Emission Scopes Definition

An emission scope is a boundary defined around a company or organization’s operations to identify which activities contribute to their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In other words, it includes everything that emits GHGs as a result of the company’s activities. The most common scopes are Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.

Scope 1 emissions are those that come from sources that are owned or controlled by the company, such as fuel burned in on-site boilers or vehicles owned by the company.

Scope 2 emissions are those that come from electricity purchased and used by the company. Even though the company does not own the power plant emitting the GHGs, they are still responsible for these emissions because they are using the electricity.

Scope 3 emissions are those that come from indirect sources that are not owned or controlled by the company, but are a result of their activities. For example, business travel or waste generated by customers would be included in Scope 3 emissions.