What Are Scope 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Greenhouse gases are gases that raise the Earth's temperature when released into the atmosphere. They let sunlight reach the Earth but trap the heat leaving it, warming the planet. This effect is known as the "greenhouse effect". Although greenhouse gases occur naturally, human activities release them in greater quantities, which leads to problems such as global warming and climate change.

Greenhouse gas emissions are generally classified into three main scopes:

Scope 1: Direct emissions

These are greenhouse gases released directly from sources that an organisation owns or controls. For example, emissions from a factory's own equipment (such as combustion processes) or the exhaust emissions of company vehicles fall under Scope 1.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions (energy consumption)

Scope 2 emissions come from external sources that the organisation does not own but from which it purchases energy. They usually arise from the generation of electricity, heating or cooling. For example, emissions from the electricity a company uses are included in Scope 2.

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions

Scope 3 covers all other emissions that the organisation does not directly own or control but that are indirectly related to its activities. These may include emissions from the supply chain, business travel, the use of products or the disposal of waste. This category is generally larger than Scope 1 and Scope 2 and harder to track.

In summary, Scope 1 refers to emissions from direct sources, Scope 2 to indirect emissions from energy consumption, and Scope 3 to all other indirect emissions.