Scope 1 Emissions: Definition, Examples & ESG Calculation
Scope 1 emissions encompass all direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, such as heating systems and corporate vehicle fleets, representing a critical starting point for robust ESG reporting and corporate sustainability strategies.
The Four Categories of Scope 1 Emissions
According to the GHG Protocol, Scope 1 emissions are divided into four distinct categories:
Stationary Combustion: Direct emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, or steam generation (e.g., gas boilers, oil heaters, stationary generators)
Mobile Combustion: Emissions originating from the operation of company-owned vehicles (e.g., company cars, trucks, forklifts)
Process Emissions: Direct CO2 emissions released from chemical or physical manufacturing processes (e.g., within the cement, chemical, or steel industries)
Fugitive Emissions: Unintentional greenhouse gas leaks and fugitive releases, such as refrigerant leaks from air conditioning units and cooling systems
How to Calculate Scope 1 Emissions
The calculations are typically activity-based:
Consumption Data x Emission Factor = CO2 Equivalents (CO2e)
For accurate ESG reporting, organisations must utilise current, scientifically validated emission factors sourced from reputable databases or environmental protection agencies.
Sustainability Software Solutions
ESG Lift provides advanced carbon accounting software that eliminates manual emission factor research and conversion, automatically calculating your Scope 1 carbon footprint based on utility billing data.