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What Scope 3 categories do I need to measure?

Trace's methodology is based on the GHG Protocol standard. Companies should include all relevant Scope 3 emissions categories below. 

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol categorizes emissions into three scopes and further breaks down Scope 3 emissions into 15 categories to help businesses measure and manage their carbon footprint comprehensively. Here’s a summary of the 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions:

Upstream Emissions (Related to Purchased Goods & Services)

  1. Purchased Goods & Services – Emissions from the production of goods and services a company buys.

  2. Capital Goods – Emissions from producing physical assets bought by the company, like buildings, machinery, and vehicles.

  3. Fuel- and Energy-Related Activities (Not in Scope 1 or 2) – Emissions from fuel extraction, refining, and energy transmission/distribution losses.

  4. Upstream Transportation & Distribution – Emissions from transporting goods before they reach the company.

  5. Waste Generated in Operations – Emissions from disposal and treatment of waste from company operations.

  6. Business Travel – Emissions from employee travel (e.g., flights, hotels, taxis).

  7. Employee Commuting – Emissions from employees traveling to and from work.

  8. Upstream Leased Assets – Emissions from leased assets not included in Scope 1 or 2 (e.g. electricity from leased buildings).

Downstream Emissions (Related to Product Use & Disposal)

  1. Downstream Transportation & Distribution – Emissions from distributing and selling products after they leave the company.

  2. Processing of Sold Products – Emissions from customers further processing a company’s product.

  3. Use of Sold Products – Emissions from customers using the product over its lifetime.

  4. End-of-Life Treatment of Sold Products – Emissions from disposal and treatment of products after use.

  5. Downstream Leased Assets – Emissions from assets the company leases out (if not in Scope 1 or 2).

  6. Franchises – Emissions from franchise operations not included in Scope 1 or 2.

  7. Investments – Emissions from investments, such as equity, debt, and project finance.

These categories help businesses identify their full emissions impact beyond direct operations.