Scope 3 A-B-C

The path towards Scope 3 carbon emission reductions

Understanding Embodied carbon – Scope 3 Embodied carbon is the carbon dioxide (CO2) or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the manufacture and use of a product or service. Waste from a building is also considered part of a building’s carbon footprint.

These are called Scope 3 emissions. Identifying and adopting innovative carbon-lowering products and services offers the best opportunity to make meaningful carbon emission reductions today.

Floor Matting Waste Supplies: Hand Towels Toilet Tissue

The larger the procurement portfolio the greater the opportunity to support meaningful Scope 3 carbon emission reductions.

Scope 3 – Identifying Low Hanging Opportunities for Carbon Emission reductions.

Scope 3-A Emissions from inputs directly associated with a firm’s core products. Examples would be wire, transformers, and other direct inputs. In most cases there are few supply sources and opportunities for low-carbon innovation is limited.

Scope 3-B Emissions associated with waste. Waste is generally divided into landfill and recycled and/or up-cycled materials. The greatest opportunity for Scope 3-B emission reduction is through landfill avoidance.

Scope 3-C Emissions associated with generically available products and services used widely across the supply chain. Offers the most opportunity for disruptive innovation and ease of adoption across the supply chain. Examples include the following: Partial list Scope 3-C Supply Chain Categories Renovations Concrete Building Materials Flooring Furnishings Safety - Supplies Workwear - Uniforms Office - Equipment Safety - Apparel Snow Removal

Janitorial - Supplies Floor Mat Service Cleaning Chemicals Stationary - Supplies Restroom Paper Stationary - Equipment Restroom Soap/Sanitizers Printing - Outside Airfreshenrs - Air Care Printing - Inks/Toners Restroom Fixtures HVAC - Filters Breakroom Fixtures Medical - Supplies Office - Computers Batteries PPE Automotive Supplies Landscaping Ice Melt

Marketing Materials Shipping - Courier Shipping - Materials Electronic Appliances Warehouse - Supplies Warehouse - Equipment Document Shredding Breakroom Supplies Automotive Repair

What you can do!

Make embodied carbon a heavily weighted factor in your Scope 3-B and 3-C procurement process.

Look for validated low-carbon innovators on the BillionCO2Challen ge website.

Don’t wait for the large carbon reduction opportunities that are not reachable – make small incremental improvements today.

Kim Caron

for helping to forge a new path to sustainability 1 pound at a time!