3 Scopes for Tracking Carbon Emissions

Tracking carbon emissions is one of the most important first steps before setting a carbon footprint target. The EPA offers GHG inventory development guidance including three scopes that help companies identify where emissions are largest and what to prioritize for mitigation:

Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources – what you burn. This includes emissions from company-owned facilities and vehicles, but not purchased electricity.

Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling – what you buy. These emissions occur at company locations but the energy is purchased externally.

Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions in a company’s value chain – everything else. This covers waste during operations, employee travel and commuting, purchased goods, and supply chain transportation emissions.

The 3-scope approach adds a measurable component to your ESG strategy. Contact The Dragon Group to learn how to incorporate this into your ESG strategy.