Calculating Scope 3 emissions

“Hitting your Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions targets is the first step. But reporting on Scope 3 emissions is just as important, and often twice as hard. In many cases, it requires specialist tools and expertise.”

Catherine Wheatley, Head of Data, Technology and Analytics, Mitie

You may already have a firm understanding of your Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. But new regulations are placing increased focus on Scope 3 – and that can present a much bigger challenge.

Quantifying the indirect emissions from sprawling supply chains can be incredibly complicated.

But there are some things you can do to make it easier…

There are currently 15 different categories of Scope 3 emissions alone

… so the first step is to assess how well you understand the criteria. Ask yourself if you have the internal resources to manage these requirements.

If the answer is no, you may want to find a specialist partner, so your own people can focus on the tasks that add value to your carbon reduction strategies.

Once you’ve made this decision, you need to engage with your supply chain partners, so you can measure and report on how their emissions contribute to your carbon footprint.

It's important to note that you can't make your suppliers change their habits, or even be transparent with their data. However, you can make choices about which suppliers you use based on their behaviours.

Choosing partners who also prioritise decarbonisation, and who are willing to work with you to achieve a common goal, will make a huge difference to your carbon reporting and reduction journey.

There are several tools and solutions designed specifically to help you calculate and report on Scope 3 emissions. Our very own Emissions Intelligence service can help you do all of this – and more.

Scope 3 checklist

1

Establish your level of understanding and in-house capabilities

2

Decide whether to outsource or tackle Scope 3 in-house

3

Engage and review your supply chain partners with Scope 3 reporting in mind

4

If relevant, reassess your supply chain partners and find those better aligned with your own beliefs and goals

5

Explore the tools available to help you accurately measure and effectively report on Scope 3 emissions