The 3 scopes of the carbon footprint

When referring to the carbon footprint of an organisation and the emission sources that are analysed in its calculation, we refer to the concepts of Scope or Category (depending on the calculation method used: GHG Protocol or ISO 14064-1- respectively).

Breaking down the carbon footprint: Scope and emission categories

Direct vs. indirect emissions: The first crucial distinction

First, we can classify the emissions associated with an organisation's operations as either direct or indirect emissions:

• Direct GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions: Emissions from sources owned and/or controlled by the organisation. In a very simplified way, these can be understood as emissions released on-site, at the place where the activity takes place, emissions from heating systems if this is based on the burning of fossil fuels.
• Indirect GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions: Emissions resulting from an activity of the organisation, but which occur at sources owned and/or controlled by another organisation. An example of an indirect emission is the emission from electricity consumed by an organisation, which has been produced at the location where this electricity was generated.

Scope 1, 2 and 3: Disaggregating the emitting sources

Once the direct and indirect GHG emissions have been defined, and in order to facilitate the detection of all of them, the Scope or Categories are defined. In this case, we will define in detail the Scopes that are defined in the calculation of an organisation's carbon footprint, as GHG Protocol is the most widespread methodological standard on a global scale. The Scopes group together the sources of greenhouse gas emissions that an organisation may have. They are divided into 3 scopes: 1, 2 and 3.

• Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions. For example, emissions from the combustion of boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc. that are owned and/or controlled by the entity in question. Fugitive emissions (leaking air conditioning, CH4 from ductwork, etc.) are also included. The most common emitting sources included in this Scope are:
  • Fossil fuel combustion at company-owned facilities such as boilers, furnaces and generators.
  • Emissions from company vehicles (own fleet), adding cars, trucks and machinery.
  • Industrial processes that generate GHGs as a result of production.
  • CO₂ extinguishers.
  • Refilling of refrigerant gases from air conditioning equipment (air conditioning).
• Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions associated with the generation of electricity purchased and consumed by the organisation. The most common emitting sources included in this Scope are:
  • Consumption of electricity purchased by the power grid.
  • Purchase of steam, heat, or thermal energy from external suppliers.
• Scope 3: Other indirect emissions. Examples of Scope 3 activities are the extraction and production of materials purchased by the organisation, business travel by external means, transport of raw materials, fuels and products (e.g. logistics activities) by third parties or the use of products or services offered by others. The most common emitting sources included in this Scope are:
  • GHG emissions from the production and transport of raw materials.
  • GHG emissions from the transport of the final product to the customer.
  • Emissions generated during the use of the company's products or services.
  • Emissions from the final disposal of the company's products.
  • Business travel by employees.
  • In itinero travel by employees.
  • Activities of the company's suppliers and contractors.

Mandatory and voluntary scopes of carbon footprinting

According to the GHG Protocol, it is only compulsory to calculate carbon footprint scopes 1 and 2, being 3 voluntary.

At Grup Carles we are committed to helping you calculate and reduce your carbon footprint effectively to contribute to a more sustainable future. Our team of experts is able to offer you effective and customised solutions for managing your carbon footprint.

Contact us today to start your journey towards environmental sustainability.