Unified Metrics Library - GHG emissions - Scope 1

Helper question

How many tonnes of "Scope 1" greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (C02 equivalent), did the company emit during the period?

Summary

Scope 1 represents the greenhouse gas emission (GHG) emissions, usually expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) that originate directly from sources that are owned or controlled by an organization or entity, typically associated with the combustion of fossil fuels or other chemical reactions.

Unit

t CO2eq

Description

"Greenhouse gas emissions" are emissions in terms of tonnes of CO2 equivalent of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

"Scope 1 emissions" are GHG emissions generated from sources that are controlled by the company that issues the underlying assets.

Scope 1 direct GHG emissions are principally the result of the following types of activities undertaken by the company:

  • Generation of electricity, heat, or steam. These emissions result from combustion of fuels in stationary sources, e.g., boilers, furnaces, turbines

  • Physical or chemical processing.3 Most of these emissions result from manufacture or processing of chemicals and materials, e.g., cement, aluminum, adipic acid, ammonia manufacture, and waste processing

  • Transportation of materials, products, waste, and employees. These emissions result from the combustion of fuels in company owned/controlled mobile combustion sources (e.g., trucks, trains, ships, airplanes, buses, and cars)

  • Fugitive emissions. These emissions result from intentional or unintentional releases, e.g., equipment leaks from joints, seals, packing, and gaskets; methane emissions from coal mines and venting; hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions during the use of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; and methane leakages from gas transport.

Sources

Greenhouse gas emissions

EU regulation 2018/842 , Article 3. Definitions. (1).

Scope 1 Greenhouse gas emissions

EU regulation 2016/1011 . Annex III. (1) (e) (i).

GHG Protocol . Page 27

Examples

The company operates a manufacturing facility and uses natural gas as a fuel source for its industrial processes and heating. The combustion of natural gas produces 25600 t CO2eq this year, ie, scope 1 includes these 25600 t CO2eq because they originate directly from the company's operations, as the company owns and controls the natural gas combustion process.