Scope 1: definition

Scope 1 emissions come directly from the source of industrial production or vehicles that are used in a company, including all sources of non-renewable energy as well – such as the energy required to run the office.

As a whole, scope 1 emissions are direct energy emissions released on-site or from company-operated assets as part of normal business activities. Remember, Scope 1 is one of the three categories defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to help organizations classify and report the emissions created by their business.

Scope 1 includes emissions from:

• Stationary combustion such as by burning fossil fuels in equipment or facilities.
• Mobile combustion such as the fuel burned from company-owned or leased vehicles like cars, trucks, ships, planes.
• Fugitive emissions which account for leaks or releases from industrial equipment, such as refrigerants from air conditioning systems or methane leaks from pipelines.
• On-site energy generation which refers to emissions from producing energy on the premises, such as running diesel generators or combined heat-and-power plants.

Scope 1 emissions are important as they are the emissions that are at the complete jurisdiction of a company, meaning – a company has full control over the amount of these missions to be emitted, and are often the first and most straightforward to measure and reduce. In addition to this, Scope 1 emissions can also allow for reduced operation costs, boost operational efficiency, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

Examples of Scope 1 emissions include:

• A manufacturing facility burning natural gas to operate industrial ovens, otherwise known as stationary combustion
• A logistics company’s vehicles, such as diesel trucks delivering goods, emitting GHG emissions from mobile combustion
• Refrigerant leaks from a grocery store’s cooling systems, which are better known as fugitive emissions
• A corporate campus running a backup diesel generator, otherwise known as an on-site energy generator, during a power outage to ensure that classes and programs remain in session
  

FAQ

How is Scope 1 different from Scope 2 and Scope 3?

Scope 1 emission refers to direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, whereas Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect emissions from purchased energy and Scope 3 covers all other miscellaneous emissions across the value chain.

How can companies reduce Scope 1 emissions?

Companies can reduce scope 1 emissions by switching to renewable fuels, upgrading equipment for improved energy efficiency, switching to electric modes of transportation, and seeking to better monitor and maintain their equipment to avoid potential leaks.

Are Scope 1 emissions always fossil fuel–related?

No, Scope 1 emissions aren’t always fossil fuel related – as Scope 1 emissions can also encapsulate biogenic emissions, which are the emissions that come from burning biomass.

Who is required to report Scope 1 emissions?

Publicly listed companies, large emitters, and regulated industries are usually required to disclose Scope 1 emissions under various sustainability reporting frameworks or local regulations.

Do small businesses have Scope 1 emissions?

Yes, any organization that has even one vehicle (think a small business with a single delivery truck), or equipment (think a local bakery with an oven), or on-site fuel combustion (think a small, chain corporation) is subject to Scope 1 emissions.