Understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions and Why They Matter for Your Business

If you've dipped your toes into sustainability, you’ve likely come across terms like Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. They might sound technical, but understanding them is one of the most important steps a business can take toward real, measurable climate action.

In simple terms, emissions come from different parts of your operations. And if you want to reduce your impact, you first need to know where that impact is coming from. That’s exactly what these “scopes” help you do.

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Scope 1: The Emissions You Directly Control

Scope 1 emissions come straight from your own operations. This includes emissions from company-owned vehicles, onsite fuel combustion, and any manufacturing processes under your control.

If your company vans run on diesel or your facility uses gas-powered heating, that’s Scope 1 in action. It’s the most straightforward to measure, and also the easiest to begin improving.

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Scope 2: The Energy You Buy

Scope 2 emissions come from the electricity, heating, or cooling your business purchases. Even if your office doesn’t emit anything directly, if it’s powered by a fossil fuel-based energy grid, you’re still responsible for the associated emissions.

The good news is that these emissions can often be reduced quickly. Switching to renewable energy sources or improving your building’s energy efficiency can drastically shrink your Scope 2 footprint.

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Scope 3: Everything Else in Your Value Chain

This is where it gets broader, and more impactful.

Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions linked to your business. That includes everything from emissions created by your suppliers, to employee travel, to how customers use and dispose of your products.

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For most companies, Scope 3 is the biggest slice of the pie. It’s also the most complex to measure. But this is where true climate leadership happens. Understanding and acting on Scope 3 means thinking beyond your office walls and taking ownership of your entire value chain.

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Leading Brands Are Already Taking Action

Brands like Wild and Seep are already embracing full-scope climate responsibility. These companies don’t just focus on internal changes, they support reforestation projects, redesign packaging, and engage their customers in the process.

This approach isn’t just good for the planet. It builds trust, strengthens brand loyalty, and creates a story worth sharing.

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We’ll Help You Map It Out

Understanding your emissions might sound like a big task. That’s why we offer free carbon footprint assessments to help you get started.

At ON A MISSION, we’ll walk you through the process, help you identify your biggest impact areas, and guide you toward practical ways to reduce and balance your emissions. From operational tweaks to supporting nature-based solutions like reforestation, we’ve got your back.

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It’s Not Just About Compliance. It’s About Commitment.

Taking responsibility for your emissions is more than checking a sustainability box. It’s about leading with intention, setting a new standard, and being part of a global shift toward regeneration and resilience.

Understanding your scopes gives you the power to act. And when you do, you’re not just talking about climate action, you’re living it.

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Ready to get started? Let us calculate your footprint and help you turn insight into action

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