The Procurement Glossary » Scope 3 Emissions

Scope 3 Emissions

Compliance & Risk

Definition

Indirect greenhouse-gas emissions across a company's value chain, including those from purchased goods and services.

Explanation

Scope 3 — especially purchased goods — is often the largest share of a company's carbon footprint, making procurement central to decarbonisation. Measuring and reducing it means engaging suppliers on their emissions data and practices.

Example

Purchased goods make up 70% of the firm's Scope 3 emissions, so it targets its top suppliers first.

Related terms

• Sustainable Procurement — Buying in a way that minimises environmental harm and maximises social and economic benefit over the whole life cycle.
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) — A framework for assessing an organisation's environmental, social and governance performance.
• Supply Chain Mapping — Documenting the suppliers, sites and flows in a supply chain, including lower tiers, to reveal dependencies and risk.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) — A company's commitment to operate ethically and contribute positively to society and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scope 3 Emissions?

Indirect greenhouse-gas emissions across a company's value chain, including those from purchased goods and services. Scope 3 — especially purchased goods — is often the largest share of a company's carbon footprint, making procurement central to decarbonisation. Measuring and reducing it means engaging suppliers on their emissions data and practices.

Can you give an example of Scope 3 Emissions?

Purchased goods make up 70% of the firm's Scope 3 emissions, so it targets its top suppliers first.

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