business, such as fuel used in company vehicles or boilers. These are the easiest to track because the business has direct control over them.
Scope 2 Emissions:
Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased energy, like electricity. Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar power, as offered by Shawton Energy, can significantly reduce Scope 2 emissions.
Scope 3 Emissions:
Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions occurring in the company’s value chain, such as emissions from suppliers, product use, waste, and transportation. These typically account for the majority of a business’s carbon footprint and are the hardest to manage, but reducing them is key to achieving net zero.
How to Calculate Scope 3 Emissions
Calculating Scope 3 emissions involves gathering data across various activities and partners in your value chain. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol and UK government resources like DEFRA offer tools and emission factors to calculate your impact.
Steps for calculating Scope 3 emissions:
- Identify key emission categories (e.g., supply chain, product use, business travel).
- Gather data from suppliers, partners, and internal departments.
- Apply emission factors from trusted sources like the GHG Protocol to estimate emissions.
Reducing Scope 3 Emissions
To effectively reduce Scope 3 emissions, businesses can:
- Engage suppliers: Work with suppliers who adopt sustainable practices and renewable energy.
- Optimise logistics: Minimise transportation emissions by improving efficiency and reducing waste.
- Improve product design: Focus on sustainable materials and reducing emissions during product use.
- Educate employees: Implement sustainable practices for business travel and commuting.
Standards & Frameworks for Carbon Management
Several standards and frameworks guide businesses in managing their emissions:
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
ISO 14064
Useful Resources
- Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Tools for calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
- DEFRA: UK government emission factors.
- CDP: Provides reporting frameworks for managing carbon emissions.
- Calculate your business carbon savings using Shawton Energy’s Commercial Solar Calculator
Case Study: Shawton Energy’s Impact With Princes Group
Shawton Energy partnered with international food and drink manufacturing business Princes Group to help them reduce their carbon footprint through commercial solar energy solutions. In the first year alone, the installation resulted in a significant carbon savings of 135,776 kg. This initiative highlights the powerful role solar energy can play in reducing Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, helping companies make meaningful progress towards their net zero goals.
This case also demonstrates how businesses like Princes Group, can achieve large-scale carbon reduction through renewable energy investments.
Shawton Energy is committed to helping businesses reduce emissions through sustainable, scalable solar energy solutions that align with their net zero goals. Contact us today to see how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
FAQ on Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions
What are Scope 3 emissions?
What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned sources (e.g., company vehicles).
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy (e.g., electricity).
- Scope 3: All other indirect emissions in the value chain (e.g., supply chain, product lifecycle).
Why are Scope 3 emissions important?
How can you calculate Scope 3 emissions?
How can you reduce your business’s Scope 3 emissions?
- Engaging with suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.
- Improving product design for sustainability.
- Minimising transportation emissions.
- Encouraging sustainable business travel and commuting.
What is the GHG Protocol?
What are the categories of Scope 3 emissions?
Where to start with reducing your Scope 3 emissions?
Are financed emissions Scope 3?
Are Scope 3 emissions mandatory?
How are Scope 3 emissions calculated?
How many companies report Scope 3 emissions?
For more information, you can explore the GHG Protocol or the CDP for guidelines and resources to assist with Scope 3 emissions reporting.