What are scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions?

2024-02-20

Ever heard of Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and been confused about the difference between the three?

Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are a way of categorizing greenhouse gas emissions based on their source and impact.

• Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting organization. For example, emissions from burning fossil fuels in boilers or vehicles owned by the company are scope 1 emissions.
• Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased heat, steam or electricity. These emissions are produced by a third-party facility and are associated with the production of goods or services that the reporting organization uses.
• Scope 3 emissions refer to all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain which are not owned or directly controlled by the reporting organization. Including emissions from customers and the use and disposal of products. This includes emissions from transportation, employee commuting, waste disposal, and production of purchased materials or goods.

In summary, scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the reporting organization, scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam, and scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that occur in the company’s value chain.

Need to reduce your Scope 1 emissions? Calculate your CO2 savings with our Decarbonization Calculator>>