Engaging the supply chain
If you’ve started your carbon measurement journey, you will have noticed that emissions are measured in three categories that align with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.
These categories allow for a granular look at your carbon footprint, and show where you can make reductions. For many businesses, Scope 3 – comprising the value chain – accounts for the majority of carbon emissions.
Because Scope 3 is outside your direct control, it can be difficult to create change and reduce emissions. The best way to do so is to engage your supply chain to begin their own carbon measurement and reduction journey.
SCOPES 1, 2 & 3
Scope 1: direct emissions
Scopes 1 and 2 can largely be reduced by you, in house: Scope 1 covers direct emissions that a company owns directly, like burning fuel in gas boilers and in company-owned vehicles.
Scope 2: indirect emissions
Scope 2 emissions are indirect and are associated with the energy you purchase. They’re still within your control, and you can take measures such as switching suppliers for your energy use. Whilst you cannot directly control Scope 2 emissions, you can choose to switch to a more renewable option, which would in turn reduce your carbon footprint.
Scope 3: value chain emissions
Scope 3 emissions are not produced by your company itself, but by those in your value chain. This can look like employee commutes, investment assets, and the procurement of goods and services – your supply chain. Because you have no direct control over these emissions, it can create a stalling point in your carbon reduction journey, but there are things you can do.
Encouraging employees to look into more energy-efficient ways of commuting, or reducing the number of days they commute, can be a start. Another thing to look at is engaging your supply chain to start them on their own carbon reduction journey, which will reduce your overall footprint.
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engaging your supply chain
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