It is increasingly important to address indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions come from business activities outside the company's boundaries and are a key factor to address to maximize sustainability efforts. Here we will clarify what scope 3 is and how companies can integrate it into their business strategy to contribute to a greener future.
What are Scope 3 emissions?
Scope 3 emissions are the indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur outside the company's boundaries and extend beyond its own energy consumption. These emissions can include, among others, the supply chain, transportation, waste management and use of products and services.
A identifying and reducing scope 3 emissions is a key part of a holistic sustainability strategy. Scope 3 emissions are part of climate calculations under the GHG Protocol, an international standard for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. By including scope 3 emissions in their climate calculations, businesses can get a more comprehensive picture of their climate impact and identify potential areas for improvement.
Scope 3 and emission factors
Emission factors play an important role in calculating and reporting scope 3 emissions. Emission factors are specific values thatare used to convert activities or consumption patterns into carbon dioxide equivalents, helping to quantify the magnitude of emissions.
For scope 3 emissions, this means that different categories of emissions may have different emission factors based on the type of activity generating the emissions.
By using accurate and up-to-date emission factors, organizations can get a more accurate estimate of their scope 3 emissions and identify which areas have the greatest impact on the climate. In Stratsys Sustainability Management Tool, there is a ready-made catalog of emission factors and the possibility to add your own and make climate calculations directly in the tool.
Why is Scope 3 important?
Managing Scope 3 emissions is important for several reasons. First, Scope 3 typically accounts for the largest share of a company's total greenhouse gas emissions.
By focusing on these emissions, a company can make significant progress towards reducing its overall climate impact. In addition, ambitious management of Scope 3 emissions can help to strengthen the brand and meet customer and stakeholder expectations on sustainability. 
How to integrate Scope 3 into your sustainability strategy
1. Mapping and analysis
Start by identifying the main scope 3 sources for your business. By conducting a thorough mapping and analysis of your supply chain and other relevant areas, you can create an overview of the main emission drivers.
2. Set targets and measure only indications
Set ambitious but realistic targets to reduce scope 3 emissions. Also define measurable indicators and progress reports to monitor and evaluate results.
3. Collaborate with suppliers
An effective way to reduce scope 3 emissions is to work closely with your suppliers. By encouraging and supporting them to implement sustainable practices, together you can reduce your collective climate impact.
4. Educate and engage employees
Inform and engage your employees about scope 3 and the importance of reducing indirect emissions. Education and awareness can help create a culture of sustainability and inspire joint efforts.
5. Communicate and share progress
An important step in creating a successful sustainability strategy is to communicate and share your progress with internal and external stakeholders. By being open and transparent, you can inspire others and create a positive impact in the industry.
Use various communication channels, such as social media, your company's website and annual reports to share information about your scope 3 targets, progress and initiatives.
To facilitate the process of measuring, analyzing and reporting scope 3 emissions, many companies today choose to use a digital tool. A sustainability tool can automate data collection, provide new insights, create transparency and facilitate collaboration.
By including scope 3 emissions in your sustainability strategy, you are taking an important step towards a greener future. Want to know more about how businesses can work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Stratsys sustainability management tool help companies and organizations streamline climate calculations and improve sustainability performance.
