Start where impact and influence meet
For most organizations, a handful of Scope 3 categories dominate emissions. Prioritize where the combination of materiality (biggest tons) and influence (your ability to drive better data or reductions) is highest.
Typical high-priority categories
- Category 1 — Purchased Goods & Services: move from spend-based to hybrid or supplier-specific methods; request activity data from strategic suppliers.
- Category 3 — Fuel & Energy Related Activities (not in Scope 1/2): improve allocation and factors tied to your energy mix.
- Category 11 — Use of Sold Products: model realistic use-phase scenarios and regional grid dynamics where relevant.
Data-quality roadmap
- Establish a credible baseline using reputable libraries (DEFRA, EPA, Ecoinvent).
- Upgrade high-impact categories to hybrid methods (activity × industry factors).
- Engage suppliers for specific activity and emission-factor data; track response rates.
- Document methodologies, factors, and changes; prepare for assurance.
Next step: kick off supplier outreach with our
short survey
(low-materiality) and
long survey
(strategic vendors). For disclosures, align with the
ESRS E1 checklist.