Scope 1 - Emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the company

Scope 1 emissions are a central component of reporting under the GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol). These emissions include all direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the company. In this article, we explain what Scope 1 emissions are, which activities are relevant to them, and where you might find data on your consumption.

What are Scope 1 emissions?

Scope 1 emissions encompass direct emissions from operational activities where greenhouse gases are released. These emissions come from sources that are owned or controlled by the company. They include:

• Combustion of fossil fuels: Emissions generated by burning fossil fuels like natural gas, heating oil, gasoline, and diesel in boilers, generators, vehicles, or other equipment.
• Industrial processes: Direct emissions from industrial processes where greenhouse gases are produced, such as in cement production or chemical processes.
• Fugitive emissions: Uncontrolled emissions of greenhouse gases, such as leaks of refrigerants from air conditioning systems or methane from gas extraction facilities.

Relevant activities for Scope 1 emissions:

To identify your company’s Scope 1 emissions, you should examine the following activities and areas:

• Company-owned vehicles: The use of company-owned vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and other motorized vehicles.
• On-site energy generation: Operation of boilers, generators, and other equipment that burn fossil fuels to produce heat, electricity, or steam.
• Industrial facilities: Any industrial processes where greenhouse gases are directly released, such as in the production of chemicals, cement, steel, or other products.
• Agricultural activities: Emissions generated from the management of agricultural land and livestock, particularly methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Where can I find data on my consumption?

To calculate Scope 1 emissions, you will need data on your consumption. These details can come from various sources:

• Fleet management: Data on fuel consumption from your fleet management system or from fuel invoices.
• Production facilities: Monitoring reports from your production sites that provide information on the consumption of fossil fuels and other industrial activities.
• Agricultural inputs: Reports on the use of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs that may lead to emissions.