What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions?

The impact of human activities on the climate is a major concern today. To better understand that impact, three different types of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been identified and named Scope 1, 2 and 3.

Scope 1 covers direct emissions from an organisation, meaning those emanating from the sources it owns or controls. It includes fuel combustion to provide energy, industrial process, or fugitive emissions from the handling of certain gases.

Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions generated by the electricity, heat, steam and compressed air used by an organisation but produced elsewhere. Those emissions depend on the original source of the energy: a coal-fired power station will emit more GHG than a wind turbine or a solar panel.

Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions that occur along the whole value chain of the organisation, both upstream and downstream. That can include the production of goods and services that are bought in, the processing of the waste generated, and the journeys made by workers.

An understanding of these three Scopes is crucial for organisations who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Each Scope represents part of the total inventory of GHG emissions, and each one’s share varies considerable depending on the organisations business segment and structure.

Finally, it is important to note that reducing GHG emissions requires coordinated action at all levels. At Teréga, we have embarked on such a move, taking decisive action to reduce our emissions for Scopes 1, 2 and 3, in line with our reduction plan that fits into the National Low-Carbon Strategy and the Paris Agreement.