What are GHG Emissions
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are gases released into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change by trapping heat. The most commonly reported greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
GHG emissions are generated throughout business operations and supply chains — from manufacturing processes and transportation to purchased electricity and raw material extraction. Measuring and understanding these emissions helps companies identify environmental impacts, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet growing sustainability expectations.
Scope 1 - Direct Emissions
Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company
- Stationary Combustion
- Mobile Sources
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Fire Suppression
- Purchased Gases
Scope 2 - Indirect Emissions
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy consumed by the company
- Purchased electricity
- Purchased steam
- Purchased heating and cooling
Scope 3 - Value Chain Emissions
All other indirect emissions that occur across a company’s value chain
- Purchased goods and services
- Capital Goods
- Fuel and Energy Related Activities
- Waste Generated in Operations
- Processing of Sold Products
- Employee Commuting
- Business Travel
Why Is Knowing Your Scope Emissions Important?
- Identify emission hotspots and reduction opportunities
- Support sustainability and climate goals
- Meet customer and retailer reporting requests
- Prepare for environmental regulations
- Improve supply chain transparency
- Respond to investor and stakeholder expectations
- Support ESG and corporate sustainability reporting
- Build credible sustainability claims backed by data