Carbon Accounting Services

In the context of greenhouse gas emissions, the terms “scope 1,” “scope 2,” and “scope 3” refer to the different levels of emissions generated by a company or organization. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as the combustion of fuel in company vehicles or boilers. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heating, and cooling that the company consumes. Scope 3 emissions, which are the most comprehensive, include all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. This includes emissions associated with business travel, procurement, waste, and employee commuting, as well as the use and end-of-life treatment of sold products. Scope 3 emissions can often be the most significant portion of an organization’s carbon footprint, extending far beyond the direct control of the company. They encompass activities from sources not owned or directly controlled by the organization but related to the organization’s operations, including both upstream and downstream emissions. For example, the emissions produced by the suppliers of a company’s raw materials, the transportation of those materials, and the use of the company’s products by consumers all fall under scope 3.

Calculating scope 3 emissions is a complex process due to the variety and scope of the activities it includes. It requires a thorough understanding of the company’s value chain and the ability to track and measure emissions from a multitude of indirect sources. Despite these challenges, addressing scope 3 emissions is crucial for organizations aiming for comprehensive climate action and sustainability. By engaging with suppliers and customers, companies can drive emission reductions throughout their value chain, leading to significant environmental benefits.

Moreover, measuring and managing scope 3 emissions can provide several advantages. It allows organizations to identify emission hotspots

and prioritize reduction strategies, improve sustainability performance across the supply chain, and make more informed decisions regarding procurement and product development. It also enables companies to innovate and develop more sustainable products, engage employees in emission reduction efforts, and contribute meaningfully to national and global efforts to combat climate change.

While scope 1 and 2 emissions are critical to address, scope 3 emissions offer a broader perspective on an organization’s environmental impact. They present both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses to lead in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Organizations that effectively measure and manage their scope 3 emissions can gain a competitive edge, enhance their reputation, and play a pivotal role in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Our services help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, which is crucial in the fight against climate change. These services often start with a comprehensive carbon audit to identify the primary sources of emissions within the company’s operations. From there, they can provide tailored solutions such as energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, and waste reduction programs. Supply chain management is another critical area, where environmental firms assist companies in engaging with suppliers to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company.

Our dedicated team of professional guide businesses in setting and achieving net-zero targets, implementing sustainable procurement practices, and investing in carbon offsetting projects. We also offer training and workshops to educate employees about sustainability practices and the importance of reducing emissions. Some firms provide software tools for continuous monitoring and reporting of emissions, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions.

Product Carbon Footprint
Our team assess total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire life cycle of a product through a customized and structured approach:

  1. Defining the boundaries of the assessment which includes determining different stages of the product’s life cycle will be included (e.g., raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, product use, end-of-life).
  2. Gathering data on energy use, raw materials, transportation, and other relevant factors for each stage of the product’s life cycle. This data should cover both direct emissions (like fuel combustion) and indirect emissions (like electricity use).
  3. Calculating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each stage of the product’s life cycle. Common greenhouse gases considered include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
  4. Normalizing the emissions data if necessary (e.g., per unit of product produced) to make comparisons between different products or time periods meaningful and then aggregate the emissions across all life cycle stages to get the total carbon footprint.
  5. Finally, assess the environmental impact of the calculated emissions, considering factors like global warming potential and other environmental indicators