Scope 1
How to calculate scope 1
Scope 1 emissions typically come from fuel combustion in company-owned vehicles or machinery, heating systems powered by fossil fuels, industrial processes, and fugitive emissions from refrigeration or cooling equipment. These are all directly in control of a company. Data is typically available through supplier invoices or online platforms. The first step is to gather data on the consumption of these activities.
Reliable sources for emission factors include:
To support Scope 1 calculations, several tools are available:
Possible actions scope 1
- Electrification: Replace fossil-fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives.
- Heating Less: Optimize heating systems for efficiency.
- Closed-Loop Cooling Systems: Reduce emissions with alternative cooling agents.
- Biogas: Switch to renewable biogas where feasible.
Set Emissions Reduction Targets
Setting clear targets to reduce Scope 1 emissions is a crucial step in addressing climate change. These targets define how much a company plans to cut its direct and indirect emissions over a specific period and provide a foundation for meaningful progress. There are two common types of carbon reduction targets. Absolute targets focus on reducing total emissions by a fixed amount, such as cutting emissions by 25% by 2030, regardless of business growth. Intensity targets, on the other hand, measure emissions relative to an activity, like emissions per product or per unit of revenue, allowing companies to grow while improving efficiency.
To ensure targets are credible and effective, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) offers a globally recognized framework to help companies align their goals with climate science. Targets aligned with SBTi support efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. deSter recommends that suppliers adopt SBTi-aligned targets and pursue official validation to demonstrate a serious commitment to climate action.
Back to Basics: What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions? – YouTube Setting Science-Based Targets – UN Global Compact
Contact us
If you are looking for guidance or more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
- Fien Van Den Heuvel, Environmental Footprint Manager
fvandenheuvel@gategroup.com - Stef Oud, Sourcing & Procurement Specialist
SOud@gategroup.com
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ESG supplier portal
At deSter, sustainability is a core part of our business strategy. As we work to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our entire value chain, strong collaboration with our suppliers is essential.
Scope 2 emissions
Scope 2 emissions result from the purchase of electricity, steam, heating, or cooling from external providers. These indirect emissions depend on the carbon intensity of the energy supplied, which varies by country and energy mix.
Scope 3 emissions
Scope 3 emissions typically represent the largest share of a company’s carbonfootprint, as they cover the full value chain—from raw material sourcing to product useand end-of-life disposal.