Carbon footprint scope 1, 2, 3: definition and reduction strategies

Introduction to carbon footprinting

Carbon footprinting is a method of evaluating the GHG emissions associated with a given entity, often expressed in CO2 equivalent. It makes it possible to identify the main sources of emissions, quantify their impact on climate change, and suggest ways to reduce them.

Carrying out a carbon footprint generally involves several stages:

• Defining the scope: This involves clearly defining what will be taken into account in the balance sheet (e.g. a company’s activities, direct and/or indirect emissions, etc.).
• Data collection : We gather all the necessary information on energy consumption, travel, industrial processes, etc., in order to estimate GHG emissions.
• Calculating emissions: The data collected is used to calculate GHG emissions, applying appropriate emission factors to each source (e.g. fuel combustion, electricity generation, etc.).
• Analysis of results: Once the emissions have been calculated, the results are analyzed to identify the main sources of emissions and the potential levers for action to reduce them.
• Report and action plan: Finally, a report is generally produced to present the results of the assessment and propose an action plan to reduce the GHG emissions identified.

Carbon footprinting has become an essential tool for companies, communities and organizations concerned about their environmental footprint and their contribution to the fight against climate change. It enables them to make informed decisions to reduce their GHG emissions and adopt a sustainable development approach.

Definition of scopes 1, 2, 3

Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions

Scope 1 refers to an organization’s direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, generally from sources controlled or owned by that organization. These emissions are often associated with activities such as the combustion of fuels in company facilities, industrial processes, emissions from company fleet vehicles, and so on.

Here are some typical examples of “scope 1” emissions:

• Combustion emissions: This includes emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, diesel, coal, etc., in the organization’s facilities to produce heat, electricity or to power industrial processes.
• Process emissions: Some industries produce GHG emissions directly linked to their manufacturing processes, such as the release of CO2 during the decomposition of organic materials.
• Fugitive emissions: These are unintentional GHG leaks from production or storage equipment, such as refrigerant gas leaks from air conditioning or refrigeration systems.
• Vehicle and equipment emissions: Emissions from vehicles and equipment owned by the organization, such as company cars, delivery trucks, construction equipment, etc.

These emissions are generally considered the most directly controllable by an organization, as they result from the activities it carries out directly. As a result, reducing Scope 1 emissions is often one of the first priorities in GHG emissions management efforts.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions linked to energy consumption

Scope 2 refers to indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, heat or steam purchased by an organization and used in its activities. Unlike “scope 1” emissions, which are direct, “scope 2” emissions are indirect, as they are generated by third parties, such as electricity suppliers, but are linked to the organization’s activities.

Here are a few examples of “scope 2” emissions:

• Emissions linked to purchased electricity: When an organization purchases electricity from a supplier, it indirectly generates GHG emissions associated with the production of this electricity, whether from fossil sources (such as coal or natural gas) or renewable sources (such as wind or solar power).
• Emissions linked to purchased heat or steam: In the same way as for electricity, when the organization purchases heat or steam for its industrial or heating needs, the GHG emissions associated with the production of this heat or steam are attributed to the organization.
• Indirect emissions from electricity transport: Although these emissions are not directly linked to the organization’s consumption, energy losses during the transport and distribution of electricity from power stations to the point of consumption also contribute to “scope 2” emissions.

Scope 2″ emissions are often considered important in carbon audits, because even though they are indirect, organizations often have some control over their reduction by choosing cleaner energy sources or improving the energy efficiency of their facilities.

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions

Scope 3 represents indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are not included in the “scope 1” (direct emissions) and “scope 2” (indirect emissions linked to purchased energy) categories. These emissions are often the most difficult to quantify and control, as they result from the organization’s activities outside its direct boundaries, all along its value chain.

Here are a few examples of “scope 3” emissions:

• Supply chain emissions: This includes GHG emissions associated with the production, transport and distribution of raw materials, components and products purchased by the organization. For example, CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of steel, plastic or other materials used in finished products.
• Business travel emissions: Employee travel to work or on business trips generates GHG emissions, whether using personal vehicles, public transport or air flights.
• Emissions linked to goods sold or services provided: Emissions associated with the use and end-of-life of products or services provided by the organization, such as GHG emissions resulting from the use of products by customers or their end-of-life disposal.
• Indirect emissions from waste management: GHG emissions arising from the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste produced by the organization, whether recyclable, compostable or destined for landfill.

Taking “scope 3” emissions into account provides a more complete picture of an organization’s carbon footprint and its environmental impacts throughout its value chain. Although these emissions can be more difficult to quantify and control, managing them can bring benefits in terms of cost reduction, risk management and strengthening an organization’s reputation for sustainability.

 

Calculation of Emissions in Scopes 1, 2, 3

Calculation of Scope 1 direct emissions

Calculating Scope 1 direct emissions involves identifying and quantifying the various sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over which an organization has direct control. Here are the general steps for calculating these emissions:

• Identify emission sources: First, identify all sources of direct emissions over which your organization has direct control. This may include fuel combustion at the organization’s facilities, industrial processes, emissions from company fleet vehicles, etc.
• Data collection: Gather all relevant data for each identified emission source. This may include fuel consumption, industrial process data, vehicle mileage, etc.
• Convert to GHG emissions: Use appropriate emission factors to convert the data collected into GHG emissions. These emission factors can be specific coefficients that convert the amount of fuel consumed into equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, taking into account other GHGs such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Calculating emissions: Once you have the consumption data and emission factors, multiply them together to calculate the GHG emissions from each source. For example, a vehicle’s fuel consumption can be multiplied by the appropriate emission factor for that fuel type to calculate the equivalent CO2 emissions.
• Sum of emissions: Add up all the emissions calculated for each source to obtain your organization’s total Scope 1 direct emissions.
• Verify and report: Be sure to verify your calculations and document your results. This data can then be included in sustainability reports, carbon footprints or other environmental communication documents.

It’s important to be as precise as possible when collecting data, and to use appropriate emission factors to ensure the accuracy of the results. What’s more, once emissions have been identified, strategies can be developed to reduce them, thereby contributing to the management of your organization’s environmental impacts.

Calculation of scope 2 indirect emissions

Calculating Scope 2 indirect emissions mainly involves quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, heat or steam purchased by an organization. Here are the general steps for calculating these emissions:

• Collect energy consumption data: Gather data on your organization’s electricity, heat or steam consumption over a given period. This data can be obtained from meter readings, energy bills or data provided by energy suppliers.
• Identify the energy source and emission factors: Identify the energy source used to produce the electricity, heat or steam purchased by your organization. Based on this source, use the appropriate emission factors to calculate GHG emissions. For example, emissions associated with electricity can vary depending on the regional energy mix, ranging from fossil sources like coal and natural gas to renewable sources like wind and solar power.
• Calculating emissions: Once you have the energy consumption data and emission factors, multiply them together to calculate GHG emissions. For example, multiply electricity consumption (in kWh) by the appropriate emission factor (in kg CO2eq/kWh) to obtain the CO2 equivalent emissions associated with the electricity consumed.
• Sum of emissions: Add up all the emissions calculated for each energy source (electricity, heat, steam) to obtain your organization’s total Scope 2 indirect emissions.
• Verification and reporting : As with Scope 1, be sure to verify your calculations and document your results. This data can then be included in sustainability reports, carbon footprints or other environmental communication documents.

By calculating and regularly monitoring Scope 2 GHG emissions, your organization can identify opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint by optimizing energy efficiency, switching to cleaner energy sources and investing in renewable energy technologies.

Calculation of other indirect Scope 3 emissions

Calculating Scope 3 indirect emissions can be more complex, as it involves identifying and quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sources outside the organization’s direct control, but which are linked to its activities throughout its value chain. Here are the general steps involved in calculating these emissions:

• Identify Scope 3 emissions sources : Identify the various sources of indirect emissions that are linked to your organization’s activities but occur outside its direct operational boundaries. These may include supply chain emissions, business travel, emissions related to goods sold or services provided, and waste management emissions.
• Data collection: Gather all relevant data on activities related to each identified emission source. This may include data on purchases from suppliers, employee business travel, data on products sold or services provided, as well as waste management data.
• Convert to GHG emissions: Use appropriate emission factors to convert the data collected into GHG emissions. These emission factors can be specific coefficients that convert different activities into equivalent CO2 emissions.
• Calculating emissions : Once you have the data for each emission source and the corresponding emission factors, multiply them together to calculate the GHG emissions from each source.
• Sum of emissions: Add up all the emissions calculated for each emission source to obtain your organization’s total Scope 3 indirect emissions.
• Verification andreporting: As with Scopes 1 and 2, be sure to verify your calculations and document your results. This data can then be included in sustainability reports, carbon footprints or other environmental communication documents.

Calculating Scope 3 emissions can be more difficult due to the need to collect data from third parties and the complexity of supply chains. However, by understanding and quantifying these emissions, your organization can identify opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint throughout its value chain, which can have a significant impact on its contribution to the fight against climate change.

Tools and methodologies to facilitate calculation

Here are some online resources and tools to help you calculate the carbon footprint of your organization or activities:

• Bilan Carbone® : The Bilan Carbone® tool developed by ADEME (Agence de la Transition Écologique) is widely used to assess greenhouse gas emissions. It offers methodologies and tools for calculating direct and indirect emissions, as well as advice on drawing up action plans to reduce these emissions. Further information can be found on the ADEME website: Bilan Carbone®.

• Carbon Trust Carbon Footprint Calculator: The Carbon Trust offers a free online tool to calculate your company’s carbon footprint. It guides you through the steps required to quantify your direct and indirect emissions, and provides recommendations for reducing your carbon footprint. You can access the tool on the Carbon Trust website: Carbon Footprint Calculator

• EcoInvent: EcoInvent is a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database that provides data on the environmental impacts of products, processes and services. It can be used to calculate GHG emissions associated with different activities and to assess carbon footprints. You can access EcoInvent on their website: EcoInvent

• Global Carbon Atlas: The Global Carbon Atlas is an online resource that provides data on global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as visualization tools to explore emissions trends around the world. Although not specifically designed to calculate an organization’s emissions, it can provide useful information on global GHG emissions. You can access the Global Carbon Atlas here : Global Carbon Atlas

These tools and resources can help you assess and understand your carbon footprint, as well as identify opportunities to reduce your emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change. Remember to check the accuracy of the data and consult experts if necessary for further advice.

Emission Reduction Strategies in Scopes 1, 2, 3

Strategies to reduce Scope 1 emissions

To reduce Scope 1 emissions, which are direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sources controlled by your organization, here are some strategies you can consider:

• Improve the energy efficiency of facilities: Invest in technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, such as installing more efficient equipment, optimizing industrial processes and implementing energy management measures.
• Use renewable energy sources: Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels by using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro or biomass to power your facilities. This may involve installing solar panels, wind turbines or participating in green power purchasing programs.
• Switch to alternative fuels: If your organization uses vehicles or equipment that run on fossil fuels, consider switching to cleaner alternative fuels, such as biogas, ethanol, hydrogen or synthetic fuels.
• Reduce fugitive emissions: Implement preventive maintenance programs to reduce leaks of refrigerant gases, natural gas or other potentially harmful chemicals, as well as to minimize losses in industrial processes.
• Promote sustainable mobility: Encourage the use of alternative, more sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport, car-sharing, cycling or walking, to reduce emissions associated with business travel and commuting.
• Eliminate or reduce waste : Implement waste reduction, recycling and composting programs to minimize GHG emissions associated with waste management, including methane emissions from landfills.
• Monitor and report regularly: Set up a regular monitoring system for Scope 1 GHG emissions to track progress in reducing emissions, and make sure you communicate transparently on your environmental performance.

The Ubigreen Energy solution enables you to collect, monitor and reduce your energy consumption, as well as collect data on Scope 1, 2 and 3 for your ESG reporting and carbon footprint.

By adopting these strategies, your organization can reduce its direct GHG emissions, improve its operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, while helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Strategies to reduce scope 2 emissions

To reduce Scope 2 emissions, which are the indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, heat or steam purchased by your organization, here are some strategies you can consider:

• Improve facility energy efficiency: Invest in technologies and practices to reduce electricity, heat or steam consumption in your facilities, such as installing more efficient equipment, optimizing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and implementing energy management measures.
• Use renewable energy sources: Reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro or biomass. You can do this by participating in green power purchasing programs or by installing your own renewable energy facilities.
• Install cogeneration or trigeneration systems: These systems can simultaneously produce heat and electricity from a single energy source, which can increase the overall energy efficiency of your facilities and reduce GHG emissions.
• Improve the energy performance of buildings: Implement energy efficiency measures in your buildings, such as thermal insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, optimizing lighting and using energy management systems to reduce electricity and heat consumption.
• Promote energy efficiency among suppliers: Work with your suppliers to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies in their supply chain, which can help reduce the emissions associated with the production of the electricity or heat you purchase.
• Monitor and report regularly: Set up a system to regularly monitor your organization’s electricity, heat or steam consumption to assess progress in reducing Scope 2 emissions. Make sure you also communicate transparently about your environmental performance.

By implementing these strategies, your organization can reduce its indirect GHG emissions, improve its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, while contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Strategies to reduce Scope 3 emissions

Reducing Scope 3 emissions, which represent indirect emissions linked to your organization’s activities but outside its direct control, can be a challenge, as it often requires collaboration with stakeholders along the value chain. Here are some strategies you can consider to reduce these emissions:

• Optimize the supply chain: Work with your suppliers to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions and promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. This can include adopting environmental standards, choosing local suppliers or implementing emissions management programs.
• Promote sustainable transportation practices: Encourage the use of more sustainable, low-carbon modes of transport for work and commuting, such as car-sharing, cycling, public transport and electric vehicles.
• Reduce the carbon footprint of products and services: Identify opportunities to reduce the GHG emissions associated with the manufacture, use and end-of-life of your products or services. This can include adopting more sustainable materials, designing for recycling, repair and reuse, and raising customer awareness of sustainable use.
• Manage waste effectively: Implement waste reduction, recycling and composting programs to minimize GHG emissions associated with waste management. This can include reducing packaging, recycling materials and recovering energy from waste.
• Promote transparency and collaboration: Communicate transparently about your Scope 3 emissions, and collaborate with stakeholders along the value chain to identify and implement solutions to reduce these emissions. This can include engaging suppliers, customers and other key stakeholders in emissions reduction initiatives.
• Educate and raise awareness: Make your employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders aware of the importance of reducing Scope 3 emissions and the actions they can take to contribute to this effort.

By adopting these strategies, your organization can reduce its indirect GHG emissions, improve its environmental sustainability and strengthen its contribution to the fight against climate change throughout its value chain.

Emissions reduction case study

Let’s take the example of an IT services company that has implemented effective strategies to reduce its CO2 emissions:

Strategies for reducing CO2 emissions :

Optimization of office energy consumption:

• The company carried out an energy audit of its offices to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency. Following this audit, the company installed energy management systems to monitor and control electricity, heating and cooling consumption.
• Energy efficiency measures were implemented, such as installing LED lighting, optimizing HVAC equipment and improving building thermal insulation.

Ubigreen’s energy efficiency consulting engineers can help you with your projects.

Promoting sustainable mobility:

• The company has launched a sustainable mobility program to encourage employees to adopt more sustainable modes of transport. The company has set up a system for reimbursing public transport costs, as well as financial incentives for using bicycles or carpooling.
• Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in the company parking lot to encourage employees to adopt electric vehicles.

Dematerialization of processes and documents:

• The company has dematerialized its processes and documents to reduce paper consumption and the emissions associated with paper production and disposal. Internal communications are now mainly conducted electronically, and documents are stored and shared on online platforms.

Raising employee awareness and monitoring CO2 emissions:

• The company has launched an awareness-raising campaign among its employees to inform them of the issues surrounding climate change and the actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
• The company has set up a CO2 emissions monitoring system to assess the company’s environmental performance and track progress in reducing emissions.

Results:

Thanks to these initiatives, the company managed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% in the first year of implementation. In addition to reducing its environmental impact, the company saw additional benefits, such as energy savings, improved operational efficiency and enhanced attractiveness as an environmentally conscious employer.

This case study demonstrates how a service sector company can implement effective strategies to reduce its CO2 emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.

 

Advantages and Limits of Scopes 1, 2, 3 in the Bilan Carbone

Advantages of a complete assessment of the three scopes

A comprehensive assessment of the three scopes of the carbon footprint offers several significant advantages for a company or organization:

• Holistic view of the carbon footprint : By assessing GHG emissions across the organization’s entire value chain, including direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scopes 2 and 3) emissions, a full assessment provides a holistic view of the company’s carbon footprint. This makes it possible to identify the most significant sources of emissions, and to make informed decisions on the actions to be taken to reduce emissions overall.
• Identifying levers for action: The assessment of the three scopes enables us to identify the various sources of GHG emissions and the potential levers for action to reduce these emissions. By understanding the emissions associated with each scope, the company can determine where to focus its reduction efforts to achieve the greatest environmental benefits.
• Cost optimization opportunities: A comprehensive assessment of all three scopes can also reveal cost optimization opportunities by identifying areas where energy savings can be made or processes can be improved to reduce operational costs while cutting GHG emissions.
• Enhanced credibility and transparency : By assessing and reporting GHG emissions across all three scopes, a company demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and enhances its credibility with stakeholders, including customers, investors, employees and regulators. Transparent reporting of GHG emissions also builds stakeholder confidence.
• Anticipating future regulations: With growing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory pressure to reduce GHG emissions, a comprehensive assessment of all three scopes enables a company to anticipate future regulations and position itself as a proactive player in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In short, a comprehensive assessment of all three scopes of the carbon footprint provides a strategic and operational perspective on a company’s GHG emissions, enabling informed decision-making, cost optimization, enhanced credibility and anticipation of future regulations.

Limits and challenges encountered in each scope

Here are some tips for overcoming the specific challenges in each scope of the carbon footprint:

Scope 1: Direct greenhouse gas emissions

Challenges :

• Identify all sources of direct emissions.
• Accurate collection of energy and fuel consumption data.
• Implementation of emission reduction measures in industrial processes and facilities.

Consulting :

• Conduct regular energy audits to identify and quantify sources of emissions.
• Invest in energy monitoring and management systems to track consumption.
• Implement cleaner technologies and more sustainable working practices to reduce emissions, such as using renewable energy sources and adopting more efficient production processes.

Scope 2: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions linked to the consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam

Challenges :

• Limited access to accurate energy consumption data.
• Dependence on electricity suppliers for data on the carbon content of electricity.
• Variability of emissions according to regional energy mix.

Advice :

• Work with energy suppliers to obtain accurate data on the carbon content of electricity.
• Invest in energy efficiency technologies to reduce consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam.
• Explore options for purchasing renewable energy or carbon credits to offset emissions.

Scope 3: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from sources outside the organization’s direct control

Challenges :

• Gathering complex and often fragmented data across the value chain.
• Identifying sources of emissions and potential levers for action.
• Stakeholder engagement throughout the supply chain.

Consulting :

• Collaborate with suppliers and business partners to collect emissions data along the value chain.
• Use standardized tools and methodologies to identify priority emissions sources and assess reduction opportunities.
• Integrate sustainability and emissions reduction criteria into procurement decisions and supplier relationships.

By overcoming these challenges in each scope, a company can obtain a more complete picture of its carbon footprint and implement effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all its activities.

Conclusion: Implementing a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment

In conclusion, the implementation of a comprehensive carbon footprint, including all three scopes, is essential to improving a company’s environmental responsibility. By assessing all greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain, a company can better understand its impact on the climate, and take steps to reduce its emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Encouraging the implementation of a comprehensive carbon footprint offers several advantages, including:

• Increased awareness: By assessing emissions across all three scopes, companies become more aware of their overall impact on the environment, encouraging them to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Identifying opportunities: A comprehensive carbon footprint identifies the most significant sources of emissions, and the opportunities for action to reduce emissions in all aspects of a company’s operations.
• Credibility and transparency: By carrying out a full carbon footprint and communicating the results transparently, companies enhance their credibility with stakeholders by demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.

For companies looking to carry out a scope 1, 2 or 3 carbon footprint, there are a number of resources and support services available:

• The French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) offers tools and guides for carrying out a full carbon footprint: ADEME – Bilan Carbone®.
• The Carbon Trust offers consulting services and tools for assessing and reducing carbon emissions, including for scopes 1, 2 and 3: Carbon Trust
• Specialized sustainability and environmental management consultants can also provide customized support for carrying out a full carbon assessment and implementing emission reduction strategies.

Carrying out a carbon assessment is therefore an important step for companies concerned about their impact on the environment, and keen to make an active contribution to the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.