Indirect GHG emissions

GHG emissions that are a consequence of the activities of an entity but occur at sources owned or controlled by another entity. Indirect emissions are Scope 2 GHG emissions and scope 3 GHG emissions combined.

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Indirect greenhouse gas emissions refer to emissions triggered by a company's activities but do not occur directly on-site. They result from processes outside the direct influence of the company, such as at suppliers or during the use and disposal of products. These emissions are crucial for creating an accurate CO₂ balance, as they often make up the largest portion of a company's total greenhouse gas emissions.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) categorizes indirect emissions into two main categories: Scope 2 and Scope 3. Scope 2 includes emissions from the consumption of purchased energy, while Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions along the entire value chain. This includes both upstream processes like raw material extraction and transportation, as well as downstream activities like the use and disposal of products. Especially in the manufacturing industry, Scope 3 emissions are often the dominant sources in the overall CO₂ footprint.

Capturing and reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions presents challenges for companies, particularly regarding data availability and transparency along global supply chains. To meet the requirements of regulatory frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), precise reporting is essential.

Ultimately, indirect greenhouse gas emissions are a fundamental element of modern sustainability strategies. Actively reducing these emissions requires close cooperation with suppliers and innovations in products and processes to make a significant contribution to global climate protection.