Understanding Emissions: The Key to Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Measuring greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) is crucial for understanding how we can effectively reduce them. Analysts have developed a system for assessing emissions by categorizing them into three levels, or “scopes.” Each scope helps us understand where emissions come from and how they can be reduced.

Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Scope 1 refers to the “direct” emissions that come from sources owned or controlled by a corporation or individual. This includes emissions from activities like:

• Gas burned in cars or heating systems
• Electricity and energy used in owned buildings
• Emissions from industrial processes or operations

Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Energy Consumption
Scope 2 covers the “indirect” emissions associated with the consumption of purchased energy, such as electricity, heat, or cooling. While these emissions don’t occur on-site, they result from the energy used by the corporation or individual and are typically the responsibility of the purchaser.

Scope 3: Other Indirect Emissions
Scope 3 encompasses all other “indirect” emissions that result from activities such as the production and delivery of goods and services. This is the most complex category, as it involves a wide range of activities across the entire supply chain. It includes emissions from:

• The production of raw materials
• Transportation and logistics
• Waste disposal
• Employee commuting, business travel, and more

Because Scope 3 covers such a broad range of activities—often including up to 15 different categories—it can contribute significantly to a company’s or individual’s total carbon footprint. In many cases, Scope 3 emissions can be much larger than Scope 1 or Scope 2 emissions combined.

Take Action

To help reduce Scope 3 emissions, explore the guide linked below for actionable strategies. For a more detailed understanding of the different scope categories, click the definition link for a deeper dive into Scope 1, 2, and 3.