Scope 1 emissions represent direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from sources that an organization owns or controls. As the most immediate and manageable emissions category for any entity, Scope 1 emissions are critical in understanding and mitigating an organization's carbon footprint.
This emissions category encompasses a variety of sources, each with distinct characteristics and management strategies:
Combustion emissions: Emissions from combustion arise when an organization burns fossil fuels within its operational boundaries, such as natural gas, diesel, gasoline, and coal. Common examples include emissions from on-site heating systems, boilers, power generators, and vehicles owned by the company.
Process emissions: These emissions are the result of chemical reactions or industrial processes unique to an organization's operations. They include the release of CO2 during the manufacturing of cement or the emissions associated with chemical reactions in various industrial processes.
Fugitive emissions: Fugitive emissions refer to the unintentional release of GHGs during the extraction, processing, storage, or transportation of fossil fuels or other materials. Examples include methane leaks from natural gas systems, refrigerant gases escaping from cooling systems, and other inadvertent releases from pipelines or tanks.
Biogenic emissions: Biogenic emissions stem from biological sources and are a significant consideration in sectors like agriculture and waste management. This category includes methane released by livestock, emissions from rice paddies, and the decomposition of organic waste in landfills.
Understanding and managing Scope 1 emissions is a foundational step in an organization's journey towards sustainability. By identifying and addressing these direct emissions, companies can make significant progress in reducing their environmental impact and advancing towards their carbon neutrality goals.