Demystifying carbon emission categories

Scope 1, 2 and 3

Heard of emission “scopes”?

Emission scopes stem from the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol – a globally recognized framework guiding the measurement and management of greenhouse gas emissions. By delineating emissions into three distinct "scopes,” it offers organizations a clear roadmap to pinpoint, understand, and address their environmental contributions. It's a systematic approach to making sense of an organization’s carbon footprint and formulating informed strategies.

Here's a snapshot of the three categories:

Scope 1

Direct emissions

These are emissions that are direct by-products of your organization’s operations. For instance, when a company-owned vehicle is in operation and releases carbon, it falls under Scope 1. Similarly, the emissions from boilers that are used to heat a company-owned facility.

Scope 2

Indirect emissions from energy procured

Delving a bit deeper, consider an office illuminated by lights. The electricity powering those lights results in emissions, often at a distant power plant. Such emissions are classified as Scope 2. They are labeled as "indirect" because, although your organization uses the energy, it is not produced on-site.

Scope 3

Other indirect emissions

This is a more expansive category. It encapsulates emissions from various activities not encompassed in Scopes 1 and 2. For travel management professionals among us, it is pertinent to note that this is where business travel – from airline flights to car rentals – comes into play.

Below are the primary contributors to business travel within Scope 3 emissions:

Air travel: Typically the most significant part of travel emissions.
Rail travel: An often-preferred mode for intercity business trips.
Buses: Especially relevant for group travel or shuttles.
Company cars and rentals: Used for business trips, excluding daily commutes.
Hotel accommodations: Yes, even overnight stays have a carbon footprint.
Other transit methods: Every trip has an impact.

Fig. 01 Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

Source: GHG Protocol