In this article, we’ll explore what biochar is, how it’s made, its many applications, and why it holds such promise for a greener future.

What is biochar (or green coal)?

Biochar, often called "green coal", is gaining attention as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and soil degradation. By transforming organic waste into a stable form of carbon, biochar offers benefits that range from enhancing soil fertility to locking carbon away for centuries.

But what exactly is biochar, and why is it being hailed as a game-changer in sustainable agriculture and carbon management? 

👉 In this article, we’ll explore what biochar is, how it’s made, its many applications, and why it holds such promise for a greener future.

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter - such as agricultural waste, wood chips, or manure - in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. Unlike regular charcoal, which is primarily used as a fuel source, biochar is designed to deliver environmental and agricultural benefits. Its unique structure allows it to retain nutrients, improve soil health, and sequester carbon, making it a valuable tool in sustainable farming and climate change mitigation.

Often referred to as "green coal", biochar has earned this nickname due to its eco-friendly properties. It mimics the natural carbon cycle by stabilizing carbon that would otherwise return to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. When applied to soil, biochar can remain there for hundreds or even thousands of years, acting as a long-term carbon sink.

Biochar’s versatility goes beyond agriculture. Its porous structure makes it useful in water filtration systems, while its carbon content lends itself to applications in renewable energy and construction. 

👉 As we face growing challenges from climate change and resource depletion, biochar may offer a sustainable way to recycle organic waste while benefiting the environment.

ANZBIG along with its Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap Silver Sponsor and Canberra Launch Event partner, Regenerative Ag Alliance | ‪@farmingtogether4563‬ | Southern Cross University, presents this short video about Biochar, its role in Climate Change, its uses and the potential it has to become a billion dollar industry.

What is Biochar?

Biochar is created through a process called pyrolysis, which involves heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment. The absence of oxygen prevents the material from burning, instead breaking it down into solid carbon (biochar), gases, and liquids. This process not only locks carbon into a stable form but also produces by-products like syngas and bio-oil, which can be harnessed as renewable energy sources.

The raw materials used to produce biochar - called feedstocks - are typically waste products from agriculture, forestry, or food production. Think of crop residues, wood chips, or even animal manure. By converting these materials into biochar, we’re giving new life to waste that might otherwise decompose in landfills, releasing methane (a potent greenhouse gas) in the process.

The sustainability of biochar production largely depends on the feedstocks and energy inputs used. When managed responsibly, the process can be a closed loop, where waste materials are repurposed, and the energy generated during pyrolysis powers the production itself. It’s a rare example of a technology that addresses multiple environmental problems at once - waste management, carbon sequestration, and soil degradation - without creating significant trade-offs.

However, the process isn’t without its challenges. Scaling production to meet global demand requires investment and infrastructure, and ensuring the quality of biochar across different feedstocks can be complex. Even so, as research and innovation in pyrolysis technology advance, biochar is emerging as a scalable solution with the potential to make a real impact. 

Biochar’s appeal lies in its wide-ranging benefits, from improving soil health to fighting climate change. Its unique properties make it a versatile tool that can be applied across agriculture, waste management, and even energy systems. Let’s explore some of its most significant advantages.

One of the standout benefits of biochar is its ability to improve soil fertility. Its porous structure acts like a sponge, retaining water and nutrients that might otherwise leach away. This can be a game-changer for farmers in regions prone to drought or poor soil quality. Biochar also supports beneficial microorganisms, creating a healthier and more resilient soil ecosystem. The result? Higher crop yields and reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers.

Biochar is often celebrated for its role in carbon sequestration. By locking carbon into a stable form that can remain in the soil for centuries, it prevents carbon dioxide from being released back into the atmosphere. In fact, biochar production has been recognized as a method for achieving negative emissions, a critical component in global efforts to combat climate change.

In addition to its environmental benefits, biochar offers a sustainable solution to managing organic waste. By converting agricultural residues, forestry by-products, or even food waste into biochar, we can divert significant amounts of material from landfills. This not only reduces methane emissions but also turns waste into something valuable.

While its agricultural and climate benefits often take center stage, biochar has several other practical uses. Its ability to filter contaminants makes it an effective material for water purification, while its lightweight and durable nature has sparked interest in its use in construction materials. Biochar can also be used as a renewable energy source, with its by-products - bio-oil, and syngas - powering a range of industrial processes.

These benefits make biochar a potential solution to some of our environmental and agricultural challenges. However, its potential impact depends on how widely and responsibly it is adopted. When integrated thoughtfully, biochar could play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future.

A UAE-based research center is experimenting with limiting carbon emissions and improving soil quality by using a technology that transforms green waste into a charcoal-like material called biochar. 

Keep up with the latest news from around the world: https://www.reuters.com/

#News #Reuters #newsfeed #world #environment #science #carbonemissions #biochar #research #UAE

Subscribe: http://smarturl.it/reuterssubscribe

Reuters brings you the latest business, finance and breaking news video from around the globe.  Our reputation for accuracy and impartiality is unparalleled.

Get the latest news on: https://www.reuters.com/
Follow Reuters on Facebook:   / reuters  
Follow Reuters on Twitter:   / reuters  
Follow Reuters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reuters/?hl=en
Transcript
Follow along using the transcript.

Could biochar help limit carbon emissions?

How does biochar contribute to climate change mitigation?

Biochar’s potential to combat climate change lies in its dual role: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and acting as a long-term carbon sink. These two mechanisms work together to address the growing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

When organic waste breaks down in landfills, it releases methane - one of the most harmful greenhouse gases. Turning that waste into biochar stops this process in its tracks, offering a practical way to cut methane emissions. On top of that, adding biochar to soil can help reduce nitrous oxide emissions, which are often linked to farming. By tackling two of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases, biochar shows how simple changes can make a big difference for the planet.

One of biochar’s most important features is its ability to store carbon for centuries. The pyrolysis process converts organic carbon into a stable form that resists decomposition. When biochar is added to soil, it effectively locks this carbon away, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere. 

Biochar production also supports a circular economy. By using agricultural and forestry by-products, it not only addresses waste but also produces renewable energy in the form of syngas and bio-oil. This energy can offset fossil fuel use, further reducing carbon emissions.

The global potential of biochar has been increasingly recognized. Some studies suggest that widespread adoption could offset 12% of global GHG emissions by 2030 (the equivalent of removing over a billion petrol cars from the road), making it one of the most effective negative emissions technologies available. Initiatives like carbon credits for biochar applications are helping incentivize its use, paving the way for large-scale implementation.

While biochar is no silver bullet, its ability to address both the causes and effects of climate change makes it an extremely exciting prospect in the fight against climate change. By integrating biochar into climate strategies, we can take a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas levels and building a more sustainable future.

While biochar holds incredible potential, it’s not without its limitations: 

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Challenge</th>
      <th>Details</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost and accessibility</strong></td>
      <td>Producing biochar at scale can be expensive, particularly when it comes to building the infrastructure needed for pyrolysis. For small farmers or businesses, the upfront costs might outweigh the perceived benefits, especially in regions where resources are limited. While larger-scale projects are making biochar more accessible, financial and technical barriers remain a challenge.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Variation in quality</strong></td>
      <td>Not all biochar is created equal. The properties of biochar—such as its ability to retain water or store carbon—depend heavily on the type of feedstock used and the specific pyrolysis process. This variability can make it difficult to ensure consistent results, particularly for applications in agriculture or large-scale carbon sequestration.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Environmental trade-offs</strong></td>
      <td>Though biochar production can be sustainable, it requires careful management. Pyrolysis consumes energy, and if fossil fuels are used to power the process, it could offset some of the environmental benefits. Additionally, large-scale biochar production could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased demand for feedstocks like wood, potentially encouraging deforestation if not carefully regulated.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Awareness and adoption</strong></td>
      <td>Despite its many benefits, biochar is still relatively unknown outside environmental and agricultural circles. Widespread adoption will require greater education and incentives for farmers, businesses, and policymakers to integrate it into their practices. Without this, biochar risks remaining a niche solution rather than achieving the global impact it promises.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Balancing expectations</strong></td>
      <td>It’s also important to be realistic about what biochar can achieve. While it’s an excellent tool for carbon storage and soil health, it’s not a standalone solution to climate change or agricultural challenges. Its effectiveness depends on being part of a broader strategy that includes emissions reductions, reforestation, and sustainable farming practices.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


As awareness of biochar grows, so does its potential to reshape how we approach sustainability. Its ability to address multiple environmental challenges makes it a promising tool for the future, particularly when paired with advancements in technology and policy support.

The key to unlocking biochar’s potential lies in scaling up production and adoption. Governments and organisations are beginning to recognise biochar’s value, with initiatives that offer carbon credits or subsidies for its use. These incentives are crucial for encouraging widespread adoption, particularly in regions where the upfront costs of biochar production might be prohibitive. Additionally, as pyrolysis technology advances, production could become more efficient and affordable, paving the way for biochar to become a mainstream solution.

While biochar’s role in agriculture and carbon sequestration is well established, its applications continue to expand. For example, biochar is being integrated into green infrastructure projects, such as improving urban soil quality or capturing stormwater runoff. It’s also being explored in new industries, including its use in construction materials, where it can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete and insulation.

Biochar is increasingly recognized as a critical part of global climate strategies. By turning organic waste into a long-term carbon sink, biochar provides a practical pathway toward achieving negative emissions, which are essential for meeting the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.

Ongoing research is shedding light on how to optimize biochar production and application. Scientists are exploring ways to tailor biochar for specific uses - whether that’s enhancing its water retention properties for drought-prone areas or improving its efficiency as a carbon sink. These innovations could make biochar an even more versatile and impactful tool in the fight against climate change.

The future of biochar is full of promise. By combining innovation, policy support, and responsible implementation, biochar has the potential to make a significant contribution to a more sustainable and resilient world. The question is no longer whether biochar can help - it’s how quickly we can scale its use to meet the challenges ahead.

No description has been added to this video.
Transcript
Follow along using the transcript.

Greenly - The go-to carbon accounting platform for your business!

At Greenly, we understand the challenges businesses face when navigating the path to sustainability. While biochar is an excellent tool for carbon sequestration and soil health, achieving meaningful emissions reductions requires a comprehensive strategy. That’s where Greenly comes in.

Track your emissions: Our platform provides detailed tracking of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, helping you pinpoint the areas of your business with the highest environmental impact.

Analyse and take action: With Greenly, you can create tailored action plans designed to reduce emissions across your operations and supply chain. Our cost simulations also ensure that these actions align with your financial goals.

Conduct lifecycle assessments (LCAs): We specialize in LCAs, giving you a detailed understanding of the environmental impact of your products, services, and processes. This insight helps you make more sustainable choices at every stage of your operations.

Sustainable supply chain management: Greenly provides a list of sustainable suppliers and tools to help you assess your supply chain, ensuring it aligns with your sustainability goals.

Achieve science-based targets: We assist companies in setting and meeting science-based targets, providing support for initiatives like the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Our solutions not only help reduce emissions but also enhance your brand’s reputation and investor confidence. By identifying high-impact areas and providing practical, actionable steps, we make it easier for companies to integrate sustainability into their core strategy.

Ready to take the next step toward a more sustainable future? Let Greenly guide you on your journey. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

What are scope 3 emissions, and how do they affect global warming and pollution?

What Are Scope 3 Emissions?

In the midst of the grave global concern that is climate change  – more and more companies around the world are opting to take in carbon accounting and determine whether scope 1, scope 2, or scope 3 emissions are the main source of the excessive carbon emissions.

More specifically, scope 3 emissions could be the key component to companies truly understanding how their arbitrary activities are doing serious environmental damage. 

But why are scope 3 emissions so important if they aren’t as distinct as scope 1 or scope 2 emissions? 

🚚 Last, but not least, we have Scope 3!

Accounting for your company’s GHG emissions doesn’t just stop at your energy consumption and direct emission. Scope 3 is the focus area of GHG impact that follows a company’s value chain, allowing for decisions to be made all throughout every component of what makes your business what it is.

In the video below, we give you the whole breakdown on what this exactly means and how it could impact your sustainability reporting! 💚

#Scope3 #climatechange #Greenly

What is Scope 3? | Greenly  #climatechange #scope3

Scope 3 emissions are the final category of measurements in carbon accounting where miscellaneous emissions that don’t fall under scopes one or two. 

Activities that could fall under scope three include the use of raw materials, purchased goods or services, transportation such as employee commuting, leased assets, franchises, investments, and business travel.

Because Scope 3 is the most difficult category in carbon accounting to precisely measure because it is general and includes all emissions that don’t fall under scope 1 or scope 2 emissions. 

How are scope 3 emissions different from scope 1 and scope 2 emissions?

Scope 3 emissions are different from scope 1 and scope 2 emissions as they are extremely difficult to clearly delineate; both  casually and mathematically. 

As previously mentioned, scope 3 emissions are any activities, products, or services that a company contributes to that produces  emissions that don’t fall within either scope 1 or scope 2 emissions.

Well, carbon accounting is split into three different categories of carbon  emissions, otherwise known as, “scopes”. Emissions. Scope emissions 3,  2, and 1 seek to simplify the process of measuring one’s carbon  footprint. 

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol has clarified that the categories of the scopes – are determined by where the carbon  emissions come from. This could be from industrial activity, vehicle use, electrical consumption caused by heating or cooling systems, or  other various emissions that do not fall under scopes one and two. 

Scope 1 emissions are carbon emissions that come directly from industrialization habits or the vehicles used in your company. So, the carbon impact of your production line or how often you’re filling up your company car for gas that pollutes the planet would all contribute to scope 1 emissions. 

Any use of fuel, non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels, greenhouse gasses, or oils, chemical leaks, and the energy or electricity used for your offices or other various facilities would also fall under scope one emissions as well. 

Components that qualify as scope 2 emissions include anything that requires energy consumption, such as electricity needed to run a rented office space or leased vehicles, such as fuel or the electricity required to run central heating or air conditioning. 

What's included a company's carbon footprint? How to measure corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions? Every business leader should know what to consider as part of their company footprint, this video explains what's included.

Often we tend to think about facilities, energy use, and perhaps the fleet - but these account only for a part of a company’s total carbon footprint. The Sustainability Speaker Susanna Hasenoehrl helps you to better understand this, walking you through the concept of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.  

Scope 1 and 2 emissions arise from a company’s operational activities, such as a production facility, or heating or cooling an office. These can be controlled somewhat easily - for example, by switching to renewable energy, or to an electric fleet.

So what about Scope 3? Pukka, a Unilever brand, reports that 49% of their emissions come from boiling the kettle, to make a 'cuppa'. This is an example of Scope 3 emissions, which are more indirect - yet related to the usage of a company’s products and services. 

For most companies, Scope 3 makes up most of their carbon footprint. Scope 3 emissions can be quite difficult to measure, as it includes things like emissions from waste - when a product is disposed of - the supply chain, outsourced activities, and even business travel.

Nonetheless: when you come across a company’s carbon disclosure, do ask whether Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are included.

Corporate Carbon Footprint - Understanding Scope 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Essentially, scope 1 and 2 emissions are 100% subject  to change by the company itself. In other words, all of the emissions in  scope 1 and scope 2 are contingent on the company’s business model and  future actions. Scope 3 emissions are also caused by actions or  activities of the company, but are actually created by an outside source  instead of within the company itself.  

Think of it this way: say you are told to go on a business trip from New York City to London. On average, a one-way flight alone across the Atlantic creates nearly six hundred kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, or 0.59 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. 

Of course, the employee that is going on the business trip is the reason why these carbon emissions are being produced, but the employee and company in question itself can’t be responsible or control how many carbon emissions are created from that specific flight.

This is precisely why scope 3 emissions are difficult for a company to reduce. 

Carbon accounting is the method that companies use to determine how many carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for. 

For instance, through calculating a company’s carbon emissions, carbon accounting can help a company determine how many carbon credits a company should purchase in order to offset their current rate of carbon emissions. Therefore, carbon accounting helps a company or organization fairly decide how to negotiate exchanges for carbon offsets or carbon credits across various sectors. 

Carbon accounting is also referred to as greenhouse gas accounting. 

The main goal of carbon accounting is to provide carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions with a set value so that they can be represented as a financial value in the carbon market. 

Carbon accounting has grown in popularity due to the movement for companies and nations across the globe to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Carbon accounting helps companies join the fight against climate change and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Carbon accounting is important because it helps companies identify the largest sources of contributing to their carbon footprint, but that isn’t the only reason why carbon accounting is beneficial.

For instance, carbon accounting is a good first step towards developing corporate sustainability. As climate change continues to grow as a cause for concern, investors and customers alike are seeking to partner or purchase products or services from businesses that seek not only financial success, but environmental sustainability as well. 

Carbon accounting also helps to avoid greenwashing and stimulate financial growth. 

Investors are increasingly interested in companies that are willing to adjust their business model to contribute to the fight against climate change. Therefore, companies that use carbon accounting are likely to improve appeal to new investors, and discover new financial opportunities.

Why are scope 3 emissions more challenging to monitor and calculate than other scope emissions?

As explained in the business trip example above, scope 3 emissions are difficult to have complete authority over due to the  fact that the carbon emitting activity takes place outside the realm of control of the company. 

In other words, if a company wants to reduce their use of plastic – they are able to make that decision. However, the company is indirectly supporting the use of plastic if a flight on a business trip is serving meals in pre-packaged  boxes. 

This makes scope 3 emissions not only difficult to define, but more difficult to measure and actively reduce. 

Alyssa Rade, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sustain.Life walks through everything you need to know about carbon accounting. A must-watch before you get started calculating your carbon emissions and carbon footprint. 

Learn more about Sustain.Life: https://www.sustain.life/

Blog post mentioned at 2:50: https://www.sustain.life/blog/carbon-neutral

Carbon Accounting 101: Why its important and how to get started

Why should a company monitor their scope 3 emissions if they are miscellaneous and difficult to measure? 

Measuring scope 3 emissions can be extremely beneficial for companies, as they will find that most of their excessive greenhouse gas  emissions aren’t occurring within their scope 1 or scope 2 emissions. Ultimately  taking the time to accurately measure a company's scope 3 emissions can lead to opportunities to reduce operational costs while also lowering  their carbon footprint. 

Other benefits of a company measuring their scope 3 emissions include assessing where the  strongest carbon dioxide emissions are being produced in their supply chains, the opportunity to reduce those energy-sucking sectors and seek renewable energy resources instead, and to improve overall energy efficiency. 

Also, measuring scope 3 emissions can help a company determine which suppliers are the most committed to sustainability efforts, and which are only further contributing to the many environmental problems we face today. Measuring scope 3 emissions and establishing this transparency between suppliers and the company can help to create new sustainability goals, prevent greenwashing, and ultimately aid in the fight against climate change. 

Think of scope 3 emissions as if you’re on a new diet plan. Everything  is in order: you’re keeping track of your exercise, daily steps, calorie  intake, reducing your sugar consumption… but let’s say there’s a  category you forget to document that could still have an impact on your  fitness journey progress – like how many hours a night you sleep or your  water intake. 

It’s probable to think that factors outside of the main realm of fitness, like diet and exercise, wouldn’t have an impact on achieving  your overall goal – but it can. The same goes for scope 3 emissions; scope 3 emissions could be preventing you and your company from reaching your carbon reduction goals. 

All  in all, measuring scope 3 emissions may seem trite and ineffective, but the truth is – discovering the idiosyncratic components of your company that are contributing to excessive carbon emissions and climate change and help to create a more positive, environmentally friendly working atmosphere where your employees will be more motivated to reduce their own carbon footprint as well. 

How can you and your company start reducing your carbon emissions? 

Carbon accounting is a great way to determine where the majority of your carbon emissions are coming from, but what are some  baby steps that you and your company can take to start reducing your carbon footprint?

Here are 3 small steps your company can take to reduce their overall carbon emissions and ultimately join the fight against global warming.

1. Turn off lights, heating, and air conditioning systems

These days, with so many electronics, cars, and phones automatically adjusting to particular scenarios, it’s easy to  accidentally leave the air conditioning on in your car or to forget to shut off the light in your room before leaving the house. An easy way to  reduce your electrical consumption and your carbon footprint is to make sure that inhabited spaces aren’t using superfluous electricity when the space isn’t occupied. 

Besides reducing your electrical consumption and helping the environment, monitoring your electrical activity can help your company save some money! 

2. Provide employees with public transportation

With all of the plentiful, environmentally friendly methods of transportation these days – there’s really no need to go through all the trouble of gassing up your car and further polluting the environment with greenhouse gas emissions.  ‍

Opt for the metro, bus, bike or scooter subscriptions, or even a rideshare to reduce your carbon emissions. 

This also provides the opportunity for employees to exercise more and save money from the incessantly increasing price of gas! 

3. Sublease or Stop Renting Unoccupied Spaces

You know how sometimes you’ll sign up for a subscription service to watch one particular show or purchase a certain product, and then never use that subscription service again – but still have automatically recurring deductions from your bank account unknowingly because you forgot to cancel said subscription?

You’re losing money that you don’t need to be, and the same goes for your company renting spaces or equipment that aren’t being used as much as they should be. 

Evaluating which rented vehicles, co-working spaces, or companies that aren’t being used on a daily basis and aren’t worth the environmental upkeep is an excellent way to reduce your carbon emissions and fight against climate change. 

If reading this article about scope 3 emissions has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against  climate change – Greenly can help you!

Greenly can help you  make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon  footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company  produces.

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint. 

What are scope 1 emissions, and how do they affect global warming and pollution?

What Are Scope 1 Emissions?

Global warming is taking the world by storm, in both our personal lives as well as the business world. 

As the movement to join the net-zero movement to reduce emissions by 2050 grows exponentially, more and more companies are becoming interested in carbon accounting to help them reduce their emissions and create a better future for the environment. 

Carbon accounting is broken down into three well-known categories called, “scopes”. 

👉 What are scope 1 emissions, and are they different from scope 2 and scope 3 emissions?

Scope 1 emissions are the first category in carbon accounting. Scope 1 emissions include energy that is used solely within your own company. This can include energy consumed by rented or leased office spaces, vehicles, or the fuel or electricity required to operate heavy equipment like central heating or air conditioning. 

Scope 1 emissions are greenhouse gasses that are produced directly at the source of the industrial activity of the company. 

For example, at a Ford car manufacturing center, the emissions created by the actual production of the cars at that said facility would fall under scope 1 emissions. 

Therefore, scope 1 emissions are the only emissions that are directly produced by the organization themselves. 

Quick reminder: what is carbon accounting? 

Carbon accounting is a method companies use to determine the culprit behind their own carbon footprint. In other words, carbon accounting helps companies break down their emissions into categories, otherwise known as “scopes''. 

These scopes aim to break down the sources of activity which produce carbon dioxide emissions, so that a company can better understand their carbon footprint.  

Carbon accounting has been gaining recognition, as it often serves as the first step when companies decide they are ready to comprehend their own carbon footprint – and allows them to determine the next steps necessary to reduce their own carbon emissions. 

Is carbon accounting important to reducing emissions?

As climate change continues to negatively impact life around the globe, carbon accounting has become more pivotal than ever before. This is because carbon accounting serves as an excellent first step for companies to transition into sustainable business patterns that the environment will thank them for. 

Carbon accounting not only helps to reduce emissions and establish that a company is making an effort to be more sustainable, but it can persuade a company to make long-lasting, positive environmental change. For example, if a company sees that much of their emissions are being created by the vehicles in their company – they may be inspired to invest in electric cars to mitigate the amount of greenhouse gasses and pollution they are contributing to. 

👉 Carbon accounting can also prevent greenwashing – which is when a company claims to be “greener” than they actually are. Carbon accounting does this by numerically delineating the areas where a company is successfully mitigating emissions, and where they can aim to improve their carbon footprint. 

Lastly, carbon accounting can increase revenue and their overall finances – more investors and customers are becoming aware of the importance of investing or purchasing products that seek to be sustainable, avoid waste, and don’t contribute to climate change. 

Scope 1 emissions are often the category first looked at in carbon accounting. So, does that mean they’re the most important – or do scope 2 and scope 3 emissions play just a big part in a company’s carbon footprint? 

Scope 1 emissions are important because they are the only category of emissions in carbon accounting that can be completely controlled by the company. 

The business has full authority to implement new equipment or business strategies to reduce the emissions in scope 1 emissions, whereas a company is not able to do the same with scope 2 emissions or scope 3 emissions. 

Scope 1 emissions can help to reduce the amount of energy and emissions produced in scope 2 emissions. Therefore, it can be said that scope 1 emissions serve as the baseline for the future of all emissions to be produced by the company. 

Do scope 1 emissions have a large impact on how much carbon dioxide emissions are produced by a company?

Scope 1 emissions have the potential to reduce the amount of emissions created in scope 2. Therefore, while scope 2 emissions don’t require the most upkeep – they are like the root of any other problem. 

If you make an effort to reduce the amount of emissions being produced at the source, or at least improve the efficiency of the equipment, it could very well help to reduce your scope 2 emissions as well. 

How can you and your company make an effort to reduce your own emissions? 

Scope 1 emissions in carbon accounting can help demonstrate the importance of altering your company’s business model or industrialization tactics to reduce emissions. However, many of these changes are often not an immediate option for companies to reduce their emissions, and take time to successfully implement. 

So, what are the other ways you can reduce your environmental impact that aren’t specific to scope 1 emissions?  

Here are 3 ways that your company can lower your overall carbon emissions and join the fight against climate change. 

Everything requires power to operate, but does it need to be running when you’re not there? 

Your company should strive to reduce their energy consumption whenever possible, and one of the biggest culprits of excessive energy use is when the heat, air conditioning, or lights are left on inhabited spaces. 

Turn off lights and heating or air cooling systems where they aren’t necessary, and your company could help the environment while reducing their electricity bill at the same time! 

Even better, see if your company can aim to use renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. This way, your company might be able to keep up with their production goals whilst still preserving the atmosphere. 

It’s understandable that a massive change in your production habits isn’t financially feasible, especially for new companies. Pieces of equipment that drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the source of activity, like a carbon capture and storage system – are expensive and require heavy labor to install. 

You may not be able to change the production line of your company with ease, but how about the packaging? 

Customers aren’t fond of excessive plastic or paper that they need to throw out after opening the product they ordered anyways, so why not strive to make your packaging environmentally friendly? 

Even small businesses can implement sustainable packaging into their business. It doesn’t have to break the bank: just be mindful if the packaging is made with recycled or raw materials, can be reused, and doesn’t create a large carbon footprint to produce in the first place. 

This is a really easy way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions while maintaining their budget.

Invest in electric cars for your company!‍

There’s a reason why Teslas and electric car charging stations are becoming more popular. The Biden administration is even encouraging Americans to do so in the new climate bill by providing them with a tax credit if they decide to purchase an electric car over a gasoline powered car.

Not only is an electric car better for the environment, but it’s better for your gas bill. It may seem like a large investment at first, but over time – the amount of money and time you’ll save no longer filling up your car for gas will become indispensable to both you and the planet. 

If reading this article about scope 1 emissions has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint. 

After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today.

Stephanie Safdie - Greenly

Stephanie Safdie holds a bachelor's degree in English Language & Literature from the University of Maryland College Park, where she specialized in multimedia studies and media literacy to write engaging content made for the internet. She previously worked as a social media content video creator, freelance copywriter, and continues to write SEO generated content for her travel website. After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today. Her work at Greenly covers a wide variety of topics, such as the impact of popular culture events on the environment, offering unique ideas for sustainable development, and breaking down new climate legislation in simple terms. As Stephanie is passionate about linking the bridge between the everyday activities we love to do (such as travel, concerts, fashion, food, etc.) and the effect it has on the environment, she is pursuing further training for more in-depth journalistic endeavors on the environment in the future.

After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Marine Kohler

Marine has an engineering degree from the French school of CentraleSupélec and a masters in Industrial Management from DTU. After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Copywriter specializing in environmental thematics

Ines Gendre is a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. She joined Greenly's team in 2022.

Ines Gendre

Ines Gendre holds a master’s degree in marketing and began her career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. After retraining, she joined Greenly in 2022 as a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. Ines brings her expertise to companies and individuals seeking to understand the challenges of climate change, the green transition, and their impact on society and the economy. Trained in key tools for developing climate strategies - such as Carbon Assessments, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and carbon offsetting - she will begin studying political science at Oxford University in England in January 2025.

Kara joined the team at Greenly in 2023 as SEO copywriter for the UK market.

Kara Anderson - Greenly

Kara Anderson holds an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in international law from the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen, specializing in human rights and EU law, where she developed strong research and writing skills. After working at Ernst & Young as part of their audit graduate scheme and gaining experience in analytics, she transitioned to advertising, working with major global brands like American Express and Dove.
In 2023, Kara joined Greenly as a writer, focusing on sustainability and climate-related topics for the UK market. Her work spans a wide range of environmental issues, including climate science, sustainable development, and climate policy. Collaborating with climate scientists, Kara has produced data-driven investigations into key climate challenges. With a passion for international politics, sustainable development, and climate change science, she continues to build her expertise in the field and is currently pursuing further training in journalism.

Ben Field, Climate Action Strategist at Patch

Quentin Bourhis, Climate Expert at Greenly

Matthieu Vegreville

Matthieu is a 28 year-old graduate engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and Télecom Paris, with a background in data science at Withings. While there, he worked on watch activity detection algorithms, and developed a health study activity so that connected objects could be used to better monitor certain pathologies. He has long been involved in data science projects with his brother, who has the same training. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, he decided to put his know-how at the service of the environment. 

Arnaud Delubac

Arnaud, 26 years old, trained as a designer and in digital communication at INSEEC before joining the Master Entrepreunariat at ESSEC-CentraleSupélec. Passionate about social media since his teenage years, he has created some of the biggest Twitter communities in France before joining the digital communication team of the Prime Minister’s office in Matignon. It was at the Secretaries of State for Digital, Mounir Mahjoubi and Cédric O, where Arnaud directly managed the team, that he developed a strong conviction for the need to use technology to bring awareness to the greatest causes of our time.

Alexis Normand

Alexis is a 37 year-old graduate of HEC and Sciences-Po. After his studies, he spent 2 years working in public policy consulting. He then spent 6 years at Withings, a leading company in connected objects. While there, he continued the companies operations in Boston, USA, and created the company’s health department. After the company was bought by Nokia, he joined the startup Embleema by working through Techstars, one of the best startup incubators in the United States, where he developed a taste for entrepreneurship. His return to France was an opportunity to put all his experience at the service of the environment, during a crucial moment in the climate crisis.

Justine Dumont

Justine a toujours été passionnée de lecture et d’écriture. En 2019, elle parvient justement à faire de sa passion son métier, en devenant rédactrice web indépendante. Motivée par ses engagements écologiques, elle rejoint l’équipe de Greenly en 2022 afin de mettre ses compétences au service de la cause environnementale. 

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Receive CSO Connect, our free and bi-monthly newsletter to master sustainability!

Implement your company's carbon and ESG strategy

Whether you're an expert in your field, a scientist, or an ESG manager, we'd love to hear from you.

Want to share your insights on Leaf? You're in the right place!

Congrats on joining the best sustainability newsletter in the world.

Your 5 min weekly brief on sustainability & climate news. 

The green transition is here. Be a part of the solution!

Exclusive content to help you develop your career in ESG.

Greenly's secret recipe: state-of-the-art technology, coupled with a team of climate experts, to support you at every stage of your company's transition to a sustainable model.

We share green news once a month (or more if we find interesting things to tell you)

Green-Tok, a newsletter dedicated to climate

Integrate your company's physical flows and monetary flows into the platform, monitor your CO2 emissions in real time, and define your reduction trajectory. All on a single interface for 100% control and visibility of your carbon accounting.

A unique, complete, and intuitive platform

Because technology alone would not be sufficient to satisfy a successful carbon footprint approach, you benefit from the support of a climate expert throughout your duration with us in order to guide you as best as possible on your roadmap.

We've combined smart data collection with advanced features to create the world's most intuitive carbon accounting solution.

Contact us directly khloe@kalamari.agency or visit our partnership page here.

To evaluate each of the 100,000 companies, Greenly relies on a robust methodology that draws on data available through international ESG databases. Our methodology is updated daily.

No need to panic! Greenly re-evaluate the companies that contact us to update their scoring. To do this, we ask for documents attesting to the seriousness of your commitment. Once validated by our experts, the score can be updated to reflect this.

Greenly has been recognized as the #1 player in the Sustainability Management Software space on the G2 Grid®.

Baseline and evaluate your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Analyze impact at a product-level or catalog-level.

What is a carbon footprint ?

More articles

What is biochar (or green coal)?

What Are Scope 3 Emissions?

What Are Scope 1 Emissions?

Join more than 800 companies committed to climate change