GHG Scopes Explained
The GHG protocol categorizes greenhouse gas emissions into three scopes to enable organizations to consistently and comprehensively evaluate their carbon footprint.
- Scope 1 - direct emissions. Scope 1 refers to emissions that occur from sources owned or directly controlled by a company. These sources may include boilers, furnaces, and vehicles that burn fuel.
- Scope 2 - indirect emissions. Scope 2 emissions are those that result from the generation of energy (electricity, steam, heating, cooling) that is purchased or acquired by a company. These emissions are associated with the company's energy consumption but occur outside of its direct control. However, the company can influence the energy that is consumed and the type of energy that is purchased indirectly. For more information on how you can measure emissions from purchased or acquired electricity, refer to the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance article.
- Scope 3 - other indirect emissions. Scope 3 refers to emissions resulting from activities related to the company, but occurring from sources that are not owned and not controlled. These emissions often represent a significant portion of a company's total carbon footprint but are considered more challenging to measure. For more information on how you can access your entire value chain emissions impact, refer to the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain Scope 3 Standard article.