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Scope 1-3 emissions explained

Following the definitions of the GHG protocol, emissions are separated into three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

The GHG protocol defines three Scopes to separate different emissions categories.

Scope 1 emissions - direct emissions

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by your organization (e.g., emissions associated with fuel combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles).

Scope 2 emissions - indirect emissions from electricity & heat

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the production of energy your company purchases and uses (e.g., emissions from electricity generation for your buildings).

Scope 3 upstream emissions - supply chain

Scope 3 emissions encompass greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur in your company’s supply chain. Upstream emissions are those generated by suppliers during the extraction, production, and transportation of raw materials or components used in your organization’s products or services.

Scope 3 downstream emissions

There is also a scope 3 downstream category, that defines emissions that occur further downstream - during sale, use, and disposal of sold products.

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