The purpose of this post is to refresh/restate to all small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity that Net Zero / Scope 3 presents for you.

Refresh on Scope 1, 2 and 3 Definitions: 

  • Scope 1 – The direct carbon emissions from owned or controlled sources (ie, the business operation)
  • Scope 2 – Indirect emissions from generation of purchased energy (ie, the carbon produced by your local utility to provide your electricity)
  • Scope 3 – Indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company (15 different categories including vendors, distribution, leased assets, business travel, et cetera)

Refresh on Carbon Neutrality v Net Zero

  • Carbon Neutrality includes Scope 1 and 2
  • Net Zero includes Scope 1, 2 and 3

Restating the opportunity:

  • All public companies have either stated their Net Zero plans, or will be forced by government regulations to do so
  • Every company that has a Net Zero plan is going to need its Scope 3 providers (ie, its vendors) to have a sustainability / carbon program
  • As the video in this article discusses, Scope 3 is VERY hard to quantify. Companies are struggling with getting their value chain, including their vendors, to develop programs and provide the needed information
  • If your SME is looking to sell to larger companies….and if you were certified sustainable, including having a carbon reporting program….your ability to take market share would be materially enhanced

If you want to get ahead of this and take market share, contact us.