Scope 3 with the biggest impact after the product is sold
The Scope 3 analysis showed that processing of sold products can make up about three quarters of the total footprint. That is outside the company’s own operations.
The client needed a corporate footprint for Scopes 1, 2 and 3. At first, the natural focus was on energy, fuels and the company’s own activity.
Only the full Scope 3 map showed where most emissions are. They are further down the value chain, in what happens to the product after it is sold.
In one of the cases we analysed, processing of sold products made up about 75% of the total corporate carbon footprint.
By comparison, direct emissions and energy together made up less than 20%. Purchased goods and services mattered, but they did not dominate the result.
This is a strong business finding. Even if the company makes its own operations more energy efficient, the biggest potential may lie elsewhere. It may need talks with customers, changes in product design or specifications, or better product information.
How we ran the project
Scope 3 mapping
We reviewed the upstream and downstream categories and chose the ones that really apply to the client’s business.
Own emissions
We included Scopes 1 and 2 as a point of reference for the total footprint.
Downstream categories
We paid special attention to processing of sold products and to downstream transport.
Assumptions and factors
For categories outside the client’s direct control, we used documented assumptions and factors.
Report and explanation
We presented the result as information for managers. It shows where the biggest impacts are and where work at plant level is not enough.
The client got a report that shows its main emissions are outside its own operations. This helps it plan better. Action is needed not only on energy efficiency, but also on the product, customers, technical specifications and environmental data in the value chain.
Scope 3 can change the way a company talks about decarbonisation. If about three quarters of the footprint comes after the product is sold, a reduction strategy cannot focus only on the plant.
Where is your company’s carbon footprint really?
Let’s talk. We will measure your full Scope 3 and show which categories decide the result.