Introduction
Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions represent the direct emissions a company produces from sources it owns or controls, such as fuel combustion in company vehicles or on-site machinery. Understanding and managing these emissions is crucial for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact and adhere to regulatory requirements.
What is Scope 1?
In its most basic form, Scope 1 includes greenhouse gas emissions that a company directly burns e.g. from company cars or fuel use in on-site boilers.
Operational control
A company is responsible for all direct greenhouse gas emissions from activities and operations where it has the power to implement policies and procedures. This includes emissions from any vehicles, machinery, and facilities that the company owns or controls.
What metrics are included in Scope 1?
The KEY ESG calculator breaks down Scope 1 into the following categories:
Natural gas - direct greenhouse gas emissions released during the extraction, production, and burning of natural gas for energy or industrial use
Manufacturing fuels - direct greenhouse gas emissions produced from burning fuels in equipment/ processes within a facility to generate energy for manufacturing operations.
Company cars - direct greenhouse gas emissions produced by the combustion of fuel in vehicles owned or controlled by a company.
Commercial vehicles - direct greenhouse has emissions produced by motor vehicles or trailers with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 3.5 tonnes e.g. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Fugitive emissions - direct greenhouse gas emissions that escape from equipment, pipelines, or industrial facilities, often due to leaks, evaporation, or accidental releases.
Process emissions - chemical reactions or physical transformations during industrial processes, such as cement production or oil refining.
Conclusion
Effectively tracking and managing Scope 1 emissions is essential for companies committed to sustainability and regulatory compliance. For detailed guidance on reporting and reducing these emissions, the KEY ESG team is available to assist via the in-app chat or by contacting support@keyesg.com.