Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress

​Intro to The GHG Protocol’s Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard​​

The GHG Protocol’s Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard is a globally recognized framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur throughout a company’s value chain. This standard is part of the broader Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, which provides comprehensive guidelines for companies to measure, manage, and report their GHG emissions.​

Released in 2011, the Scope 3 Standard is the only internationally accepted method for companies to account for value chain emissions. ​

The Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard allows companies to assess their entire value chain emissions impact and identify where to focus reduction activities.​

​Users of the standard can account for emissions from 15 categories of Scope 3 activities, both upstream and downstream of their operations. ​

Key Features of the Scope 3 Standard:

  • Focus on Indirect Emissions.
  • 15 Categories of Emissions: purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, to employee commuting, business travel, waste generated in operations, and the end-of-life treatment of sold products.
  • Comprehensive GHG Accounting: It provides guidelines for companies to identify, quantify, and report Scope 3 emissions.
  • Supply Chain Engagement: The standard encourages companies to engage with suppliers and customers to reduce GHG emissions across the entire value chain. This can involve collaboration on sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency, and other emission-reducing practices.
  • Alignment with Corporate Sustainability Goals: By following the Scope 3 Standard, companies can better align their GHG reduction strategies with their overall sustainability goals, improving their transparency, accountability, and reputation.

Overall, the Scope 3 Standard is an essential tool for companies seeking to understand and mitigate the full impact of their GHG emissions beyond their direct operations.

(Source: Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard | GHG Protocol)

Scope 3 best practices (from the GHG-P Scope 3 Standard)

Identify Scope 3 activities & Map the Supply chain: ​

  • Companies should map the value chain as a first step toward identifying the scope 3 activities that are included in the inventory.

Account for removals, but report separately: ​

  • Scope 3 inventories (currently) include only emissions, not removals. Any removals (e.g., biological GHG sequestration) may be reported separately.

Ensure a quality Scope 3 inventory by quality data selection: ​

After prioritizing scope 3 activities, companies should select data based on:

  • The company’s specific business goals – Which data will be the most relevant based on these goals?
  • Significance of Scope 3 activities – Which areas are likely to contribute most to Scope 3 emissions?
  • Availability of primary and secondary data – The more data you have available, the better position you will be in to make decisions
  • Data quality – Having a wide range of data is important, but it is essential that this is trustworthy data. High data quality ensures you can rely on the information you are using to make decisions.

Data quality can be improved over time with an iterative approach – don’t hesitate to try new things as you discover what works best for you and the way your company works. As you explore new data points and collection methods, your quality of data is sure to improve – leading to better reporting and deeper understanding of how to reach your goals.