How to improve the quality of emission data and reports in Scope 3

What is Scope 3 emissions?

Scope 3 emissions are the result of an organization's activities, but are not directly controlled by the organization. These emissions may come from various sources, such as the use of company products by consumers, the disposal of company products, and the useof upstream or downstream transportation and power generation.

The Reuters 2022 Sustainability Insight Survey conducted a survey of senior sustainability practitioners and executives, and the results showed that it was necessary to pay special attention to the emissions of Scope 3. 79% of respondents are concerned about their emissions in Scope 3, which indicates the motivation of the company to invest in improving the emissions data in Scope 3. By focusing on improving the data quality of range3 emissions, it will help organizations achieve the transition plan of net zero emissions and improve the credibility of their reports and disclosures.

Scope 3 emissions organizations will need to start to consider how to improve the accuracy of their data to ensure traceability before further audit requirements come into effect. The accuracy and traceability of data may reduce the risk of environmental allegations and enable internal board members, investors or other stakeholders to make more informed decisions.

Measuring and understanding scope 3 emissions is still a challenge for independent brands and businesses, because they strive to improve transparency and need to make a lot of assumptions in data disclosure. Here are some steps that can make things more efficient and accurate:

1. Contact with suppliers can improve the quantity and quality of scope 3 data: reduce the number of assumptions in the data.

2. Internal technology investment can improve data management: simplifying the data management process will improve efficiency and reduce the chance of error, especially with the increase of data volume.

3. The use of third-party data management providers can further improve transparency: a centralized database provides all organizations with the ability to access data and collectively improve emissions reporting.

2023 will be a year to distinguish sustainability commitments from false commitments. Organizations need to focus on their entire value chain, rather than only on scope 1 andscope 2 emissions. The ultimate goal of improving the quality of emission data and reporting in Scope 3 may enhance confidence in the organization, prevent the trend of green silence and prevent further green cleaning.