Mapping Scope 3 Emissions: A Beginner’s Guide

Facing the Scope 3 Challenge

Imagine you’re at the start of your business’ sustainability journey, eager to make an impact. You’ve likely come across the term Mapping Scope 3 Emissions – those indirect emissions that occur throughout your value chain, from suppliers to customers. Mapping them is critical but overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

The truth is, many new businesses feel stuck here. Identifying and mapping Scope 3 emissions sounds like a job for experts, requiring perfect data and sophisticated tools. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an ESG professional or have complete data to take meaningful steps forward.

This guide will walk you through a straightforward process to map Scope 3 emissions step-by-step – no jargon, just practical advice. When done right, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of inaction and build a resilient, future-ready business.

Step 1: Understand the Importance of Mapping Scope 3 Emissions

Scope 3 emissions typically make up the largest portion of a business’ carbon footprint, hidden deep within supply chains or in how customers use your products. Failing to address these emissions can lead to missed opportunities for cost savings, competitive disadvantage, and regulatory risks.

However, tracking Scope 3 emissions offers several advantages:

• Cost optimization through more efficient processes.
• Supply chain resilience by identifying and managing climate-related risks.
• Customer loyalty as consumers increasingly demand transparency on environmental impact.

🚀 What does success look like?

When you succeed in mapping Scope 3 emissions, your business becomes more proactive and responsible, gaining a competitive edge in the low-carbon economy.

Step 2: Identify Key Areas Where Scope 3 Emissions Occur

Scope 3 emissions might seem complex because they encompass emissions beyond your direct control. Breaking them down makes them more manageable. Here are some key areas to look at when mapping Scope 3 emissions:

• Purchased Goods and Services – Emissions from raw materials or services you buy.
• Transportation and Distribution – Emissions from shipping goods and materials.
• Waste Generated in Operations – Emissions from waste disposal processes.
• Employee Commuting and Business Travel – Emissions from travel-related activities.
• Product Use and End-of-Life – Emissions from how customers use and dispose of your product.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on two to three areas most relevant to your business when you first start tracking Scope 3 emissions. For example:

• A clothing brand might prioritize material source and product distribution.
• A software company might prioritize platform hosting.

Step 3: Start Even Without Complete Data

A common challenge in mapping Scope 3 emissions is incomplete data. The good news is, you can start small and build from there. Here are strategies to make progress with limited data:

• Estimate using industry averages relevant to your sector.
• Engage suppliers and ask them for available emissions data, even if it’s partial. You can use emissions factors from reliable sources (like GHG Protocol) if supplier data isn’t available.
• Use proxies or assumptions transparently to fill in data gaps.

🔑 The Key: Think of mapping Scope 3 emissions as an evolving process. Don’t let perfection stand in the way of progress.

Step 4: Create a Simple Map of Your Value Chain

A value chain map helps you identify where emissions occur and how to track progress. Here’s how to build one:

1. List all key activities in your operations – like sourcing, production, and delivery.
2. Identify emissions sources for each stage (e.g., energy use or transportation emissions).
3. Focus on high-impact areas when prioritizing efforts.

📊 Example – If you run a coffee shop, your value chain map might highlight emissions from:

• Coffee bean sourcing → Emissions from growing and shipping beans.
• Packaging → Emissions from production and waste of packaging materials.
• Customer takeaway → Emissions from single-use cups.

This breakdown shows how mapping Scope 3 emissions doesn’t have to be complicated – it’s about understanding where your impact lies.

Step 5: Build Collaborative Supplier Relationships

Since much of Scope 3 emissions data comes from suppliers, building partnerships is key. Start small by reaching out to your top suppliers, requesting emissions data, or discussing ways to reduce emissions collaboratively. Over time, these relationships will help you collect more accurate data and align sustainability goals across the value chain.

Step 6: Monitor Progress and Stay Flexible

The process of mapping Scope 3 emissions is continuous. Here’s how you can track progress and adjust over time:

• Set realistic targets for emissions reductions.
• Review your efforts annually and refine your approach as new data becomes available.
• Communicate your progress transparently to stakeholders – transparency builds trust.

What Happens If You Don’t Map Scope 3 Emissions?

Neglecting Scope 3 emissions carries risks. Ignoring them can lead to:

• Regulatory fines as new carbon reporting requirements become stricter.
• Reputational damage if customers or investors perceive a lack of transparency.
• Missed business opportunities as partners prioritize sustainable companies.

The Payoff: Becoming a Sustainability Leader

By starting the process of mapping Scope 3 emissions, you position your business as a leader in sustainability. Even small steps can significantly reduce emissions over time. Your commitment will strengthen your brand, attract investors, and prepare you for future regulations.

🌱 Remember: Every step counts. You don’t need perfect data to start – you just need to take the first step. Mapping Scope 3 emissions is about progress, not perfection.

Ready to begin? Start today by listing key activities in your business that might generate emissions. Reach out to one supplier for data, and begin mapping Scope 3 emissions with what you have.

Download our Scope 3 Emissions Value Chain Map Excel template to get started!