Emissions scope

Many businesses sometimes find it difficult to decide what emissions should be included when calculating their carbon footprint. The World Resources Institute GHG Protocol classifies emissions as follows;

• Scope 1
  Emissions from fossil fuels under your direct control, i.e. at your premises or in your vehicle fleet, etc.
• Scope 2
  Emissions from electricity that you consume but that is generated elsewhere.
• Scope 3
  Other indirect emissions that you cause but that are not from emission sources that you own, e.g. emissions from your supply chain or from business travel on commercial airlines.

For fuller Scopes of GHG Protocol  click here

PURE’s business calculator allows most businesses to calculate emissions for Scope 1, Scope 2 and business travel in respect of 3.

Scope 3 is an optional category under the GHG Protocol, although it is standard practice to include emissions from business travel as part of your company’s carbon footprint. Some companies, especially manufacturers or retailers may feel it appropriate to calculate and offset emissions down through the supply chain. If you do wish to extend the calculations to embrace your supply chains under Scope 3 then please contact PURE and we will guide you regarding the additional calculations necessary. However, for most businesses, limiting your calculations to Scope 1,2 and travel in respect of 3 will meet reasonable public performance standards.