As mentioned earlier, the most overlooked sources of emissions fall into Scope 3 emissions, such as supply chain emissions, waste management, and employee commuting. However, there is also an important overlooked source of emissions in Scope 2 – building energy use.

1. Energy consumption in buildings

Energy consumption in buildings often goes unnoticed when calculating carbon footprints. Inefficient heating, cooling and lighting systems can contribute significantly to emissions. In addition, poor insulation and ventilation can lead to energy losses, further increasing the carbon footprint. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global energy consumption, accounting for approximately 30 % of total consumption. In addition, they contribute to 26 % of global energy-related emissions. Of these emissions, 8 % can be attributed to direct emissions in buildings, while the remaining 18 % comes from the generation of electricity and heat used in buildings. These statistics highlight the significant impact that building operations have on energy consumption and emissions worldwide.

2. Supply chain emissions

The supply chain is a commonly overlooked area that contributes to emissions. It includes not only emissions related to transportation, but also raw material extraction, manufacturing processes and logistics. Addressing these emissions is key to a comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint. Supply chains offer significant potential for improvement to achieve sustainability goals. According to McKinsey, the social and environmental costs associated with a company’s supply chain outweigh the costs of its own operations. In fact, supply chain impacts contribute to more than 80 % of greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90 % of total impacts on air, land, water, biodiversity and geological resources. These figures underscore the critical importance of addressing sustainability within supply chains and implementing measures to reduce their environmental and social impacts.

3. Waste management

According to the European Commission, waste is the fourth largest source sector of emissions, accounting for 3 % of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2017. Improper waste disposal methods can generate significant emissions. Landfilling and incineration contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. By adopting sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

4. Employee commuting and business travel

Employee commuting and business travel can be a surprisingly significant part of a company’s carbon footprint. The emissions associated with daily commuting and frequent business travel can add up quickly. Supporting alternative transportation options, remote working, and video conferencing can help mitigate these emissions. (AI, DGB group)