Scope 3.4 - Emissions associated with the transportation and distribution of purchased goods and services in the upstream supply chain

Scope 3.4 emissions include the indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation and distribution of purchased goods and services in the upstream supply chain. These emissions occur before the goods arrive at your company, such as during the transport of raw materials from the supplier to your production site.

Examples of Scope 3.4 Emissions:

• Emissions generated by the transportation of raw materials or semi-finished goods from suppliers to your company, whether by truck, ship, rail, or air.
• Emissions from the storage and distribution of goods in warehouses or distribution centers before they are used in your company.
• Emissions from the operation of warehouses managed by third parties responsible for storing and forwarding your purchased products.

Relevant Activities for Scope 3.4 Emissions:

To identify your company’s Scope 3.4 emissions, you should examine the following activities and areas:

• Transportation of raw materials: The transport of raw materials or finished goods from your suppliers' production sites to your company.
• Distribution centers: The use of warehouses and distribution centers involved before goods reach your company, including emissions from the operation of these facilities.
• Logistics service providers: Emissions from external logistics providers responsible for transporting and distributing the goods you purchase.
• Refrigerated transport: The transport of temperature-sensitive goods, which generates additional emissions due to the operation of refrigeration units during transit.

Where Can I Find Data on My Scope 3.4 Emissions?

Collecting Scope 3.4 emissions data requires information about the logistics and transportation of the goods you purchase. Potential data sources include:

• Supplier information: Data from your suppliers on the transportation routes and associated emissions of the products you purchase from them.
• Logistics service provider reports: Reports from logistics and transportation service providers that provide detailed information on transportation routes and associated emissions.
• Shipping documents: Bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents that contain information about transport methods, distances, and volumes, which can be used to calculate emissions.
• Industry-specific emissions factors: If specific transport data is not available, industry-specific or widely accepted emissions factors can be used to estimate emissions. These factors can often be found in publicly accessible databases or reports.