Choose a specialist to improve your Scope 3 data

What is Scope 3 data?

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) is the internationally recognised reporting standard for greenhouse gas emissions. The GHGP categorises carbon emissions into 3 main "scopes" to help organisations understand where their emissions come from and find ways to reduce them.

Scope 1 includes direct emissions from sources like boilers and vehicles.

Scope 2 includes emissions from purchased energy, like electricity.

Scope 3 covers indirect emissions across the supply chain, including services such as catering, cleaning, grounds maintenance, and use of products such as paper, stationery and tech.

Together, Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions classify an organisation’s carbon footprint.

Why bring in a specialist?

Scope 3 is the most complex to calculate, often requiring data from suppliers, product use, and disposal. Variations in data specification and quality, inconsistent reporting, and the wide range of sources make tracking these emissions more challenging without expert support.

A specialist can help you better understand, measure and reduce these Scope 3 emissions. These are some of the benefits of using one.

Expertise in carbon footprinting: Specialists understand the complexities of an educational environment, where emissions come from many sources including energy use, waste disposal, and external services like catering and transportation.

Accurate data for reporting and accountability: Scope 3 data can be hard to track without the input of a specialist who can recommend or implement systems that make data collection more efficient and accurate.

Long-term cost savings: By improving your Scope 3 data, inefficiencies such as excessive energy use or waste can be identified and remedied.

Contributing to sustainability goals and decarbonisation: A specialist can help identify Scope 3 decarbonisation opportunities which will help you to achieve your net zero and sustainability goals.

Educational value: Improving Scope 3 data also creates opportunities to educate staff and learners about sustainability, allowing the setting the opportunity to make environmental responsibility part of the learning process.

Specialists that can provide this service

Several types of organisations can help your education setting improve Scope 3 data:

Carbon accounting firms: focus on measuring and reducing carbon emissions and can offer valuable expertise in how to reduce your carbon footprint.
Sustainability consultancies: take a broader approach to sustainability, helping to develop long-term strategies that include resource conservation, waste management, and energy efficiency as well as emissions.
Environmental data firms: specialise in data analytics and provide tools to track and manage Scope 3 emissions effectively.

What to look for in a specialist

Essentials

Experience, qualifications and reporting standards

Sector knowledge: ensure the specialist is familiar with working with similar settings to yours.
Certifications: look for certifications like ISO 14064 (carbon reporting standards) or alignment with best practice, such as the GHG Protocol.
Experience, testimonials and case studies: ask for case studies that show successful work in similar settings to yours.

Range of services

Detailed assessment: the specialist should be able to evaluate the entire Scope 3 footprint, from procurement to waste.
Tailored recommendations: they should offer specific, achievable recommendations to improve your setting’s Scope 3 data.

Technology and software

Data collection: ensure the specialist uses up-to-date software for gathering and analysing data.
Integration with existing systems: where software is used it should easily fit into your current systems and processes.

Nice to haves

Ongoing Support

Long-term collaboration: choose a specialist who offers follow-up support.
Monitoring progress: ongoing tracking of your Scope 3 emissions helps keep your setting on the right path towards meeting its environmental goals.

What to expect from a Scope 3 data improvement report

Overview: a summary of your Scope 3 emissions data, highlighting any gaps in data and offering key recommendations.
Scope of assessment: a detailed look at all indirect emissions data, including supply chain, waste, travel, and outsourced services.
Actionable insights: a plan with practical steps for improving data collection and (if requested) suggestions of opportunities for emissions reductions.
Compliance check: assurance that your data meets the standards set out in the GHG Protocol.
Technology recommendations: Suggestions for tools to help track and manage your emissions moving forward.

Examples

Here are some examples of what you should expect to find in the report.

Scope 3 category: purchased goods and services

Description: Emissions from the procurement of goods (examples include stationary, IT equipment and catering).
Emissions sources: Office supplies, food procurement, printing, outsourced services.
Emissions estimate: X tons CO₂e.
Data collection method: Invoices and emissions data from significant suppliers.

Scope 3 category: energy related activities (not included in Scope 1 or 2)

Description: Emissions from extraction, production, and transportation of purchased electricity, as well as transmission and distribution losses.
Emissions sources: Setting’s electricity consumption losses.
Emissions estimate: X tons CO₂e.
Data collection method: Utility bills, emission factors from energy suppliers.

Scope 3 category: staff and learner commuting and travel

Description: Emissions from daily commuting to and from the setting, and travel undertaken by staff and learners for study-abroad programs, internships, or sporting events.
Emissions sources: Personal vehicles, public transit, cycling, coach services, taxis and air travel for international programs.
Emissions estimate: X tons CO₂e.
Data collection method: Setting travel receipts and reports, invoices, employee and learner surveys, parking permit data.

Scope 3 category: waste generated in operations

Description: Emissions from the disposal of setting-generated waste, including landfill, recycling, and composting activities.
Emissions sources: Paper, plastic, food waste.
Emissions estimate: X tons CO₂e.
Data collection method: Waste audits, service provider reports.

Scope 3 category: equipment disposal

Description: Emissions related to the disposal of products sold by the setting, such as educational materials.
Emissions sources: Waste generated from setting-branded electronics, textbooks, and other goods.
Emissions estimate: X tons CO₂e.
Data collection method: Post-consumer waste tracking, waste treatment reports.

How to use the report

Prioritise actions

Review the report and prioritise recommendations that will have the greatest impact on improving data accuracy and completeness.

Involve staff and learners

Engage staff and learners in sustainability efforts by making them aware of the report’s findings
Encourage their participation in any audits or surveys that will help you to improve your Scope 3 data, such as water, waste, food and travel audits or surveys.

Track progress

Make sure systems are in place to monitor ongoing improvements and ensure your setting continues to reduce its carbon footprint over time.
Input to ESOS and SECR reporting and compliance where required - for example, if you’re an academy trust or college.