Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have become a major environmental concern globally due to their impact on the Earth's climate system. Businesses and organizations are responsible for a significant portion of GHG emissions, and measuring and managing these emissions has become an important aspect of corporate sustainability. The GHG Protocol, developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), provides a widely accepted framework for measuring and reporting GHG emissions. The GHG Protocol distinguishes between three scopes of emissions, known as Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. This post provides an overview of each scope and their significance in addressing climate change.
Scope 1 Emissions
Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by an organization. Examples of Scope 1 emissions include emissions from combustion of fossil fuels in boilers and furnaces, emissions from company-owned vehicles, and emissions from chemical production processes. Scope 1 emissions are considered to be the most significant source of emissions for many organizations, especially those in energy-intensive industries like manufacturing and mining.
Scope 2 Emissions
Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam by an organization. These emissions occur outside of the organization's operational control but are related to the organization's activities. For example, a company that purchases electricity from a coal-fired power plant is responsible for the GHG emissions associated with the electricity generation. Scope 2 emissions are generally less significant than Scope 1 emissions for many organizations, but they can still be significant for those that use a large amount of electricity.
Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions are all indirect GHG emissions that occur in the value chain of an organization, including both upstream and downstream activities. These emissions are not owned or controlled by the organization but are related to its activities. Examples of Scope 3 emissions include emissions from the extraction, production, and transportation of purchased materials, emissions from the use of sold products, and emissions from employee commuting. Scope 3 emissions are often the largest source of emissions for many organizations, especially those with complex supply chains or those that produce goods with high GHG emissions.
Significance in Tackling Climate Change
Understanding and managing GHG emissions is crucial in addressing climate change. The different scopes of emissions are significant in different ways, and addressing each scope is important in achieving emissions reductions. Scope 1 emissions are the most significant source of emissions for many organizations, and reducing these emissions should be a top priority. This can be achieved by reducing the use of fossil fuels, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and switching to renewable energy sources. Scope 2 emissions can also be reduced by purchasing renewable energy and investing in energy-efficient technologies. However, Scope 3 emissions are often the most challenging to address, as they involve the entire value chain of an organization. Addressing Scope 3 emissions requires collaboration with suppliers and customers, as well as implementing sustainable procurement practices.
Conclusion
Measuring and managing GHG emissions is an important aspect of corporate sustainability. The GHG Protocol provides a widely accepted framework for measuring and reporting emissions, distinguishing between three scopes of emissions. Understanding and managing each scope is important in achieving emissions reductions and addressing climate change. Reducing Scope 1 emissions should be a top priority for many organizations, but addressing Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions is also important. Collaboration with suppliers and customers is essential in addressing Scope 3 emissions, as well as implementing sustainable procurement practices.