The 3 emission scopes are as follows:

Emission scopes provide an essential framework for accurately preparing your personal/industrial greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Understanding the three emission scopes is important for painting the full picture of an industry’s environmental impact. Companies that effectively account for industrial emissions open the doors to unique opportunities, such as:

• Better management for GHG-related risks
• Pinpointing reduction opportunities
• Participation in voluntary/mandatory GHG programs
• Participation in GHG markets
• Recognition for early voluntary action through certificates or grants

Read on for more details on the three emissions scopes as they relate to cooperation and personal sustainability.

Scope 1: Direct Emission

Scope one emissions are greenhouse gasses produced from sources that are directly controlled and owned by an organization. Furnaces and ovens that produce greenhouse gasses count as scope 1 emissions. A good rule of thumb for remembering this scope is if the emissions are produced on-site, It is most likely a scope one emission.

One exception to this rule is through company-owned fleet vehicles. While fleet vehicles may leave the facility, they still operate under the control of the parent company and are mandatory pieces of their greenhouse gas inventory. For example, In the case of an airport, the gasses generated from air travel count as scope 1 emissions for the airport.

Here are some more scope one emission source examples:

• Water Boilers
• Stoves
• Refrigerants
• Fireplaces
• Fleet vehicles

The EPA provides an extensive list of fuel-specific emissions factors here. Greenhouse gases, especially those emitted from vehicles, will vary in potency depending on the type of fuel used to power the engine. Gasoline tends to produce. The table below lists CO2 equivalent emission factors for the most common fuel sources.

Data retrieved from the EPA’s GHG Emission Factors Hub (2021)

Scope 2: Upstream Direct Emission

The scope 2 category accounts for externally sourced emissions that are purchased and used by the reporting company. If your steam, heating/cooling, or electricity come with an invoice at the end of the month, emissions associated with producing that energy belong to the scope 2 inventory. Look internally for invoice data. If you live in the US, the EPA’s eGRID portal has detailed statewide emissions data for America’s many power plants.

Scope 2 emissions may not be directly produced by the company but that upstream energy consumption is the direct result of the reporting company’s operations. For accurate scope 2 reporting, you must use the gross amount of energy purchased to calculate the equivalent CO2 generated by the service provider. In the case of solar panels, any energy that is sold back to providers will not be subtractable from the reporting agency’s scop 2 inventory.

More companies are turning to locally sourced energy options like solar panels and onsight methane digesters. This adds additional complexity to reporting but can be easily navigated. Locally sourced energy counts as a scope 1 emission source and must be distinguished from purchased scope 2 energy.

Scope 3: Upstream and Downstream Indirect Emission

This scope accounts for emissions that are not owned or controlled by the parent organization, yet exist as a result of its operations. A solid scope 3 inventory requires data from emissions generated both upstream to the reporting organization and downstream emissions produced after the goods/services are delivered.

Currently, the EPA’s GHG Emission Factors Hub has emissions factors for the following subcategories. Note that some categories may be irrelevant to certain industries:

• Upstream Transportation and Distribution (Category 4): Table 8
• Downstream Transportation and Distribution (Category 9): Table 8
• Waste Generated in Operations (Category 5): Table 9
• End-of-life treatment of sold products (Category 12): Table 9
• Business Travel (Category 6): Table 10  
• And many more subcategories

While scope 3 emissions are characterized as beyond a company’s control, organizations can still take steps internally to reduce emissions externally. For example, bolstering internal waste management can divert waste away from landfills, reducing the organization’s scope 3 methane production. Additionally, logistical changes to restrict business to distributers that have written commitments to corporate-level sustainability are major ways to reduce scope 3 emissions beyond the company’s reach.

Conclusion

Developing the infrastructure for accurate emissions tracking is an excellent first step toward a more sustainable future. First and foremost, the insights derived from a well-managed GHG inventory will help highlight the areas where emissions are most prevalent. Second, putting forth the effort to accurately track emissions displays an apparent commitment to corporate sustainability to your peers, granting new opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving market.

Sources:

• EPA Emissions Factors: https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/ghg-emission-factors-hub
• EPA eGRID Data: https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/ghg-emission-factors-hub
• Greenhouse Gas Protocol – Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard: https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/Corporate-Value-Chain-Accounting-Reporing-Standard_041613_2.pdf