up:: [[Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)]] tags:: #source/article source:: [What are scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions? | National Grid Group](https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-are-scope-1-2-3-carbon-emissions) # Scope 1, 2, 3 Emissions Many companies, including National Grid, aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and commonly use the terms 'Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions' to measure progress. The three scopes help categorize emissions within a company's operations and its broader 'value chain' of suppliers and customers, guided by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. **Key Points:** - Greenhouse gas emissions are categorized into Scopes 1, 2, and 3 for comprehensive assessment. - The three scopes help understand emissions within a company's operations and its broader value chain. - The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a widely used standard for emissions accounting, guiding companies in developing a full emissions inventory. **Definitions of Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions:** - **Scope 1 Emissions:** Direct emissions owned or controlled by the company, e.g., burning fuel in the company's vehicles. - **Scope 2 Emissions:** Indirect emissions caused by the company, originating from the production of the energy it purchases, such as electricity for buildings. - **Scope 3 Emissions:** Indirect emissions not produced or controlled by the company but within its value chain, e.g., emissions associated with products from suppliers. **Reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions:** - Companies can influence Scope 1 and 2 emissions through choices like a low or zero-emission fleet or selecting eco-friendly building warming methods. - Scope 3 emissions, often the highest proportion, are challenging to reduce but can be addressed by collaborating with suppliers and customers on emission reduction solutions. - Factors beyond emissions, like cost and practicality, impact emission reduction decisions.