Strategies for Reducing Scope 3 Emissions

Reducing Scope 3 emissions is challenging because they are outside of the company's direct control. Reduction requires influence and collaboration across the entire value chain.

1.⁠ ⁠Supplier Engagement and Procurement

This addresses the biggest upstream categories (Category 1: Purchased Goods & Services).

Set Requirements: Implement sustainable procurement policies that favor suppliers with low-carbon footprints or require them to set their own Net-Zero targets.

Collaboration: Provide resources, training, and incentives (like longer contracts or preferential terms) to help key suppliers measure and reduce their own Scope 1 and 2 emissions (which are the buyer's Scope 3).

2.⁠ ⁠Product and Service Design

This primarily addresses the biggest downstream categories (Category 11: Use of Sold Products and Category 12: End-of-Life).

Energy Efficiency: Design products that use less electricity or fuel during their use phase (e.g., more efficient appliances or electric vehicles).

Circular Economy: Apply principles like designing for durability, repair, and recycling to extend product lifespan and minimize end-of-life waste.

Material Selection: Switch to low-carbon, recycled, or bio-based materials to reduce Category 1 emissions.

3.⁠ ⁠Logistics and Travel Optimization

This addresses transportation categories (Upstream Transportation & Distribution, Business Travel, Employee Commuting & Downstream Transportation & Distribution).

Low-Carbon Transport: Shift shipping from air freight (high-carbon) to rail or sea freight (lower-carbon). Utilize third-party logistics (3PL) providers that use clean fuel or electric fleets.

Reduce Travel: Encourage and incentivize virtual meetings over international business travel (Category 6).

Support Commuting: Offer incentives for employees to use public transit, cycling, or carpooling (Category 7).