Do you really understand your business’ emissions?

As companies drive towards achieving their net-zero goals, it’s critical that they understand what the different emission types are, where the majority of their carbon is being emitted and what they can do to reduce or remove these emissions entirely.

We’ve put together a short guide to the different types of emissions your business is responsible for, and advice on how you can mitigate them.

Scope 1: Facilities and vehicles

Emissions released as a direct result of an organisation’s operations are referred to as Scope 1 emissions. This refers to emissions from company vehicles and offices/warehouses, such as fuel burning in boilers and furnaces, as well as petrol and diesel.

These are fairly easy to measure and can be reduced more easily than the other scopes too. This might involve working with a low carbon consultant to explore options to make your facilities more efficient. For example, switching to electric vehicles will make a huge difference. Or maybe switching some meetings to video conferencing to reduce staff and client mileage.

Scope 2: Indirect

Scope 2 emissions are referred to as indirect. This is because you’re responsible for the emissions, but their impact on the environment is out of your control. Purchased electricity, heating, and cooling all contribute to these emissions.

Once again, these can be reduced. But it’s harder to implement these reductions casually – it needs a commitment from your company to invest in new insulation, heating systems, onsite renewables, cooling systems or reducing the use of heat and electricity across your facilities.

Scope 3: Activity from your supply chain

Scope 3 covers all emissions that exist as a result of your business buying, selling and generally existing. This includes suppliers, production of purchased products, transportation of purchased products, or use of sold products.

For many companies, the majority of their greenhouse gas emissions and cost reduction opportunities lie outside their own operations. But it’s still important for organisations to understand this figure and explore options to reduce it.

A low carbon consultant will identify energy efficiency and cost reduction opportunities in your supply chain, as well as assess emission hotspots and offer guidance in engaging suppliers to assist them to implement sustainability initiatives.

Why is this important for businesses to know?

Business owners are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint. The world is watching, and climate change activists are having their voices heard. By reducing emissions, companies can show their commitment to the environment, local communities and the individuals that call them home.

A deeper understanding of your emissions, across all scopes, means you can plan and execute carbon reduction strategies with more likelihood of their success. Plus, it will be measurable. This is a lot more effective than just using the odd solar panel or trying to find some recycled materials.

I want to reduce my carbon emissions. What should I do?

As we’ve mentioned, there are plenty of ways you can reduce carbon emissions as a business and play your part in creating a greener future for the next generation.

However, unfortunately, some things are out of your control. Scope 3 emissions often require local, national or international government intervention to undergo positive change.

You can play your part in reducing emissions within scopes 1 and 2, whilst continuing to push for change on a greater scale that would alter emissions in scope 3. As the world attempts to enact the Paris climate act and many companies transition to more sustainable processes, we will hopefully see these emissions reduced over time.

Take back control of your emissions

A low-carbon consultant like Demiurgic can help you better understand your emissions, and work with you to create a blueprint to successfully reduce them. With our help, you can ensure your existing property portfolio or future builds are optimised for energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction and cost savings too.

The world is watching. Want to talk to an expert and find out how we can help? Get in touch today for a complimentary initial consultation.