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Scope 3

The term “Scope 3” refers to a specific category of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the context of accounting for and managing an organization's carbon footprint. It is the third and broadest of the three categories or “scopes” generally used to assess GHG emissions related to the activities of a company or entity.

Here is a brief definition of Scope 3:

Scope 3: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions that result from the organization's activities, but are not directly under its control or ownership. This generally includes emissions from the company's supply chain, business travel, waste generated by the business, products sold, and other indirect activities related to the business.

Scope 3 emissions are often the largest in terms of quantity among the three scopes, as they encompass a broad range of activities that are often spread across the entire corporate value chain. Businesses are increasingly looking to measure, monitor, and reduce their Scope 3 emissions, as they are essential for a comprehensive assessment of the organization's environmental impact and for achieving global sustainability goals. This may involve working with suppliers, promoting more sustainable travel practices, managing waste more effectively, and other measures to reduce indirect emissions from business activities.

--> Read also our article on the various implications of Scope 3 on the carbon footprint of businesses