How Do Organizations Reduce Scope 3 Carbon Emissions?


Scope 3 carbon emissions, or the gasses released via outside and indirect sources, are possibly the most difficult of all greenhouse gas scopes. The third scope is a challenge to calculate, so making an effort to reduce them can also be challenging. Many wonder if reducing emissions that come from third parties is possible. In truth, it may be difficult to mitigate third scope carbon emissions, but it is also very worthwhile.

How do organizations reduce scope three carbon emissions? According to Eduardo GomezOpens in a new tab. with EmitWise, organizations aim to reduce emissions from the third scope by sharing the value of reduced emissions from a business standpoint. The competitive advantage and strengthened relationships with key customers can help third party organizations to make reduced carbon emissions a priority. 

Analyzing how an organization can make a difference in scope three emissions is essential in starting to reduce all emissions. Since scope three is often the largest of all scopes, a change can help save the atmosphere over time and put a stop to global warming. Putting in the effort to make a change will not only benefit the organization but the world. 

Getting Third-Party Organizations on Board
 

Many organizations start reducing scope three carbon emissions by getting business partners involved in reducing their own greenhouse gasses. If a third party business refused to reduce emissions, it could always be decided to find another partner that has the same values. However, leaving behind a partner means that the company would still be producing carbon emissions for another customer. Since reducing carbon emissions is the ultimate goal, it is essential that organizations continue to share the benefits with other companies rather than abandoning the partnership. 

Benefits to the Business

What benefits can a business reap when it comes to going green? Reducing carbon emissions leads to a number of cost-saving benefitsOpens in a new tab. as well as others that are worth mentioning. For example, reducing emissions can help to decrease the energy bill. It can also be a tax write off. Other benefits include gaining new customers that support your initiative, improving employee morale, and making a real difference in the world.

Although it depends on the effort put forth, many companies can see vast improvements in business by aiming for better emissions numbers. It also is dependent on the size of the company. While a large company can see benefits quickly, smaller companies may show less change. This doesn’t mean that smaller companies shouldn’t make a change. In fact, if a smaller company were to inspire another small company and another, a real impact can be made for the businesses and elsewhere. 

Benefits to the World

How much impact can a single company that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions really have? It seems like a lot to tackle. While one company’s improved emissions levels might not put a stop to global warming, it can inspire others to do the same. By getting other companies to work toward a healthier planet, the world can see a real change. It can also make a positive impact on the economy and save livesOpens in a new tab.

Reducing Other Components of Scope 3 Emissions

A large chunk of scope three emissions comes from third-party organizations. What about other components of the third scope? Consider the emissions employees put out when they commute to work. Does every employee drive a car to and from work? It may be impossible to convince every employee to seek other forms of transportation, but there are ways to encourage a reduction in employee carbon emissions.

Competitions can be fun to inspire change in employees. Grant so many points for walking or biking to work, points for taking the bus or subway, and points for carpooling. Tally up points at the end of the month and award a prize for the winner. Companies should also focus on educating employees on the reason for the challenge. Many people think that global warming is a myth. However, with proper education and logical studies, employees may begin to see the truth.

Scope three emissions may also include how customers dispose of the product once it has been used. If customers are throwing the item in the trash instead of recycling it, there is an opportunity to make an improvement. Encourage customers to dispose of the product in an environmentally-friendly way. It is unlikely that every customer will recycle but it is possible that some will start that hadn’t before. 

Reducing carbon emissions from scope three is an integral part of the fight against global warming. It can be challenging to calculate scope three emissions and even harder to reduce them, but the effort can be worthwhile. In some cases, according to Gomez, the third scope of emissions is the largest of all scopes. To make a change and reduce emissions from the third scope would be a game-changer. It would stretch across numerous companies, industries, and even countries. 

Making a Change for the Better

The world that we live in is the only one we’ve got. To ignore the damage that humans have done to the planet and the atmosphere is to leave our children and grandchildren with a world that is more challenging. In an effort to give our offspring a better chance at life, the world must come together to reduce scope three carbon emissions. 

Businesses contribute a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. By getting organizations to work toward a cleaner planet, a real impact can be made. One organization can inspire another and that organization can inspire another. A team effort is the only way we can aim to put a stop to global warming and other concerns. It is our responsibility to do better for the planet and future generations. 

Related Questions

Why don’t more organizations place emphasis on reducing emissions? Many organizations are unaware of the benefits and only imagine the upfront costs. However, the cost of installing solar panels or other forms of energy can be great investments. Others do not realize the impact their organization makes on the atmosphere.

Why isn’t it legally required to track carbon emissions? While there are some laws in place regarding greenhouse gas emissions, many fail to see the reasoning behind tracking them. Laws may change in the future as scientists discover more truths about what is happening to the atmosphere. 

Do organizations focus efforts on scope one and two emissions? It is easier to calculate and mitigate scope one and two emissions. For that reason, organizations often place their focus on those categories. However, it is equally important to work toward reducing scope three emissions.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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