As businesses strive to minimise their environmental impact, understanding and managing Scope 3 emissions has become crucial.
At Unisort, our mission is to make workplace recycling easier, engaging, and efficient, which is why we have put together this guide to demystify Scope 3 emissions and illustrate how recycling can play a pivotal role in reducing your company’s carbon footprint.
Understanding Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.
Unlike Scope 1 which are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, and Scope 2 which are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heating, steam, and cooling, Scope 3 emissions encompass a broader range of activities.
There are a total of 15 Scope 3 emissions sources under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which is the internationally recognised standard for carbon foot printing.
This includes emissions from:
- The production of goods and services acquired by the company
- Emissions from waste disposal and treatment of waste generated by the company
- Emissions from the use of goods and services sold by the company.
Travel is another important consideration when addressing Scope 3 emissions. This includes the impact of employees travelling to and from work and the emissions from transportation activities undertaken for business purposes.
Why Do You Need to Consider Scope 3 Emissions?
Most businesses traditionally report on Scopes 1 and 2 emissions, as these are directly controllable and measurable using readily available data. Focusing on these scopes gives a good initial overview of a company’s direct climate impact. However, Scope 3 emissions, which cover the entire value chain, present a more complex challenge.
Without achieving Scope 3 a business will not achieve net zero.
Despite the complexity, addressing Scope 3 is crucial for reduction goals as it often surpasses the impact of Scopes 1 and 2 combined. Understanding Scope 3 emissions provides deeper insights into a company’s activities, helping to identify business practices that negatively impact the environment.
By addressing Scope 3 emissions, businesses can achieve a comprehensive understanding of their carbon footprint and identify significant opportunities for reduction.
The Role of Recycling in Reducing Scope 3 Emissions
Recycling can be a powerful tool in your company’s fight against climate change, offering substantial benefits for reducing Scope 3 emissions. Whilst the more complex nature of Scope 3 emissions may seem daunting, efficient recycling systems can have a bigger impact than you may realise.
Here are just some of the ways recycling can help:
Reducing Emissions from Waste Disposal: One of the primary sources of Scope 3 emissions is waste generated in operations.
By implementing effective recycling programmes, businesses can significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill or incineration, thereby decreasing emissions.
Encouraging Sustainable Procurement: When businesses prioritise recycled materials in their procurement processes, they support markets for recycled goods, encouraging more sustainable production practices upstream in the value chain.
This shift can lead to a substantial reduction in the emissions associated with purchased goods and services.
Minimising the Need for New Materials: Recycling reduces the demand for new raw materials, which in turn lowers the emissions associated with extracting, processing, and transporting these materials. For example, recycling paper reduces the need for deforestation.
Engaging Employees and Promoting a Sustainable Culture: Implementing workplace recycling programmes can engage employees and foster a culture of sustainability.
This not only helps reduce emissions from waste but also encourages employees to adopt more sustainable practices in their personal lives, such as lift sharing or walking to work .
Taking Action
Reducing Scope 3 emissions requires a deliberate effort across the entire business. By integrating effective recycling practices into your business operations, you can make significant strides towards achieving your CO2 reduction targets.
At Unisort, we are dedicated to supporting your journey towards a more sustainable future. As a key part of any sustainability strategy, we believe that recycling should be easy, engaging, efficient, and eco-friendly. Our comprehensive recycling solutions are designed to empower businesses and their employees to recycle more effectively, lessening their impact on the environment.
For advice on how recycling solutions can help your business reduce its carbon footprint, contact our team of experts today.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment and take significant steps to reduce Scope 3 emissions.