The Hidden World of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Scope 1, 2, and 3

As climate change gains increasing importance, understanding and reducing corporate environmental impacts have become inevitable for companies. In this context, the Corporate Standard of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol helps us address this complex issue more comprehensibly by categorizing greenhouse gas emissions into three scopes. Let's take a closer look at the hidden world of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions together.

Scope 1 encompasses emissions that arise from sources directly under the company's control or ownership. These emissions include gases released from factory chimneys, exhaust emissions from company vehicles, and emissions from energy use within facilities. Such emissions result directly from the company's own activities and are generally easier to track and manage.

Scope 2 includes indirect emissions that are not directly under the company's control but are associated with its activities. These emissions occur due to the company's consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam production. For instance, emissions resulting from energy consumption, such as electricity obtained from energy providers or heating and cooling services, fall under Scope 2 emissions.

Scope 3 emissions represent indirect emissions occurring across the company's value chain. These emissions stem from factors like supply chain activities, business travel, product use, and disposal. For example, emissions arising from transportation for material procurement or emissions generated when products are used and disposed of by end-users fall under Scope 3 emissions.

The Corporate Standard of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol empowers companies to better understand and manage their greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing steps towards sustainability. Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions assist companies in fully assessing their environmental impacts and developing strategic carbon reduction measures, enabling us to take steps towards a cleaner future. These emissions under the three scopes emerge as crucial data points shaping our future, aligning with the growing environmental awareness and intensified efforts to combat climate change.