Why scopes matter

If you can’t separate emissions by scope, it’s hard to prioritize action or report consistently. This guide breaks down Scope 1, 2, and 3 in plain language and shows a practical way to start.

Scope 1

Direct emissions from sources you own or control (onsite fuel, company vehicles, processes).

Scope 2

Emissions from purchased energy (electricity, steam, heating, cooling).

Scope 3

Indirect value-chain emissions (purchased goods, shipping, travel, suppliers, product use).

A simple start

• Baseline Scope 1–2 with utilities and fuel.
• Add the highest-impact Scope 3 categories first.
• Standardize inputs so reporting is repeatable.

Outcome: a single source of truth and numbers stakeholders can trust.