What are Scope 1 Emissions?

Understanding the concept of scope 1 emissions is essential for wider carbon management. Scope 1 emissions, also known as direct emissions, are greenhouse gasy that are released directly from resources owned or controlled by the organization. These include emissions from combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles and emissions from chemical production in technological facilities owned or controlled by the organization.

These emissions make up a substantial part carbon footprint organizations and are often the first target when a company begins its sustainability efforts. By understanding and managing Scope 1 emissions, organizations can significantly reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Types of scope 1 emissions

Scope 1 emissions can be divided into several categories, each with its own sources and management methods. Among the most common are stationary combustion, mobile combustion and emissions from processes.

– Stationary combustion: Combustion of fuels for energy in stationary devices such as boilers or furnaces.
– Mobile combustion: Combustion of fuels in means of transport – cars, trucks, ships, planes or trains.
– Emissions from processes: Emissions arising from physical or chemical processes, such as the production of cement or aluminium.

Stationary combustion

For many organizations, stationary combustion is a significant source of scope 1 emissions. It includes the burning of coal, oil, natural gas or biomass in boilers, furnaces or other equipment for the production of heat or electricity. Managing these emissions can include measures to improve energy efficiency, switching to cleaner fuels or using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

Mobile combustion

Mobile combustion is another significant source of scope 1 emissions, especially for organizations with large vehicle fleets. These include emissions from the combustion of petrol, diesel or other fuels in cars, trucks, ships, aircraft or trains. Strategies to manage these emissions may include improving fuel efficiency and switching to lower carbon fuels.

Measurement of range 1 emissions

Accurate measurement of range 1 emissions is a critical step in their management. This usually involves calculating the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of fuel consumed using emission factors specific to each fuel type and combustion technology. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides comprehensive guidance on how to calculate Scope 1 emissions.

Calculation of emissions

– Stationary combustion: It includes the determination of the amount of fuel consumed and the specific emission factor for this fuel. Emissions are calculated by multiplying the weight of fuel consumed by the emission factor, which gives the total emissions in metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).
– Mobile combustion: Similar approach to stationary combustion, but includes additional variables such as mileage, fuel efficiency and vehicle type.

Control of scope 1 emissions

After accurate measurement of scope 1 emissions, the organization can begin to manage them. This includes developing a carbon management plan that sets out strategies to reduce emissions, monitoring progress and reporting on results.

– Energy efficiency: It includes improving the efficiency of equipment, modernizing equipment and optimizing operations.
– Fuel switching: Switching to lower carbon fuels, such as switching from coal to natural gas or to electric and hydrogen propulsion systems.

Reporting on scope 1 emissions

Reporting of scope 1 emissions is a critical part of greenhouse gas management. It can involve a variety of channels, including corporate sustainability reports, carbon disclosure projects (CDPs) and regulatory filings.

– Corporate Sustainability Reports: Provides a comprehensive overview of an organization's environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
– Carbon Disclosure Projects (CDP): Provide a platform for benchmarking performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Scope 1 emissions are a significant part of an organization's carbon footprint and a key target for carbon management. By understanding, measuring, managing and reporting these emissions, organizations can make a significant contribution to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Managing scope 1 emissions is not only a challenge, but also presents opportunities for cost savings, innovation and competitive advantage. In the transition to a low carbon economy, organizations that effectively manage their scope 1 emissions will be well positioned to succeed.