There’s a lot of talk about sustainability these days, but there’s no universal solution for achieving it. Goals, methods and measurements for success vary from industry to industry. For the trucking industry, achieving sustainability revolves around reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
As a concept, that seems simple enough. However, as with most things, it’s more complicated than it may appear. There are multiple categories of emissions – Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 – and they go far beyond the direct emissions from your fleet.
Scope 1 Emissions
Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the company. For trucking businesses, this mainly includes emissions from company-owned vehicles and equipment.
Scope 1 emissions are under the direct control of the company, making them a primary target for reduction strategies. By focusing on Scope 1 emissions, trucking businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint through measures such as eliminating excessive idling, optimizing routes and transitioning to fuel-efficient vehicles.
Scope 2 Emissions
Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heat or cooling. These emissions occur at the facilities where the energy is generated, but they are accounted for by the company using the energy.
Scope 2 emissions represent the environmental impact of a company’s energy use. For trucking businesses, reducing Scope 2 emissions can be achieved through energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources. This not only lowers emissions but can also result in significant cost savings.
Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions encompass all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. These are not directly controlled by the company but are a consequence of its activities. Scope 3 emissions are often the largest and most challenging to address.
Some Scope 3 examples:
- Emissions from the production of goods and services purchased by the company.
- Emissions from the extraction, production and transportation of fuels used in company operations.
- Emissions from the transportation of goods purchased or sold by the company, which are not included in Scope 1.
- Emissions from employees traveling to and from work or on business trips.
Scope 3 emissions often represent the majority of a company’s total GHG emissions. Addressing these emissions requires a comprehensive approach involving suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. For trucking businesses, reducing Scope 3 emissions can enhance sustainability, improve relationships with partners and meet regulatory and customer expectations.
Understanding and managing Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions is essential for trucking businesses aiming to become more sustainable. It’s also important to note that the sustainability efforts on the part of carriers will increasingly factor into shippers’ decisions on who to do business with. A carrier’s Scope 1 emissions, for instance, are a shipper’s Scope 3 emissions. By focusing on direct emissions, improving energy efficiency and engaging the entire value chain, trucking companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact and remain viable as the demand for sustainability increases.
