In the fight against climate change, understanding greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to driving sustainable solutions. However, when discussing this issue, we often encounter technical terms such as Scope 1, 2, and 3. This article will guide you in distinguishing each scope in an easily understandable manner, providing an overview of how greenhouse gas emissions impact our lives and why they matter. Let's explore in detail Scope 1, 2, and 3, along with ways to contribute to efforts to minimize their impact.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from sources that organizations or businesses generate in their day-to-day operations. These are emissions over which the organization has direct control and are often meticulously recorded. These types of emissions typically include:
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Production Emissions: These are emissions from the organization's process of producing goods or providing services. A specific example within the industry is CO2 emissions from burning fuel to generate electricity or air conditioning, which is part of Scope 1.
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Vehicle Emissions: If an organization uses vehicles such as cars, airplanes, or trains in its operations, emissions from the fuel consumption of these vehicles are also accounted for in Scope 1.
- Equipment and Facility Emissions: Daily activities of the organization, such as using machinery, office equipment, or cooling systems, can also generate greenhouse gas emissions and are recorded under this scope.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Energy production
Scope 2 focuses on indirect emissions generated from the energy production that organizations use. This includes emissions from electricity generation, fuels, or other energy sources consumed by the organization. Specific examples include:
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Electricity Production Emissions: The electricity source used by an organization can come from various sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, or renewable energy. Emissions from generating electricity from these sources are considered in Scope 2.
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Fuel Production Emissions: If an organization uses fuel for purposes such as manufacturing or transportation, emissions from the production of this fuel are also considered in Scope 2.
Scope 3: Other Indirect Emissions
Scope 3 includes other indirect emissions that are not within Scope 1 or 2 but still impact the organization or business. These emissions often stem from activities related to the organization but are not directly controlled by it. Examples include:
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Supply Chain Emissions: Emissions from the activities of suppliers, such as manufacturing goods or transportation, are also counted in Scope 3.
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Product Use Emissions: When customers use the organization's products or services, such as driving cars, using mobile phones, or consuming goods, emissions from this usage are also considered in Scope 3.
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Employee Activities Emissions: Travel, business trips, or the use of services such as food processing also generate greenhouse gas emissions and are accounted for in Scope 3.
Why should we care about emission scopes?
Understanding greenhouse gas emission scopes empowers organizations and businesses to identify the sources of emissions and propose effective reduction measures. In this way, we can work towards a more sustainable future and minimize the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
The three greenhouse gas emission scopes - Scope 1, 2, and 3 - are important concepts that every organization needs to understand to achieve sustainability goals. Reducing emissions is not only the responsibility of a few but the responsibility of all of us to protect our planet..
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