An introductory guide to Scope 3 emissions

This guide is designed to help businesses and public sector organisations to better understand Scope 3 emissions, and how to pragmatically measure and report this large, and challenging, category of emissions.  

Scope 3 guide cover

Overview

As businesses and public organisations strive to take impactful climate action, it's essential to pay attention to Scope 3 emissions. These indirect emissions from your upstream and downstream activities like purchasing goods and services or the use phase of products can make up 70-90% of your carbon footprint. 

Our introductory guide outlines key considerations businesses and public bodies must bear in mind when measuring and reporting Scope 3 emissions. 

We answer key questions: 

  • What exactly are Scope 3 emissions and why do they matter? 
  • What benefits can a deep understanding of your Scope 3 emissions and reductions bring? 
  • How can you start to collect your Scope 3 data effectively? And what steps should you take to improve your data quality? 
  • How can you work with suppliers and other partners to improve your Scope 3 footprint, contribute towards your sustainability goals and measure progress? 
Published: March 2023
Download your copy

Contents 

Section 1: What are Scope 3 emissions? 
  • A brief introduction to Scope 3 emissions. 
Section 2: Why Scope 3 matters 
  • To businesses 
  • To the public sector 
Section 3: Measuring Scope 3 
  • The steps to measure your Scope 3 footprint 
  • The steps to define a Scope 3 carbon reduction pathway 
Section 4: Considerations – businesses 
Section 5: Considerations – the public sector 
Section 6: How we can help 

Related services 

Footprinting and reporting 

 

Resource Download Form

Download your copy

Complete the form below to access this resource (the download will appear at the bottom of this page).

Once you have entered your contact details, the resource will appear at the bottom of this page. We may also contact you with information about services that are related to the resource. You can find out how we use personal information in our privacy notice.

* Required field