» Resources » What’s the difference between scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions? Energy & Carbon What’s the difference between scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions? In order for organisations to reach their net zero targets, a carbon strategy should be at the forefront of their minds. As part of that carbon strategy, it’s crucial that organisations, both SMEs and global corporates, are accurately measuring and managing their carbon emissions. For organisations to be able to measure their carbon footprint, they need to be able to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions that they’re responsible for. To do this, organisations must collect their operational data and use official multipliers (known as conversion factors) to translate those into carbon emissions. Organisations should, at minimum, cover their carbon scope 1 and 2 emissions, and also include their scope 3 emissions data where possible. It can be confusing at first to keep track of which emissions belong to which scope, so allow us to help and explain: Scope 1 emissions correspond to the direct emissions you have produced from owned and controlled sources. For example, if your organisation has a vehicle fleet, any diesel or petrol consumed by those vehicles generates emissions that come out of the exhaust pipes. Those are therefore emissions that the organisation is directly generating and responsible for. Scope 2 emissions are defined as indirect emissions from the consumption of electricity, steam, heating and cooling. Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions. This can range from the carbon embodied in the materials you purchase through to emissions associated with the processing of the waste you have generated. For most organisations, scope 3 emissions will be the largest contributor to their footprint. Need a measurement tool for tracking your organisations’ carbon emissions? Register for a free Carbon Calculator account. Book a free discovery call with our sustainability reporting experts to explore how your organisation can reduce and measure its emissions Charles Naud Apr 1, 2022 Share: Related Articles May 2025 Blog Do Businesses Actually Need a Sustainability Strategy? Hattie Webb May 2025 Blog Do Businesses Actually Need a Sustainability Strategy? In recent years, “sustainability” has moved from a corporate buzzword to a boardroom imperative. From startups to multinational corporations, businesses of all sizes are grappling with how to operate in a world facing environmental challenges, shifting expectations, and tightening regulations. But the question remains: Do businesses actually need a sustainability strategy? Or is it just […] Keagan Allin May 2025 Blog How to Shift Mindsets on Climate (Without the Usual Doom and Gloom) Ross Primmer May 2025 Blog How to Shift Mindsets on Climate (Without the Usual Doom and Gloom) Today you’re never far away from a headline which talks about the climate and biodiversity emergency. We’re well versed, and arguably fatigued, with articles about rising levels of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere or declines in species diversity across the globe. Yet, despite these alarming headlines, emissions are rising and rates of extinction increase. The […] Keagan Allin May 2025 Blog Reflections on Sustainable Procurement: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead Sarah Chatfield May 2025 Blog Reflections on Sustainable Procurement: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead As sustainable procurement continues to evolve, it’s crucial to assess where we stand, how we can build on our momentum, and the role ISO 20400 has played in advancing the field—and how it can continue to accelerate progress. World Sustainable Procurement Day provided an excellent opportunity for Shaun McCarthy from ISO 20400.org and me to […] Keagan Allin