top of page

Green Business Strategies: Scope 1, 2, and 3

Mina Üstün

scope 1, 2, 3

Today's business world directs its activities to focus on economic gain, fulfill environmental responsibilities, and achieve sustainability goals. In this context, the Scope 1, 2, and 3 systems, which ensure the effective management of greenhouse gas emissions, are positioned at the center of environmental sustainability principles.


Scope 1 emissions include emissions from sources that a company directly controls and owns. For example, exhaust emissions from company vehicles, emissions from fossil fuel combustion used in facilities, and emissions from operated production facilities are evaluated within this scope. Measuring and reducing these emissions is adopted as a fundamental strategy in line with the company's aim of minimizing its environmental impact. It is also aligned with achieving cost reduction and sustainability goals through efforts to improve energy efficiency.


Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions related to the company's electricity, heat, and cooling purchases. Examples considered under this scope include emissions from the electrical grid used in company offices and facilities and emissions from the production of heat purchased by the company. Measuring these emissions is vital in improving the company's capacity to understand its energy consumption and move towards more sustainable energy sources. It is also another essential step towards reducing environmental impacts.


Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions from the activities of its suppliers and the use and disposal of their products and services throughout the company's value chain. These emissions often involve a more complex and broader perspective and are affected by factors beyond the company's control. For example, emissions from the activities of suppliers in the company's supply chain are included in scope 3. At the same time, emissions resulting from the transportation of the products sold by the company are also evaluated within this scope.


Calculating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions offers several strategic advantages and reduces a company's environmental impact. These advantages can be listed as reducing carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, achieving sustainability goals, increasing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing reputation among investors and customers.


International standards and protocols can be used to calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Getting help from expert consultancy firms with greenhouse gas calculation tools and software can also be an effective method. Adopting these strategies plays an active role in achieving sustainability goals while increasing the company's capacity to monitor its environmental performance. The transition to sustainable business practices represents a critical step both environmentally and for the company's long-term success.



Author:

Mina Üstün


Source:

bottom of page