Understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions.
Scope 1 Emissions
An obvious contribution that a community makes to atmospheric GHG emissions is through its on-site burning of fossil fuels. That might be the use of natural gas or propane for heat, or gasoline or diesel for community vehicles. It might include cooking or heating the swimming pool. Whatever the specific use, GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organization (e.g. burning of fossil fuel) are known as Scope 1 emissions. For many communities, this will be the biggest component of their carbon footprint, and it can be largely determined from utility bills.
Scope 2 Emissions
A majority of communities use electricity from the power grid that has been generated, at least in part, by burning fossil fuels. The GHG load that is generated off-site in this way is called Scope 2 emissions, and communities may be able to reduce their contribution here by switching to a renewable source of electricity or generating renewable electricity on site, perhaps via solar panels. They can also advocate for a higher proportion of renewable electricity on the grid
Scope 3 Emissions
The final source of GHG to be accounted for is indirect emissions not included in Scope 2. These are emissions generated in processes that are “upstream” and “downstream” from the community—processes that the community doesn’t directly control. These would include agricultural activities that provide the community’s food, staff commuting and business travel, waste disposal, sewage treatment, and a host of other processes. Contributions from these activities are called Scope 3 emissions, and they are much more difficult to address than Scopes 1 & 2. SSAFE suggests focusing on Scopes 1 & 2 initially in your carbon footprint calculations. In most cases, the approaches to addressing them are clear. Scope 3 carbon calculations can be addressed later, in consultation with suppliers and service providers.
