What are Scope 1 emissions and how are they measured?

Scope 1 emissions refer to all direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation. These include emissions from combustion of fuels, such as natural gas, diesel, and refrigerant gases used in cooling systems. 

How can a company measure its Scope 1 emissions?

To measure Scope 1 emissions, a company needs to systematically track and quantify emissions from its direct operations. This involves:

Fuel Consumption Tracking: Recording the amount of fuel used in company-owned vehicles, such as diesel for delivery vans. For accurate measurement, companies track fuel purchases and consumption data over time.

Energy Usage Monitoring: Monitoring natural gas consumption in facilities, like office buildings or warehouses. This is typically done through utility bills or meter readings, which provide data on the amount of natural gas used.

Refrigerant Leakage Detection: Conducting regular maintenance and inspections of refrigeration systems to identify and quantify refrigerant leaks. This involves checking equipment for signs of leaks and calculating the amount of refrigerant lost.

By combining these data points, companies can accurately assess their direct emissions and identify opportunities for reducing their carbon footprint.