Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions categorize the sources of a company’s greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from operations the company owns or controls, while Scope 2 and 3 refer to indirect emissions Scope 2 from purchased energy, and Scope 3 from activities across the value chain that the company doesn’t directly own or control.
Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources a company owns or controls, such as company vehicles, equipment, and on-site fuel combustion. They also include process emissions from industrial activities like metal smelting or cement production, and fugitive emissions from leaks or storage systems. These emissions are often a primary focus for reduction efforts due to the company’s direct control. Examples range from diesel generators and heavy machinery to chemical processes and gas leaks.
Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from a company’s consumption of purchased energy, such as electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Although generated off-site, these emissions are attributed to the company using the energy.
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions across a company’s value chain, including those from suppliers, transportation, and product use. Though not directly controlled, they often represent the largest share of a company’s total emissions.
Text rights:(Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Explained | CarbonNeutral, n.d.)
Text source:Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Explained | CarbonNeutral. (n.d.). Carbon Neutral. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://www.carbonneutral.com/news/scope-1-2-3-emissions-explained
